Accordingly, before the new Tanba train started operations a semi-express train and express train, each called Tanba, were operated during the period of 1960 to 1986 between Osaka Station and Kinosaki Station (presently Kinosakionsen Station) via the Fukuchiyama Line, Sanin Main Line, Maizuru Line and Miyazu Line of the Kitakinki Tango Railway Corporation.
そのため、現行のそれの前に1960年より1986年まで大阪駅～城崎駅（現：城崎温泉駅）間を福知山線・山陰本線・舞鶴線・北近畿タンゴ鉄道宮津線経由で運行する準急列車・急行列車「丹波」（たんば）が運行されていた。