Ferries and highway buses are used as access methods between Tokushima and Kansai International Airport. We would like to introduce the price, time, convenience, and people who are interested in these two methods, as well as our impressions of their use.
Many people travel from Tokushima to Kansai International Airport. KIX has more LCC flights than Tokushima Awaodori Airport, so we recommend using KIX for budget travel.
The question then becomes, how to get to KIX? The problem is how to get to KIX. There are two major ways. There are two major ways: highway bus and Nankai Ferry. Each has its own merits and demerits, so let’s take a look at them.
Contents
Highway Buses and Ferries
| Fare | Required time | |
| Highway Bus (Tokushima Station – Kansai International Airport） |
4,100 yen (one way) 7,400 yen (round trip) |
2 hours 51 minutes |
| Nankai Ferry (Tokushima Port to Kansai International Airport) |
2,000 yen | About 3 hours and 30 minutes |
If you want Tokyo – Osaka/Kyoto Night Bus by VIP Liner, first make a ticket reservation!
If you have a discount coupon, you can make a reservation and purchase tickets online at a discount price.
By highway bus
Time table
| Tokushima Station | 4:45 | 5:45 | 6:30 | 8:45 | 9:45 | 11:15 | 13:15 | 14:45 | 16:45 |
| Matsushige | 5:00 | 6:00 | 6:45 | 9:00 | 10:00 | 11:30 | 13:30 | 15:00 | 17:00 |
| Expressway Naruto | 5:10 | 6:10 | 6:55 | 9:10 | 10:10 | 11:40 | 13:40 | 15;10 | 17:10 |
| ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | |
| Terminal 1 | 7:30 | 8:30 | 9:15 | 11:30 | 12:30 | 14:00 | 16:00 | 17:30 | 19:30 |
| Terminal 2 | 7:41 | 8:41 | 9:26 | 11:41 | 12:41 | 14:11 | 16:11 | 17:41 | 19:41 |
As of May 15, 2017
Click here for detailed timetable→KIX Limousine Bus Timetable
Advantage
・No transfers!
The biggest advantage of using express buses is that you can go without transfers. When traveling domestically, of course, but also when traveling internationally, the amount of luggage can be quite large. With an express bus, it is very easy to put heavy luggage in the luggage compartment of the bus and not have to do anything until the airport.
・The time is fast!
Another advantage is that the express bus has a shorter travel time than the ferry. If the trip goes smoothly, you can arrive at the airport more than 30 minutes earlier than by boat + train.
However, the route taken by highway buses involves getting off the highway once in Kobe City and driving on city streets. Therefore, depending on the time of day, the bus can often get caught in heavy traffic jams and significantly exceed its arrival time.
Disadvantage
・The fees are too high!
The disadvantage of using express buses is that they are expensive. Compared to the ferry fare, the price is more than twice as expensive. If you are planning to take an LCC flight for a budget trip, it would be better if the fare to KIX is also inexpensive. The price of 4,100 yen may be a little problematic.
・Uncertain arrival time due to traffic jams, etc.!
As mentioned earlier, if the flight goes smoothly, it will arrive earlier than the ferry route, but if you are caught in morning traffic jams, your arrival time may be delayed significantly. When using the ferry route, please keep traffic congestion in mind and plan to arrive at KIX with plenty of time to spare.
・You’ll miss my early morning LCC flight!
If you take the first flight (departing from Tokushima Ekimae at 4:45 AM), you will arrive at Kansai International Airport at 7:41 AM.
It is not possible to catch the 7:00 AM departure rush; we recommend that you take the ferry if you plan to catch the 7:00 AM flight.
By Nankai Ferry
Time table
As of May 15, 2017
Please click here for the latest timetable→Nankai Ferry Timetable
Advantage
・Low fees!
The advantage of using the Nankai Ferry out of Tokushima Port is that, first of all, the fare is cheap! The first advantage of using the Nankai Ferry from Tokushima Port is that it is inexpensive! You can get to KIX for half the price of a bus, so it’s easy on the wallet, and you can spend the money on delicious food and souvenirs at your destination!
・Easy to calculate arrival times!
Buses may arrive at different times due to traffic congestion, but ferries and trains are more likely to arrive on time. Being able to calculate arrival times is also very helpful when flying.
・You can make the first LCC flight in the morning!
And another advantage, you can catch the first LCC flight in the morning! Another advantage is that you can catch the first LCC flight in the morning!
The 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. departure time at Kansai International Airport is the rush hour for LCC flights such as peach and Jetstar. Only ferries can make it in time for boarding during this time.
For express buses, arrival at Kansai International Airport is 7:41 a.m., even if you take the first flight. If you use the ferry, you can arrive around 6:40, one hour earlier than that. Please note that on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the arrival time will be delayed by 30 minutes!
Disadvantage
・There are transfers.
The disadvantage of taking a ferry is that you have to change trains. With buses, it is easy to get to KIX even if you have large luggage, because there are no transfers once you put it in the trunk, but the ferry route requires two transfers.
Tokushima Port – Wakayama Port Transfer 1 Wakayama Port – Izumisano Transfer 2 Izumisano – KIX
In particular, after arriving at Wakayama Port by ferry, it is a short walk to Wakayama Port Station, which has no escalators or elevators, so it may be difficult to move around with large suitcases.
・It takes time
Another disadvantage is that it takes longer. If the trip goes smoothly and without traffic jams, the bus will arrive at least 30 minutes earlier. However, considering the traffic jams, it is not clear which way will arrive faster.
・The ferry may be cancelled
Since ferries travel by sea, they may be cancelled if the weather turns severely stormy. If you plan to use a ferry, check the weather forecast frequently and consider alternative means of transportation in the event of a cancellation.
Result
・You can arrive on time, so you can catch the early morning flight!
・Even if you have luggage, the trains are not that crowded, so you will have plenty of space!
conclusion
Express buses and ferries are recommended for the following people, respectively.
Express bus → Those who have a lot of luggage and find it hard to move around. People who find it troublesome to change buses.
Ferry→People who want to enjoy budget travel and backpacking. People who like to travel by boat or train.
Also, if you are planning to take the first LCC flight in the morning, you need to take a ferry to get there in time. Alternatively, you can take an express bus the night before to KIX and stay overnight at the airport.
Both express buses and ferries have their own merits and demerits. Choose the one that suits you best, considering cost, time, and other factors. We hope this article will be helpful for your trip.
