Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most widespread malignant bone tissue tumors. However, its early diagnosis is difficult, leading to poor prognoses. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) can serve as a molecular marker for the early diagnosis and treatment of OS. lncRNAs regulate the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) process to control the occurrence and progression of OS. The present review summarizes the studies on lncRNA regulation of OS via the EMT process. A search of the PubMed database yielded 93 published articles since January 2015, of which 73 focused on lncRNA regulation of OS via the EMT process. The present review has classified lncRNAs based on their relationship with tumors (promoting or inhibiting), mechanism of action and naming convention. Most lncRNAs promote OS through EMT and act via microRNA sponging. Previous studies have focused on lncRNAs with known functions, antisense lncRNAs and long intergenic noncoding RNAs. The findings indicated that lncRNAs can regulate the EMT process through various mechanisms to control OS progression. Further studies on specific lncRNAs and their underlying mechanisms will provide insights for the development of strategies for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of OS.