2024 Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara & Other Parts of Kansai Transfer Guide
Traveling to Japan soon via Kansai International Airport (KIX) and want to know how to get to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and beyond? Here’s a guide to help you choose the best transfers from Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and more areas of the Kansai Region.
Kansai International Airport or Kansai Airport is your getaway to Japan’s Kansai Region including the major cities of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, among others.
On our 10-day spring trip to Japan, we arrived at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya and departed from Narita Airport in Tokyo. We didn’t get to fly via Kansai Airport in Osaka since we’re not staying long in the area.
If you’re mainly exploring the Kansai Region and would like to know how to get from KIX to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and the rest of Kansai, read on to know your transfer options.
Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kansai Area by train
The train is the fastest way from Kansai International Airport to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and the rest of the Kansai Region. You can go to Kansai Airport Station on both 2nd floors of Terminal 1 Building and Aeroplaza Building. There is a free shuttle going to Aeroplaza Building from Terminal 2.
1. JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express
The JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express is one of the fastest and most popular trains that take you directly from Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. And if you’re lucky, you may catch the kawaii (cute) train with a Hello Kitty design!
Travel time:
- 35 mins (Kansai Airport to Tennoji)
- 45 mins (Kansai Airport to Osaka)
- 50 mins (Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka)
- 75 mins (Kansai Airport to Kyoto)
- 80 mins (Kansai Airport to Nara)
- 110 mins (Kansai Airport to Kobe)
Operating hours:
- 6.31am to 10.16pm (From Kansai Airport)
- 6.22am to 9.03pm (From Osaka)
- 5.45am to 8.30pm (From Kyoto)
- 4.50am to 11.09pm (From Nara)
- 4.58am to 9.33pm (From Kobe)
Schedule: Departs every 30-40 mins (See official JR Haruka timetable)
Fares:
- Kansai Airport to Osaka City one-way train ticket: ¥1,800 (Adult); ¥900 (Child)
- Kansai Airport to Kyoto one-way train ticket: ¥2,200 (Adult); ¥1,100 (Child)
- Kansai Airport to Nara one-way train ticket: ¥1,800 (Adult); ¥900 (Child)
- Kansai Airport to Kobe one-way train ticket: ¥2,000 (Adult); ¥1,000 (Child)
Where to buy tickets:
- JR Haruka Ticket: Klook | GetYourGuide
- JR West Kansai Area Pass: Klook | GetYourGuide
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Tip: Do you know that the Airport Express HARUKA is covered by the JR West Kansai Area Pass? On top of the unlimited rides on the JR West Lines, you also get a free 3GB eSIM worth ¥1,200 if you buy on Klook. |
2. JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service
The JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service is a cost-efficient way to travel from KIX to Osaka as it is covered by the JR Pass.
Travel time:
- 50 mins (Kansai Airport to Tennoji)
- 65 mins (Kansai Airport to Osaka)
Operating hours:
- 5.50am to 11.09pm (From Kansai Airport)
- 5.25am to 10.45pm (From Tennoji)
Schedule: Departs every 15 mins (See official JR West Kansai timetable)
Fares:
- Kansai Airport to Tennoji: ¥1,080 (Adult); ¥540 (Child)
- Kansai Airport to Osaka: ¥1,210 (Adult); ¥600 (Child)
Where to buy tickets:
- Ticket vending machines at train stations
- Use ICOCA Card to pay when entering the ticket gate
- Klook: JR West Kansai Area Pass
Notes:
- The Airport Express HARUKA and JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service are covered by the JR West Kansai Area Pass and JR Pass (Whole Japan).
- Visit the JR West official website for more information.
3. Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t
The Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t is by far the fastest way from Kansai International Airport to Osaka. This KIX to Osaka City train takes you directly to Namba Station in only 34 minutes. Many travelers prefer to take this premium train for its spacious interior, comfy seats with wide legroom, designated luggage storage, and free WiFi.
Travel time: 34 mins (Kansai Airport to Namba Station)
Operating hours:
- 5.45am to 11.20pm (From Kansai Airport)
- 5.15am to 11pm (From Namba Station)
Schedule: Departs every hour
Fare: ¥1,300 (Kansai Airport to Namba Station)
Where to buy tickets:
- Klook: Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t Ticket
- Counters of Nankai Electric Railway stations and Semboku Line stations, except Fukai Station
4. Nankai Line Airport Express
The Nankai Line Airport Express is a commuter train that takes you from KIX to Osaka’s Namba Station. It has fewer stops than local services but is not as expensive as the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t.
