Traveling from Seoul to Osaka: what you need to know
There are two main airports to choose from in Seoul. Explore your options leaving from Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimpo International Airport (GMP) when organizing your flight from Seoul to Osaka.
When choosing where to land in Osaka, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Kobe Airport (UKB) are the chief entry points.
Take a direct Seoul to Osaka flight and you'll be traveling for an average of 1 hour 45 minutes.
Seoul and Osaka are in the same timezone, UTC+9.
The busiest route for flights from Seoul to Osaka is from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Kansai International Airport (KIX). There are 211 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from ICN to KIX is the 07:00 Jeju Air service. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the latest available service is at 21:00 with Peach Aviation.
To ensure you make your Seoul to Osaka flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
Be prepared for longer queues in popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seoul to Osaka
At the moment, $52 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Seoul to Osaka. The cheapest price for a return flight is $116. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book one month before flying. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Seoul to Osaka flights.
April is the best month for scoring a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from Seoul to Osaka. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Seoul to Osaka by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Seoul to Osaka flights.
Flying from Seoul
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
You can book a direct flight from Seoul to Osaka jetting out of Incheon International Airport (ICN). Start your trip at ICN and then hit the runway at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Kobe Airport (UKB).
These are some of the popular airlines offering direct Seoul to Osaka plane tickets from ICN:
We make it a cinch to book a Seoul to Osaka flight with a stopover. To see all your options departing from Incheon International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Haneda Airport (HND)
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
New Chitose Airport (CTS)
From central Seoul, ICN is around 48 kilometers away. Check the official airport website or use navigation apps to find the best way to get there.
Searching for a handy hotel near Incheon International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Seoul to Osaka, these stays will have you moments from check-in:
Of the flights that depart from Incheon International Airport, 54.5% land on time at their destination.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Consider booking your direct flight from Seoul to Osaka departing Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Nonstop services from GMP will get you to Kansai International Airport (KIX).
GMP has a range of airlines offering direct Seoul to Osaka plane tickets. Board your flight with one of these:
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Seoul to Osaka flight, browse these options when departing from Gimpo International Airport:
Haneda Airport (HND)
Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
The distance from Seoul's city center to GMP is roughly 16 kilometers. Consider transport options and potential delays when planning the best way to get to the airport.
You're off on vacation, so why not book an extra night away from home? Consider checking in to one of these accommodation options near Gimpo International Airport the day before your flight from Seoul to Osaka:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Gimpo International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 76%.
Arriving in Osaka
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Kansai International Airport (KIX) to central Osaka takes about 45 minutes by car. The center is roughly 40 kilometers away.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Seoul to Osaka, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near KIX:
Explore without limits with a Kansai International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from BEST KANSAI CAR RENTAL, BE KOBE or TravelCar and venture far and wide through Osaka and beyond.
To get the best possible deal, book your ride from Kansai International Airport a few weeks in advance. Prices typically go up closer to your day of departure.
KIX is located at 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano.
Itami Airport (ITM)
The center of Osaka is approximately 13 kilometers from Itami Airport (ITM). Once your flight from Seoul to Osaka has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 20 minutes.
After your flight from Seoul to Osaka, settle in at a hotel near UKB. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Europcar, Times and Rakuten make picking up an Itami Airport rental car easy and quick. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Generally, the earlier you book, the better the deals and choice of vehicles. Lock in your ride from ITM as soon as you know your dates.
You'll find Itami Airport at 3丁目555 Nishimachi, Hotarugaike, Toyonaka.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Head to the city center after your flight from Seoul to Osaka has arrived. Central Osaka is around 26 kilometers from Kobe Airport (UKB) and takes roughly 45 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
Begin your trip without stressing over how to reach your destination with a Kobe Airport rental car. You can book a set of wheels from reliable companies here like Europcar, Times and Rakuten.
If you're hoping for a specific model or make, booking early increases your chances of getting what you want. Book your ride from UKB a few weeks ahead of your flight from Seoul to Osaka.
The street address for Kobe Airport is 1 Kobekuko, Chuo Ward.
Best time to go to Osaka
June is the busiest month for flights from Seoul to Osaka. To escape the crowds, go to Osaka in April.
Before locking in your Seoul to Osaka tickets, consider what kind of weather works for you. August is the warmest month in Osaka, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Seoul to Osaka in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 0ºC (32ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF) on average.
More about Osaka
After booking your flight from Seoul to Osaka, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these options your base for exploring Osaka:
Osaka Castle and Dotonbori are just the start of the popular attractions to add to your Osaka travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Universal Studios Japan.
Explore more of Japan
You've done Osaka, now it's time to explore more of Japan. Travel around 386 kilometers east to Yokohama to check off its top sights. From Teishoin to Seya Christian Church and Banfukuji, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Nagoya is another standout destination in Japan and is around 137 kilometers north-east of Osaka. No journey is complete without experiencing Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Temple.
