There are 5 ways to get from Osaka to Lake Biwa by train or car
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Train via Kyōto
best- Take the train from Shin-Ōsaka Station to Kyōtotrain Thunderbird / ...
- Take the train from Kyōto to Zezetrain [21747] Jr Biwako / ...
43 min¥839–1,169Train via Otsukyo
cheapest- Take the train from Shin-Ōsaka Station to Kyōtotrain Thunderbird / ...
- Take the train from Kyōto to Otsukyotrain [22983] JR Kosei / ...
46 min¥829–1,159Drive 94.8 km
- Drive from Osaka to Shigacar 94.8 km
1h 31m¥1,629–2,353Train
- Take the train from Ōsaka to Ōtsukyōtrain JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid Service
46 min¥900–1,300Train via Yodoyabashi
- Take the train from Yodoyabashi to Sanjotrain Keihan Main Line Limited Express / ...
1h 26m¥984–1,177
Comparing Your Travel Options
The cheapest way to get from Osaka to Lake Biwa is to train via Otsukyo which costs ¥800 - ¥1200 and takes 46 min.
The fastest way to get from Osaka to Lake Biwa is to train via Kyōto which takes 43 min and costs ¥800 - ¥1200.
Yes, there is a direct train departing from Ōsaka and arriving at Ōtsukyō. Services depart once daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 46 min.
The distance between Osaka and Lake Biwa is 51 km. The road distance is 94.8 km.
The best way to get from Osaka to Lake Biwa without a car is to train via Kyōto which takes 43 min and costs ¥800 - ¥1200.
It takes approximately 43 min to get from Osaka to Lake Biwa, including transfers.
Osaka to Lake Biwa train services, operated by JR WEST (West Japan Railway Company), depart from Shin-Ōsaka Station.
Osaka to Lake Biwa train services, operated by JR WEST (West Japan Railway Company), arrive at Kyōto station.
Yes, the driving distance between Osaka to Lake Biwa is 95 km. It takes approximately 1h 31m to drive from Osaka to Lake Biwa.
There are 260+ hotels available in Lake Biwa.
What companies run services between Osaka, Japan and Lake Biwa, Shiga, Japan?
You can take a train from Shin-Ōsaka Station to Zeze via Kyōto in around 43 min.
- Phone
- 0570-00-2486
- Website
- jr-odekake.net
Train from Shin-Ōsaka Station to Kyōto
- Ave. Duration
- 24 min
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- ¥600–900
- Schedules at
- jorudan.co.jp
Train from Kyōto to Zeze
- Ave. Duration
- 11 min
- Frequency
- Every 15 minutes
- Estimated price
- ¥220–310
- Schedules at
- JR WEST (West Japan Railway Company)
Train from Ōsaka to Ōtsukyō
- Ave. Duration
- 46 min
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- ¥900–1,300
- Schedules at
- jorudan.co.jp
Train from Shin-Ōsaka Station to Kyōto
- Ave. Duration
- 24 min
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes
- Estimated price
- ¥600–900
- Schedules at
- jorudan.co.jp
Train from Kyōto to Otsukyo
- Ave. Duration
- 11 min
- Frequency
- Every 20 minutes
- Estimated price
- ¥210–300
- Schedules at
- JR WEST (West Japan Railway Company)
Want to know more about travelling around Japan
Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.
Related travel guides
Travel Insider: Top Japan travel tips by Beatrix Holland
Read the travel guide