Travel time: 44 mins (Kansai Airport to Namba Station)
Operating hours:
- 5.45am to 11.55pm (From Kansai Airport)
- 5.15am to 10.55pm (From Namba Station)
Schedule: Departs every 20-30 mins
Fare: ¥970 (one-way)
Where to buy tickets:
- Ticket vending machines at train stations
- Use ICOCA Card to pay when entering the ticket gate
Notes:
- See official Nankai train timetable.
- Visit Nankai Electric Railway official website for more information.
Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kansai Area by bus
5. Airport limousine bus
The Kansai Airport limousine bus is one of the most convenient ways that’ll take you directly from Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Wakayama. It even drops you off at top Osaka attractions like Universal Studios Japan, as well as Osaka hotels such as Hotel New Hankyu, Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA, and Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower.
Travel time:
- 60 mins (Kansai Airport to Osaka)
- 90 mins (Kansai Airport to Kyoto)
Operating hours:
- 6.50am to 11.45pm (From Kansai Airport)
- 4.55am to 9.35pm (From Osaka Station: Hotel New Hankyu)
Schedule: Departs every 10 to 20 mins.
Fares:
- Kansai to Osaka Station & Universal Studios: ¥1,800 (Adult); ¥900 (Child)
- Kansai to Kyoto: ¥2,800 (Adult); ¥1,400 (Child)
- Kansai to Nara: ¥2,400 (Adult); ¥1,200 (Child)
- Kansai to Kobe: ¥2,200 (Adult); ¥1,100 (Child)
Where to buy tickets: Klook: Limousine Bus Kansai Airport
*Check the official website for specific bus routes, fares, and schedules.
Kansai Airport to Osaka and Kyoto by private transfer, taxi, and car rental
6. Private car transfer
If you are traveling in big groups, it would be more practical to book a Kansai Airport private transfer. It’s more spacious with different capacities including 4-seater sedans and 10-seater vans. Plus, you can even save more if you split the costs among the number of passengers.
Travel time: 45-60 mins (Kansai Airport to Namba Station)
Operating hours: 24/7
Schedule: Depends on arrangement
Fares: ¥12,750 (4-seater sedan); ¥16,195 (10-seater van)
Where to book:
7. Taxi
You can easily take a taxi outside Kansai Airport 24/7. While it’s fast and convenient, it’s probably the most expensive. A one-way taxi fare from KIX to Osaka could already set you back from ¥20,000 to ¥26,000, excluding 10-20% late-night surcharges after 10pm.
Travel time: 50-60 mins (depending on traffic conditions)
Operating hours: 24/7
Schedule: Anytime
Fares: ¥20,000 to ¥26,000 (depending on route). See Kansai Airport taxi fares and routes.
Where to ride: Designated taxi stands outside Kansai Airport
8. Car rental
If you want more flexibility and freedom, you can consider renting a car with a vehicle of your choice. Do note that you need an international driving license to rent a car in Japan.
Travel time: 45-60 mins (depending on speed and route)
Operating hours: 24/7
Schedule: Anytime
Rental Fee: ¥6,000 per day (Compact); ¥11,800 per day (SUV)
Where to book: Klook: Osaka Car Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the fastest way from Kansai Airport to Osaka City?
The fastest way from Kansai Airport to Osaka City is the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t, taking you to Osaka’s Namba Station in only 34 minutes.
2. What is the fastest way from Kansai Airport to Kyoto?
The fastest way from Kansai Airport to Kyoto is the JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express, taking you to Kyoto in 75 minutes. And, you can ride it for free with your JR Pass.
3. Can I use my JR Pass to get from Kansai Airport to Osaka and Kyoto?
Yes, the JR Pass (Whole Japan) and JR West Kansai Area Pass cover the JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express, which you can ride from Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto, and other parts of the Kansai Region.
4. What is the best transfer from Kansai Airport to Osaka if I arrive late at night?
Most trains and buses from Kansai Airport operate late until 11pm. If you arrive beyond the last trip, you can either take a taxi or book a private transfer since they operate 24/7.
5. How much is the travel cost between Kansai Airport and Osaka?
It actually depends on your chosen transport. If you have a JR Pass (Whole Japan) or JR West Kansai Area Pass, you don’t have to pay an additional cost. But single-journey train tickets from Kansai to Osaka cost approximately ¥970 to ¥1,210.
Now that you know all these, we hope you can pick the best transfer options from Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and the rest of Kansai Region. Safe travels in Japan!
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