Kansai Airport to Kyoto

Top 3 Ways to Travel from Kansai Airport to Kyoto

Kansai Airport (KIX) is the largest international airport in the Kansai region of Japan, located 62 miles/100 kilometers from Kyoto.

kansai map

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:

OptionRouteTotal TimeFareTransferTicket Availability
FastestTake the Haruka Express Train directly to Kyoto.1 hour 15 minutesRegular: 3110 yen, Discounted: 2200 yen, Free for JR Pass holders0On-site or by reservation
CheapestTake the JR Kansaikuko Line Kanku-Rapid to Osaka Station, then transfer to the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid to Kyoto.1 hour 57 minutes1910 yen, Free for JR Pass holders1On-site only
EasiestTake the Kansai Airport Limousine directly to Kyoto.1 hour 41 minutes2800 yen0On-site only

You can use Japan Transit Planner to find more information

Taxis are very expensive, from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station costs about 39,000 yen. If your flight arrives too late or you miss the last train/bus, it’s better to stay near the airport, such as at Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or Kansai Airport Washington Hotel.

Brief Introduction to HARUKA

The HARUKA is an express train that runs between Kansai Airport, Osaka, and Kyoto. It is the fastest way to travel from Kansai Airport to Kyoto.

Route: Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station
Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Fare: 3110 yen. If you are a foreign traveler with a Temporary Visitor visa, you can purchase a Discounted One-way Ticket for only 2200 yen through this website. It is available online only and cannot be purchased on-site
Schedule: First/Last departure times can be found on the timetable
JR Pass accepted: Yes
Ticket Purchase: Ticket counters, Ticket machines, or online reservations
Official Website: West Japan Railway Company
Selected Video: Ride & guide Kansai Airport Train to Osaka Kyoto bus

Brief Introduction to JR Line

This is a regular JR train with the lowest fare, but it is often crowded.

Route: Take the JR Kansaikuko Line Kanku-Rapid to Osaka Station, then transfer to the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid to Kyoto
Travel time: 1 hour 57 minutes
Fare: 1910 yen
Schedule: First/Last departure times can be found on the timetable
JR Pass accepted: Yes
Ticket Purchase: Ticket counters or Ticket machines
Official Website: JR-WEST Usage Guide from Kansai International Airport
Selected Video: How to get from Kansai Airport to Osaka & Kyoto jr train

Brief Introduction to Limousine Bus

This bus offers the most comfortable ride, providing direct access to major destinations without the need to transfer your luggage. There are display screens onboard that announce stops in English.

Route: Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station
Travel time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Fare: 2800 yen
Schedule: First/Last departure times can be found on the timetable
JR Pass accepted: No
Ticket Purchase: Ticket counters or Ticket machines
Luggage: 2 piece per passenger
Official Website: Kansai International Airport Limousine Bus
Selected Video: Airport Limousine Bus from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station bus