Kansai International Airport sits on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, about 40 kilometres from central Osaka. Two railways cross the bridge to the mainland. For Kyoto, take JR's Haruka limited express, which reaches Kyoto Station in about seventy-five minutes. For southern Osaka, the Nankai rapi:t reaches Namba in under forty minutes. Airport buses run to both cities and to many hotels.
To Osaka
- Nankai rapi:t — a limited express to Namba in about thirty-five to forty minutes, with reserved seats. Best for Namba, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi.
- Nankai airport express — a cheaper commuter train on the same line, about forty-five minutes to Namba.
- JR Haruka — to Tennoji in about thirty-five minutes and Shin-Osaka in about fifty, and it also stops at Osaka Station. Covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
- JR Kansai Airport Rapid — a cheaper JR train to Tennoji and Osaka Station in about seventy minutes.
To Kyoto
The Haruka is the only direct train, running to Kyoto Station in about seventy-five minutes. JR sells discounted Haruka tickets to overseas visitors, which are worth checking before you travel. Airport limousine buses also run to Kyoto Station in about ninety minutes, and they are easier with heavy luggage.
Buses and taxis
Limousine buses leave from outside the arrivals hall for Osaka Station, Namba, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara. A taxi to central Osaka takes about fifty minutes and is expensive; shared shuttle vans and private transfers are popular with families and groups.
Tips
- Know your Osaka station. Namba is in the south, Umeda and Osaka Station in the north, and Shin-Osaka is where the shinkansen stops.
- Bad weather. The bridge to the airport can close to trains in strong winds, so allow extra time on stormy days.
- Late arrivals. The last trains leave at around 23:00, so check times if your flight lands late.
Once you are in the city, see where to stay in Osaka, where to stay in Kyoto and Kyoto to Osaka.
FAQ
What is the fastest way from Kansai Airport to Osaka? The Nankai rapi:t to Namba, in about thirty-five to forty minutes, or the JR Haruka to Tennoji in about thirty-five.
How do I get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto? Take the JR Haruka limited express, which runs direct to Kyoto Station in about seventy-five minutes, or an airport limousine bus.
Does the Japan Rail Pass cover the Haruka? Yes. The Nankai trains are a private railway and are not covered.
How far is Kansai Airport from Osaka? About 40 kilometres, on an island in Osaka Bay linked to the mainland by a bridge.
Arriving at Kansai Airport with your family, a group or your clients? Write to b2b@explera.jp or message us on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090 with your flight details and group size, and we will reply within 24 hours. Explera is a destination management company for Japan — IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
