Airport location, terminals and transportation
Osaka International Airport is often referred to as Itami Airport, after the city, in the territory of which it is located. The airport was put into operation in 1939 and initially served both domestic and international flights. It was used as the United States Air Force base during World War II. The air terminal is classified as a first class regional airport, because it stopped handling international flights in 1994. The internal passenger traffic of the airport makes up approximately 14 million people a year. The airport encompasses two runways and a single passenger terminal that is divided into the North and South Terminals.
The air terminal is linked to the suburbs of Osaka by buses. The Chugoku Expressway, which makes it possible to quickly reach central Osaka by car, passes near the airport. There are three official taxi companies at Osaka International Airport. Their stand is situated in front of the Central Terminal.
Rental offices, how to find them, where to return car
In order to rent a vehicle at Osaka International Airport, you can take advantage of the services of one of the following five companies: Nippon Rent-A-Car, NISSAN rent a car, Toyota, ORIX Rent-A-Car, and Times Car RENTAL. Reservations can be made in advance or on the day of arrival. The information about the companies and their contact details can be found at the information desks. The above-listed companies provide a free shuttle service to the vehicle rental offices. Shuttles are arranged at the General Information desk at the airport. The information desks are stationed on level 2 in the central area of the terminal, in the arrival hall.
The leased cars are returned to the parking area of the car rental office. A free shuttle service is also provided from the rental car return location to the airport. The car pick-up and return location can be changed in accordance with the rental agreement.
The car rental facilities at Osaka International Airport are located at the following addresses: 1) Nippon Rent-A-Car: 1-9-10 Kuko, Ikeda-shi; 2) NISSAN rent a car: 3-4-8 Hotarugaike Higashimachi, Toyonaka; 3) Toyota: 1-24-10 Hotarugaikenishi-machi, Toyonaka-shi; 4) ORIX Rent-A-Car: 1-2-29 Hotarugaike-Nishimachi, Toyonaka; 5) Times Car RENTAL: 2-4-20, Seifuso, Toyonaka-shi. The offices are closed at night. The information on the work schedule of the car rental facilities can be obtained at the information desks.
Long-term and short-term parking, hotels nearby
Free parking for up to 30 minutes is available in the parking area of Osaka International Airport. It is done so that passengers may be picked up and dropped off here. Two parking areas where passenger drop-off is allowed, without long-term parking, are placed in front of the terminal (for free for up to 15 minutes). There is no need to book parking spaces in advance. After the driver has paid through a vending or prepay machine, he or she gets access to the parking areas, positioned next to the terminal. If parking areas are full, extra parking areas are accessible. Besides, Bicycle and Motorcycle Parking Areas with free service for 2 hours are provided in the territory of the airport.
A spacious hotel is set in the central area of the passenger terminal. The Osaka Airport hotel is nestled on level 3 of the central area of the passenger terminal of the airport.