7 Best ways to travel between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto City
An airport built on its very own island in Osaka Bay, Kansai International Airport (KIX) has been wowing visitors since its grand opening in 1994 with its sleek design and top-notch service. Connecting international travelers from various destinations worldwide to major cities in the Kansai region such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, this will be your very first destination in Kansai — and it’s sure to impress!
Because it also serves as a hub for both domestic and international flights, it can get pretty busy and confusing to navigate, especially if it’s your first time here. But if you follow our Klook guide on how to travel between Kyoto City and Kansai International Airport, you’ll soon be navigating this route like a pro!
Kansai International Airport to Kyoto via Train
You can travel between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto via multiple train routes, which are all accessible via the Kansai Airport Station.
How to get to Kansai Airport Station from Kansai International Airport: Kansai Airport Station is directly connected to the 2nd floor of the Terminal 1 Building and the 2nd floor of the Aeroplaza Building. If you’re arriving in Terminal 2, you can take the free shuttle to reach the Aeroplaza (Time required: 7 to 9 minutes)
KIX Map – Image courtesy of Kansai Airport
1. Airport Express HARUKA
JR West Hello Kitty-themed Haruka Express
With a travel time of just 75 minutes and no transfers to boot, most travelers prefer to take the JR Haruka Airport Express to travel between Osaka, Kyoto and Kansai International Airport. And if you’ve already purchased a Japan Rail Pass, you get to take this specific train route without any added costs — nifty!
The HARUKA train comes with comfy reserved seats as well as a dedicated luggage storage area. It will connect Kansai Airport directly to Tennoji Station, Osaka Station, and Shin-Osaka Station, before heading directly to Kyoto Station. It will take around 80 minutes to Kyoto Station, where you will be able to change to the Shinkansen trains as well.
Klook Tip: If you’re lucky, you might even be able to hop on the Hello Kitty HARUKA! Schedules vary per day, and there are some days where the Hello Kitty HARUKA does not operate at all, so make sure to check the timetable on the official website in advance.
Airport Express HARUKA Operating Hours
Direction | Operating hours (weekdays) | Operating hours (weekends and holidays) |
|---|---|---|
Kansai Airport Station → Kyoto | 06:31 - 22:16 | 06:40 - 22:16 |
Kyoto → Kansai Airport Station | 05:45 - 20:30 | 05:45 - 20:30 |
2. Kansai Airport Rapid Service + JR Rapid Service
Taking about 100 minutes per way, this is the second-quickest train route between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto. The JR rapid service offers a more cost-effective way to navigate the distance, albeit with a transfer at Osaka Station — nevertheless, you’ll still enjoy a comfortable and efficient journey with comfortable seats and ample luggage space.
Like the Airport Express HARUKA, fares for the Kansai Airport Rapid Service + the JR Rapid Service are covered by the JR Pass if you already have one. If you don't have a JR Pass, one-way fares cost around ¥1,910.
From Kansai International Airport: take the Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Osaka Station, where you’ll transfer to one of the frequent JR rapid trains on the JR Kyoto Line (look out for the Rapid train type indicated on the station signs.) Once you’ve transferred, just sit back and enjoy the views through the train windows until you reach your destination: Kyoto Station.
From Kyoto: If you’re traveling from Kyoto to Kansai International Airport, just reverse the order: hop on a JR Rapid train destined for Osaka, then transfer at Osaka Station to a Rapid train bound for Kansai International Airport.
Klook Tip: If you're really in a rush, you can also opt to take the Shinkansen to travel between Shin Osaka and Kyoto Stations, which will shave off about 15 minutes from your travel time!
Kansai Airport Rapid Service + JR Rapid Service Operating Hours
Direction | Operating hours (weekdays) | Operating hours (weekends and holidays) |
|---|---|---|
Kansai Airport Station → Osaka | 05:50 - 23:09 | 05:54 - 23:09 |
Osaka → Kyoto | 05:54 - 00:00 | 05:54 - 00:00 |
Kyoto → Osaka | 05:21 - 23:29 | 05:21 - 23:29 |
Osaka → Kansai Airport Station | 06:04 - 22:24 | 06:12 - 22:24 |
3. Nankai Line Rapi:t Airport Express + Local Trains
Taking non-JR trains between Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Kyoto is another viable option for travelers, but you’ll be trading in speed and convenience for savings since you’ll have to transfer twice and local trains don’t have any designated luggage space. However, if you have some time between your transfers, you can use this as an opportunity to explore more of Osaka’s key shopping and entertainment districts.
From Kansai International Airport: take the Nankai Line Rapi:t Airport Express to Tengachaya Station, then transfer to the Sakaisuji Line until you reach Awaji Station. At Awaji Station, you’ll transfer again to the Hankyu-Kyoto Line and alight at Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. This should take you around 100 minutes if you make all the optimal transfers.
From Kyoto: If you’re coming from Kyoto, you’ll need to stop by Namba Station along the way to pick up your tickets for the Nankai Line Rapi:t Airport Express. Take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station to Osaka-Umeda Station, then walk to the nearby Umeda Station to transfer to the Midosuji Line to reach Namba Station. Here you can exchange for your ticket, before you board the Nankai Line Rapi:t Airport Express to Kansai Airport Station.
