ONBOARD INFORMATION SYSTEM

Provided is a technology for solving a problem of a high cost due to a redundant investment and improving the user's operability. An in-vehicle information system according to one embodiment of this invention includes: an in-vehicle information terminal to be mounted in a vehicle; a portable information terminal equipped with a touch panel for providing the in-vehicle information terminal with operation means and communication means; the operation means for enabling a display screen of the in-vehicle information terminal to be operated by operating the touch panel of the portable information terminal when the portable information terminal is connected to the in-vehicle information terminal via an interface; and the communication means for enabling external communication of the in-vehicle information terminal by using a communication unit of the portable information terminal.