The main gateway to Kyoto is the Kansai International Airport as it doesn’t have its own. Usually, people go to Kyoto on a day tour from Osaka, but if you will go straight to Kyoto from the airport, it can still be easily accessed by train or by bus. Travel time usually takes about one and a half hours.
By Train
There are two ways you can reach Kyoto from Kansai International Airport by train. If you don’t mind transferring from one train to another, you may go with the cheaper option; otherwise, you have the option to take the direct but more expensive route.
Railway lines linking Osaka and Kyoto:
- JR Shinkansen
- JR Kyoto Line
- Hankyu Railways
- Keihan Railways
Cheaper Route
- Board the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service train (for Kyobashi) to JR Osaka Station.
- From JR Osaka Station, transfer to JR Special Rapid Service train to JR Kyoto Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 120 minutes
Fare: ¥1,880
Seat Fee: None
Number of Transfer: 1 (Osaka Station)
Faster Route
- Board the Limited Express Haruka train to Kyoto Station.
- Alight at Kyoto Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 70 minutes
Fare: ¥1,880 + Seat Fee
Seat Fee: ¥970 (unreserved); ¥1,290 (reserved, lean season); ¥2,250 (green seat)
Number of Transfer: None (direct)
Train Passes and ICOCA Card
But before that, travel with ease around the Kansai region through train passes and multi-purpose prepaid card. If you are planning to visit other cities in Kansai other than Kyoto, you might want to consider getting these two: JR West Kansai Pass and ICOCA Card. Learn more about the advantages of using them, when to purchase them, and where to get them here.
By Bus
Limousine buses bound for Kyoto stop and pick up passengers at Bus Stop #8.
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours
Fare: ¥2,500 (adult); ¥1,250 (children)
Where to purchase a ticket: Airport’s arrival lobby
You can arrange an airport limousine bus service in advance online via Klook. This is convenient especially for those traveling as a family with kids and/or senior citizens. The limousine bus provides soft seating, luggage space, and even toilets! You need to redeem your physical bus ticket by presenting a printed voucher or a mobile voucher. The best thing is the physical ticket is open-dated, so you can pick it up your on any date within 6 months from the booking date.
Redemption counter is at Kansai Airport Terminal 1, specifically at EASYGO (HIS) counter (1/F) next to the North Exit at the Arrival Hall.
Kyoto Essentials
 Kyoto Pocket Wi-fi Stay Internet-connected while in Kyoto! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 Kansai-Kyoto Limousine Bus Hassle-free airport to Kyoto transfer! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 ICOCA Card Easy access to train, subway and buses! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 JR Pass Unlimited train rides within the JR network. ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
Top Kyoto Hotels
 The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Hotel Granvia Kyoto ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Aoi Hotel Kyoto – Luxury Apartment ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
