Visiting Expo 2025 from Kobe? The Shinki Bus “EXPO-go” offers a direct, no-reservation ride from Sannomiya and Kobe Airport straight to the Expo site. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on our real experience.
Bus Boarding System – Line Up and Wait Your Turn
The direct “EXPO-go” bus is operated by Shinki Bus, departing from the Shinki Bus Terminal in Sannomiya and from Kobe Airport. The system is simple: no reservations are accepted. Passengers line up at the terminal, and when your turn comes, you board the next bus. Tickets do not need to be purchased in advance—just join the “EXPO-go” line when you arrive at the terminal.
Shinki Bus Terminal in Sannomiya.
The first departure is at 7:30 a.m., with buses running every 15 minutes until 9:45 a.m. The last bus leaves at 4:15 p.m. Fares are 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children (elementary school age and under).
Bus schedule.
Be Prepared for Long Lines
The waiting line for the “EXPO-go” bus.
During the Expo period, expect crowds. On our test ride, we arrived at the terminal just before 10 a.m. on a weekday, only to find the line stretching past the terminal and under the elevated tracks. We finally boarded the 10:45 a.m. bus, after waiting about 50 minutes. Depending on the time of day and the day of the week, waits can be even longer. We recommend arriving at least one hour before your planned departure.
Seating and Payment – Free Seating, Extra Seats, Pay on Exit
Inside the “EXPO-go” bus, with fold-down seats also in use.
Seats are not assigned. Passengers board in order and take available seats. If you board late, you may need to sit on a fold-down auxiliary seat. Payment is made after the ride. With IC transit cards, tap once when boarding and once again when exiting. If paying by cash, hand the fare to the driver when you get off.
Travel Time and Arrival at the Expo Site
The ride takes about 50 minutes—approaching the Expo site.
The ride from Sannomiya to the Expo site takes about 50 minutes, though traffic may cause delays. The bus arrives at the West Gate of the Expo venue, so be sure to select “West Gate” as your entry gate when making your Expo reservation.
For return trips to Kobe, the “EXPO-go” pick-up location will be announced onboard. Check with the driver upon arrival for details.
