Best Ways to Travel from Kansai Airport to Osaka

Last Updated: Feb 16, 2025

Kansai International Airport is located about 50 kilometers from downtown Osaka. Most people take trains or buses as their main mode of transportation. Since Osaka Station (Umeda area) and Namba Station are the most recommended areas to stay, this guide focuses on transportation between Kansai Airport and these two locations.

From the Airport to Osaka Station

• Train - Kansai Airport Express HARUKA: 45 minutes, 1800 yen, requires booking, more comfortable.
• Train - Kansai Airport Rapid: 1 hour 10 minutes, 1210 yen, budget-friendly.
• Airport Bus: 1 hour, 1800 yen, convenient.

From Kansai Airport to Namba Station

• Train - Nankai Airport Express: 46 minutes, 970 yen, budget-friendly.
• Train - Nankai Limited Express: 42 minutes, 1490 yen, more comfortable.

Notes:

• If you’re staying near Universal Studios, only the bus offers a direct route. The last bus departs around 5 PM. Check the schedule here.
• For other areas, use Google Maps or Jorudan to check transfer information.
• For very early or late flights, it’s more convenient to stay near the airport, such as at Hotel Nikko or Odysis Suites.

From the Airport to Osaka Station

Option 1: 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 1800 yen for adults (original price 2410 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 45 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).
Recommended Video: 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.

Option 2: 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: 1210 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 10 minutes.
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

Option 3: 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.
Fare: 1800 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.
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 5 for Terminal 1 and Platform 1 for Terminal 2.
Drop-off Location: Hotel New Hankyu (Osaka Sta.), Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA (Yodobashi Umeda Tower), and Herbis Osaka (Osaka Sta.). However, it does not stop at every station on every trip. The specific stops depend on the departure time.
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.

From Kansai Airport to Namba Station

Staying in the Namba area (なんば) is convenient for food, drinks, and shopping. It’s also within walking distance of popular attractions like Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, and Kuromon Market. To get to Namba from Kansai Airport, take the Nankai Electric Railway directly to Nankai Namba Station (南海難波/なんば).

Option 1: Nankai Airport Express

Advantages: Fast, affordable, and with frequent departures.
Disadvantages: The train cars are similar to subways—seats are first-come, first-served (though seats are usually available), and there are no luggage racks.
Fare: 970 yen for adults, half-price for children.
Ticket Purchase: Buy tickets at the ticket machines or use a Suica or ICOCA card to enter the station. All seats are non-reserved.
Travel Time: Approximately 46 minutes.
Schedule: 5:45 AM - 11:55 PM, with about 4 departures per hour. Check the schedule here.
Boarding Location: Second floor of Kansai Airport Terminal 1 (there are 4 tracks: 2 for JR and 2 for Nankai).

Option 2: Nankai Limited Express Rap:t

Advantages: Comfortable, similar to high-speed trains in China, with assigned seating, luggage racks, and fewer passengers.
Disadvantages: Fewer departures, so you’ll need to plan your timing carefully.
Fare: 970 yen for adults + 520 yen for the limited express ticket, half-price for children.
Ticket Purchase: It’s recommended to buy tickets at the counter. For details, see here.
Travel Time: Approximately 42 minutes.
Schedule: 6:53 AM - 10:35 PM, with about 2 departures per hour. Check the schedule here.
Boarding Location: Second floor of Kansai Airport Terminal 1 (there are 4 tracks: 2 for JR and 2 for Nankai).

Recommended Video: How to EASILY Get From Kansai Airport to Namba

Important Notes:

• The Airport Express and Limited Express trains stop at the same platform. If you buy an Airport Express ticket but board the Limited Express train, you’ll be asked to get off at the next station if the train departs. You cannot upgrade your ticket on board!
• A few trains labeled ‘Local’ operate daily. These cost the same as the Airport Express but are designed for local residents. They are slower, stop at every small station, and are often crowded (I’ve made this mistake before…). Before boarding, make sure your train is labeled ‘Airport Express’ (check the train or platform display).
• As shown in the official map [here], there are only 3 routes from Kansai Airport to the city (Local/Airport Express/Limited Express). However, when returning to Kansai Airport from the city, many ‘Nankai’ trains run on the same tracks (distinguished by the train’s name and departure time). Be careful when boarding, or you might end up in Wakayama…