JR Special Rapid Service from Kobe to Osaka Train Review
After a quick visit to Kobe Station, it was time to head back to Osaka for some last minute shopping. To head back, I used the JR Special Rapid Service again as it was the fastest way back. The JR Special Rapid Service is a regular commuter train with no additional fees but provide a very limited stop service along the JR Kobe Line, comparable to limited express speeds, and yet with a frequent service throughout the day.
Kobe Station
The façade of Kobe Station.
The combined timetable of JR Kobe Line trains towards Osaka. JR Special Rapid Service trains are labelled in blue, departing around every 15 minutes.
Heading through the ticket gates with my JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Area Pass.
JR Kobe Line trains towards Osaka depart from Platforms 2 and 3. While there were 2 Local trains departing first, waiting for the Special Rapid Service will still get me to Osaka faster. The Local train to Matsuiyamate will also go via the JR Tozai Line through Osaka via Kitashinchi Station and the JR Katamachi Line, which was not where I needed to go.
Queuing up for the JR Special Rapid Service train.
And here comes my Special Rapid Service train. This train originated from Banshū-Akō Station and is bound for Nagahama Station.
Learning my lesson from my Special Rapid Service train journey from Kyoto, I aimed for a seat first.
But alas, I still got a bay of 4 seats, as the train was already partially seated upon arrival.
The legroom on board the Special Rapid Service 223 Series EMU. The legroom is the same on the bay of 4 seats and a transverse seat, meaning that legroom is halved on the bay of 4 seats.
Sannomiya Station
Making a brief stop at Sannomiya Station.
Ashiya Station
Making a brief stop at Ashiya Station.
Amagasaki Station
Making a brief stop at Amagasaki Station.
Osaka Station
The JR Special Rapid Service train from Kobe to Osaka takes just 26 minutes.
Despite the high capacity of the JR Special Rapid Service train, it is still standing room only at Osaka.
There is a scheduled 2 minutes stop at Osaka Station for the JR Special Rapid Service train due to the high loading of passengers.
Heading up the escalator to the concourse.
Heading out of the ticket gates.
The façade of Osaka Station.
Conclusion
The JR Special Rapid Service is a speedy commuter train with almost limited express speeds and high frequency, linking the big cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Himeji efficiently with minimal stops. More importantly, no additional fees are required to use the JR Special Rapid Service, so it is affordable even at only the basic travelling fare without using any rail passes. Be sure to board early if possible to get a seat, as there is a high demand for the JR Special Rapid Service even with the high frequency of trains.