Taking the Nankai Line Rapi:t Airport Express (¥1,100) + Local Trains (¥700) will cost you around ¥1,800 altogether. Tickets for the Nankai Line Rapi:t Airport Express can be purchased directly on Klook, while you can use your ICOCA Card directly to pay for the local train fares — just make sure to reload it in advance!
Kansai Airport Rapid Service + JR Rapid Service Operating Hours
Direction | Operating hours (weekdays) | Operating hours (weekends and holidays) |
|---|---|---|
Kansai Airport Station → Tengachaya | 06:53 - 23:00 | 07:06 - 22:55 |
Tengachaya → Awaji | 05:08 - 00:18 | 05:08 - 00:18 |
Awaji → Kyoto | 05:14 - 23:55 | 05:14 - 23:55 |
Kyoto → Awaji | 05:00 - 23:15 | 05:00 - 23:15 |
Awaji → Tengachaya | 05:13 - 00:02 | 05:13 - 00:02 |
Tengachaya → Kansai Airport Station | 06:04 - 22:04 | 06:04 - 22:04 |
Kansai International Airport to Kyoto via Bus
4. Airport Limousine Bus
Airport Limousine Bus
If you're headed to Kyoto from Kansai International Airport and prefer a straightforward, scenic route that doesn't require navigating train transfers with your luggage in tow, the airport limousine bus is an excellent choice. It offers a direct and stress-free connection from the airport to various drop-off points throughout Kyoto, making it a convenient service for travelers coming into the Kansai region.
With comfortable seating, a dedicated luggage storage space, and other facilities like a toilet, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and onboard announcements in multiple languages to accommodate international passengers, you’ll have everything you’ll ever need to relax during the journey. You can even take a nap during the 90-minute travel time to Kyoto!
You can purchase your tickets directly on the Klook website before your travel dates, then exchange for the actual tickets at the various counters at Kansai International Airport before you proceed to the 1F Airport Bus stops at Terminal 1/2 to board the bus.
Klook Tip: Operating hours and bus stops vary per route, so make sure to check the official website for more information!
Airport Limousine Bus Operating Hours
Direction | Operating hours |
|---|---|
Kansai Airport T1 → Kyoto | 06:20 - 23:05 |
Kansai Airport T2 → Kyoto | 09:47 - 22:52 |
Kyoto → Kansai Airport T1/T2 | 04:30 - 21:10 |
Kansai International Airport to Kyoto via Private Car Transfer
5. Private Airport Transfers
Imagine the luxury of a door-to-door service whisking you and your travel companions straight to or from your hotel — no queues, no waits, just the open door of a vehicle ready to accommodate your group's needs. Well, you can have just that with a private airport transfer, ideal for large groups or if you’re simply traveling with a lot of luggage (aka when you’re all done shopping before heading home 😉)
Choose among various vehicle options, depending on what suits your needs best: the Toyota Alphard and similar vehicles are perfect for 5 pax with luggage, while larger parties can opt for a van, a coaster, or even a bus if you’re a group of 22!
Travel time to Kyoto Station takes around 90 minutes, depending on the traffic situation, which leaves enough time for a quick nap to rest and recharge before you arrive at your destination.
6. Taxis
Taxis are available directly outside the Kansai International Airport (KIX) terminals and offer 24/7 service, making it one of the most straightforward but also one of the priciest options available to travelers, especially at nighttime when it’s the only option. During the 90-minute travel time to Kyoto, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and private ride the entire time, without having to worry about getting lost on the train. You can even take a nap if you wish!
While taxis provide a high level of comfort and personal space, they are also the most expensive option for this journey. A typical taxi ride to Kyoto costs upward of ¥35,000, not including late-night surcharges for rides between 22:00-05:00, typically raising the fare by approximately 10-20%. Given the cost, taking a taxi is best reserved for situations when convenience trumps cost: think late-night flight arrivals or when you're laden with bulky bags that public transit can't easily accommodate.
7. Car Rental
If you enjoy driving and want to try driving in Japan, you can also consider renting a car! This is especially ideal if you’ve been planning to go on a couple of road trips in the Kansai area and beyond. Car rentals from Kansai International Airport are available from around ¥6,000 a day, and you can schedule your pick up and drop off dates accordingly — just select the correct dates when you book your car rental on Klook.
#KlookTip: Be sure to check if your accommodation includes parking — it can get pretty expensive in the major cities!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way to get from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto City?
The fastest way to travel from KIX to Kyoto is by the Limited Express Haruka train. It takes about 75 minutes and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Q: What options are available if I'm arriving at Kansai International Airport late at night?
Most trains and the airport limousine bus stop operations before midnight. If you’re arriving after the last departure times for trains and the airport limousine bus, you can opt to book private airport transfers, get a taxi, or rent a car instead.
Q: What is the most convenient method to get from Kansai International Airport to my Kyoto hotel?
For door-to-door service, the best way to get from Kansai International Airport to your hotel in Kyoto is with a private transfer. This way, you’ll avoid having to carry your luggage up and down stairs while you navigate the train stations.
Q: What is the best way to get from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto with a Japan Rail Pass?
Take the Airport Express HARUKA or the Kansai Airport Rapid Service + JR Rapid Service combination, which JR Pass holders can use without any additional cost.
Q: How much does it cost to travel between Kyoto and Kansai Airport?
This would depend on the transportation method you choose — the Nankai Line Airport Express is the cheapest to travel on at just 920 yen, while taxis will be the most expensive option.
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