How To Easily Reach Osaka, Kobe And Kyoto From Kansai Airport

The Routes from KIX to the Sightseeing Spots in Kansai

Osaka is the perfect sightseeing destination, as it is famous for its delicious dishes, unique amusements and also for its hospitality. But travelers arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX) are faced with the difficult task of figuring out the complicated routes to Osaka's urban areas and other cities.

This article will explain the routes from KIX to the major cities in the Kansai region, based on the latest information.

From KIX to JR Osaka Station

Visitors from overseas, and even the Japanese have a hard time figuring out the route to JR Osaka Station. Those who plan to head there should study the various routes in advance.

1. The Cheap Route - JR Line Trains

From: Kansai Airport Station
To: JR Osaka Station
Time: 65 minutes, using the JR Kanku Kaisoku (rapid-service train)
Fare: 1190 yen
Note: This train will take you directly to JR Osaka Station.

2. The Comfortable Route - By Bus

Purchase your ticket at the ticket machine near the bus terminal, and then make your way to the following platforms:

From Terminal 1, take the bus from Platform #5 of the international arrival lobby bound for Osaka Station; you will reach Osaka Station in about an hour.

From Terminal 2, take the bus from Platform #1 of the departure/arrivals lobby bound for Osaka Station; you will reach Osaka Station in about an hour and 15 minutes.

**Please note that bus travel times are subject to traffic and weather conditions.

Arrives at: New Hankyu Hotel Southern Entrance (6 minute walk to Osaka Station) Google Map

Fare: one way 1550 yen (adult), 780 yen (child); round trip 2760 yen (adult)
**The round trip discount is only valid for 14 days after purchase.

From KIX to Namba Station

Close to Dotombori, one of Osaka's best loved sightseeing spots, Namba is also a bustling hub of transportation. Various railway companies go through the Namba area in central Osaka, so there happens to be six stations named "Namba". Similar to Osaka Station, it is difficult to understand the routes to this area, so travelers should research them in advance.

1. The Cheap Route - the Nankai Line

The Nankai Line is usually not too crowded and quite cheap.

From: KIX Station (Nankai Line)
To: Nankai Namba Station Google Map
Takes: 50 minutes
Fare: 920 yen

If you would like to reach Namba even faster, then taking the special Rapi:t Limited Express is recommended. All seats on this train require reservations, and you will reach Nankai Namba Station in about 40 minutes. Fares on this train are 920 yen, plus an express train surcharge of 510 yen for adults, and 260 yen for children.

2. The Comfortable Route - By Bus

Purchase your ticket at the ticket machine near the bus terminal, and then make your way to the following platforms:

From Terminal 1, take the bus from Platform #11 of the international arrival lobby bound for Namba (OCAT); it will take about 50 minutes.

From Terminal 2, take the bus from Platform #6 of the departure/arrival lobby bound for Namba (OCAT); it will take about an hour.

**Please note that bus travel times are subject to traffic and weather conditions.

Arrives at: Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT)　Google Map
Fare: one way 1050 yen (adult), 530 yen (child); round trip 1850 yen (adult)
**The round trip discount is only valid for 14 days after purchase.

From KIX to Kobe

Kobe in Hyogo prefecture is one of the most prominent port towns in Japan. It has appeals of both Western and Japanese cultures, boasts a beautiful townscape and also creates unique trends. Their famous Kobe beef is ranked among the three best wagyu beef in Japan.

1. The Comfortable Route - By Bus

Purchase your ticket at the ticket machine near the bus terminal, and then make your way to the following platforms:

From Terminal 1, take the bus from Platform #6 of the international arrival lobby bound for Kobe Sannomiya and Rokko Island; it will take about 65 minutes.

From Terminal 2, take the bus from Platform #4 of the departure/arrival lobby bound for Kobe Sannomiya and Rokko Island; it will take an hour and 20 minutes.

**Please note that bus travel times are subject to traffic and weather conditions.

Arrives at: Kobe Sannomiya Google Map
Fare: one way 1950 yen (adult), 980 yen (child); round trip 3080 yen
**The round trip discount is only valid for 14 days after purchase.

Read also:

How To Enjoy The Fascinating City Of Kobe

2. Go by Sea - the High-Speed Bay Shuttle

The Bay Shuttle is a special express route from KIX to Kobe Airport. After reaching Kobe Airport, you can easily make your way to Sannomiya via other trains, but this route is perfect if you want to enjoy a slightly different trip - traveling by boat to Kobe and sightseeing along the way. The entire journey from KIX to Sannomiya Station will take about an hour.

From: KIX
To: Kobe Airport
Time: About 30 minutes
Fare: one way 1850 yen (adult), 930 yen (child); round trip 3000 yen (adults), 1500 yen (child)

**Tickets must be purchased at the KIX Terminal 1 Arrival Lobby Bay Shuttle Ticket Counter, near the A Exit. A bus to the shuttle departure zone leaves from Platform #12 of the bus terminal. For more information, check this site.

From Kobe Airport you can reach Sannomiya in about 20 minutes without any transfers. To learn more, check out Catch A Lift From KIX Into Kobe On The Convenient Bay Shuttle!

From KIX to Kyoto

Kyoto is adored by both visitors from abroad and the Japanese. It was the Japanese capital for over a thousand years, and many temples, shrines and World Heritage sites are located in this city, where visitors can appreciate the charms of Japanese culture.

1. The Cheap Route - By Bus

Purchase your ticket at the ticket machine near the bus terminal, and then make your way to the following platforms:

From Terminal 1, take the bus from Platform #8 of the international arrival lobby bound for Kosoku Kyotanabe/Kyoto Station/Kyoto City; it will take about an hour and a half.

From Terminal 2, take the bus from Platform #2 of the departure/arrival lobby bound for Kosoku Kyotanabe/Kyoto Station/Kyoto City; it will take about an hour and 45 minutes.

**Please note that bus travel times are subject to traffic and weather conditions.

Arrives at: JR Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi Google Map

Fare: one way 2550 yen (adult), 1280 yen (child); round trip 4180 yen (adult)
**The round trip discount is only valid for 14 days from purchase.

2. Another Convenient Route - By Train

Using the JR Kanku Tokkyu (Limited Express) Haruka means a transfer-free trip from KIX to Kyoto. This train will take you directly to Kyoto Station, so it is recommended for those who are not familiar with the Kansai region.

From: KIX
To: Kyoto Station Google Map
Takes: an hour and 20 minutes
Fare: 3370 yen (regular ticket price 1880 yen + express surcharge 1490 yen)

**Unreserved seats are 2850 yen (including 970 yen limited express charges), and the green seats are 4130 yen (including 2250 yen limited express charges).

**This article has been updated to reflect prices/routes current as of March 2018.