Top 3 Ways to Travel from Kansai Airport to Kyoto
Last Updated: Feb 16, 2025
Kansai Airport (KIX) is the largest international airport in the Kansai region of Japan, located 62 miles/100 kilometers from Kyoto.
From Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station serves as the transportation hub of Kyoto and is the preferred accommodation choice for most travelers, Most popular transportation options:
| Option | Route | Total Time | Fare | Transfer | Ticket Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest | Take the Haruka Express Train directly to Kyoto. | 1 hour 15 minutes | Regular: 3110 yen, Discounted: 2200 yen, Free for JR Pass holders | 0 | Discounted price available by booking only. |
| Cheapest | Take the JR Kansaikuko Line Kanku-Rapid to Osaka Station, then transfer to the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid to Kyoto. | 1 hour 56 minutes | 1910 yen, Free for JR Pass holders | 1 | On-site only |
| Easiest | Take the Kansai Airport Limousine directly to Kyoto. | 1 hour 41 minutes | 2800 yen | 0 | On-site only |
You can use Japan Transit Planner to find more information
Kansai Airport Express HARUKA
Advantages: Comfortable and fast, equipped with luggage racks, less crowded, and offers both non-reserved (free seating) and reserved (assigned) seats.
Drawbacks: No major drawbacks.
Fare: Discounted fare of 2200 yen for adults (original price 3640 yen).
Ticket Purchase: Discounted tickets are available only for foreign tourists and must be booked online, such as through Klook. On-site, only full-price tickets are available. After booking online, exchange your voucher for a physical ticket at a machine (see Klook instructions). The machine issues non-reserved seat tickets by default. Follow signs to the non-reserved seating area, where seats are generally available. During peak seasons (e.g., cherry blossom season), visit the counter to get a free reserved seat after exchanging your ticket.
JR Pass accepted: Yes
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Schedule: 6:30 AM - 10:15 PM, with 3-4 departures per hour. Check the schedule here.
Boarding Location: Second floor of Kansai Airport Terminal 1 (JR occupies 2 of the 4 tracks; the other 2 are for Nankai).
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How to Get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto/Osaka
Route Map: The HARUKA line is marked in blue, with stops at Kansai Airport, Tennoji Station, Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, and Kyoto Station.
Airport Bus (Limousine Bus)
Advantages: Conveniently located just outside the arrival hall, making it ideal for travelers with lots of luggage.
Drawbacks: Higher fare compared to the train. During peak seasons, buses may fill up quickly, causing delays. Traffic congestion in Kyoto can also affect travel time, which might not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness.
Fare: 2800 yen for adults, half-price for children.
Ticket Purchase: Available at ticket machines near the bus stop.
JR Pass accepted: No
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
Schedule: 6:45 AM - 11:20 PM, with 2-3 departures per hour. Check the schedule here.
Boarding Location: Outside the first floor. For Osaka Station, board at Platform 8 for Terminal 1 and Platform 2 for Terminal 2.
Drop-off Location: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit.
Note: The luggage staff will confirm your drop-off location and provide a luggage tag, which you’ll need to retrieve your luggage upon arrival.
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The Easiest way Airport Limousine Bus
Local Train (Kansai Airport Rapid)
Advantages: Frequent departures and many stops, suitable for those unable to take the HARUKA train.
Drawbacks: Slower and more crowded. Requires one transfer at Osaka Station. Train cars resemble subway cars with first-come, first-served seating and no luggage racks.
Fare: 1910 yen for adults, half-price for children.
Ticket Purchase: Available at ticket machines or use a Suica or ICOCA card. All seats are non-reserved.
JR Pass accepted: Yes
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 56 minutes, with one transfer required at Osaka Station.
Schedule: Check the schedule here.
Boarding Location: Second floor of Kansai Airport Terminal 1 (JR occupies 2 of the 4 tracks; the other 2 are for Nankai).
from wiki