Best Ways to Travel from Kansai Airport to Osaka
Kansai Airport (KIX) is the largest international airport in the Kansai region of Japan, located 38 miles/56 kilometers from Osaka.
Osaka Station and Namba Station serve as the transportation hubs of Osaka and are the preferred accommodation choices for most travelers. If you have a JR Pass, it is recommended to stay near Osaka Station (such as Hotel Hankyu). Otherwise, it is recommended to stay near Namba Station (such as Hiyori Hotel).
From Kansai Airport to Osaka Station
| Option | Route | Total Time | Fare | Ticket Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest | Take the Haruka Express Train directly to Osaka Station. | 45m | Regular: 2410 yen, Discounted: 1800 yen, Free for JR Pass holders | On-site or by reservation |
| Cheapest | Take the JR Kansaikuko Line Kanku-Rapid directly to Osaka Station. | 1h 13m | 1210 yen, Free for JR Pass holders | On-site only |
| Easiest | Take the Kansai Airport Limousine directly to Osaka Station. | 1h 22m | 1800 yen | On-site only |
You can use Japan Transit Planner to find more information
From Kansai Airport to Namba Area
| Option | Route | Total Time | Fare | Ticket Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest | Take the Nankai-Limited Express Rapit Beta directly to Nankai-Namba Station. | 41m | Regular: 1490 yen Discounted: 1300 yen | On-site or by reservation |
| Cheapest | Take the Nankai-Kuko Line Airport Express directly to Nankai-Namba Station. | 45m | 970 yen | On-site only |
| Easiest | Take the Kansai Airport Limousine directly to JR Namba Sta. [OCAT]. | 50m | 1300 yen | On-site only |
You can use Japan Transit Planner to find more information
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 Osaka.
Route: Kansai Airport to Osaka Station
Travel time: 45 minutes
Fare: 2410 yen. If you are a foreign traveler with a Temporary Visitor visa, you can purchase a Discounted One-way Ticket for only 1800 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
Brief Introduction to JR Line
This is a regular JR train with the lowest fare, but it is often crowded.
Route: Kansai Airport to Osaka Station
Travel time: 1 hour 13 minutes
Fare: 1210 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
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 Osaka Station, Namba (OCAT) , etc.
Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Fare: 1300 - 1800 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: Kansai Airport Limousine Bus
Brief Introduction to Limited Express Rapit
The Limited Express Rapi:t is a high-speed train operated by Nankai Electric Railway. It is the fastest way to travel from Kansai Airport to Namba Station.
Route: Kansai Airport to Nankai Namba Station
Travel time: 41 minutes
Fare: 1490 yen. You can purchase a discounted One-way Ticket for only 1300 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: No
Ticket Purchase: Ticket counters, Ticket machines, or online reservations
Official Website: Limited Express Rapi:t
Selected Video: Ride Nankai Electric Railway’s limited express
Brief Introduction to Nankai Line
Several trains operate on the Nankai-Kuko Line, including the fastest Rapi:t, the slowest Local train, as well as Express, Sub Express, and others(see route map). The Airport Express is affordable, fast, and not too crowded, making it ideal for travelers.
Route: Kansai Airport to Nankai-Namba Station
Travel time: 45 minutes
Fare: 970 yen
Schedule: First/Last departure times can be found on the timetable
JR Pass accepted: No
Ticket Purchase: Ticket counters or Ticket machines
Official Website: Nankai Electric Railway
Selected Video: NANKAI Airport Express from Kansai International Airport 