Wakayama is connected with central Osaka by two railway companies: Nankai and JR.
Wakayamashi Station and Nankai Namba Station in central Osaka are connected along the Nankai Main Line by twice-hourly limited express trains (about one hour, 970 yen one way), which have both unreserved seats and reserved seats at an additional fare. Alternatively, by local trains it takes about two hours. In either case, the trip is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Hourly limited express Kuroshio trains along the JR Hanwa Line connect Wakayama with Tennoji (45 minutes, 2430 yen), Osaka (60 minutes and 2830 yen) and Shin-Osaka (one hour and 2830 yen from) stations. Note that seat reservations are required on Kuroshio trains. Alternatively, Kishuji Rapid trains depart for Wakayama from Osaka (90 minutes, 1300 yen) and Tennoji (75 minutes, 900 yen) stations every 15 minutes. The trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, the Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass and a few other regional JR rail passes.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Wakayama City has two main railway stations. Wakayama Station is located west of the city center and is JR's main station, while Wakayamashi is to the northwest and also served by Nankai Railway. The two stations are a little over two kilometers apart with the city center and castle between them, connected by frequent departures on the JR Kisei Line (5 minutes, 190 yen). The city can be leisurely traveled on foot or by bicycle, however apart from its reconstructed castle, most of its main attractions can be found outside of the center.
The city boasts an extensive bus network connecting both of its major stations to outlying areas, with the routes to Negoroji, Kimiidera and Wakaura being especially useful to visitors.
The following passes are available for Wakayama City: