For this guide, we chose the Namba district as our endpoint in Osaka, due to its close proximity to the city’s major attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas.
It takes about an hour to get from Kansai International Airport to Osaka’s Namba District; when making an itinerary, make sure to take travel time into consideration. There are several ways you can get to the city center from the airport:
Kansai Airport to Namba by TRAIN
Two railway operators provide services to and from the airport: JR West and Nankai. Only Nankai, however, stops at Namba. Taking a JR train would require a transfer before arriving at Namba.
Within Kansai airport, train terminals are located on the second floor, right next to the Arrival Hall. To get there, take an escalator and cross the footbridge to get to the station.
Two main Nankai trains operate within the airport station: the NANKAI AIRPORT EXPRESS and NANKAI LIMITED EXPRESS RAPI:T (Rapit).
The Nankai Airport Express is the regular train. It is slower but cheaper. The Nankai Airport Express has no option for reserved seats, so if there are no spots left, you need to stand.
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Fare: 920 yen
On the other hand, Nankai Limited Express Rapit is the premium variety. You’re reserved a seat, and the train ride is much faster compared to the Airport Express. The train itself looks futuristic, with the front wagon resembling the head of a robot. It also comes with comfortable, single-seat chairs and posh interiors.
Travel Time: 38 minutes
Fare: ¥920 + ¥510 seat fee
If you’re going to reserve a seat at the Limited Express Rapi:t, you can do so via Klook. Here’s how:
- RESERVE A TICKET HERE
- Once your reservation is confirmed, an online voucher will be sent to your mail. You can have it printed or saved in your device.
- Upon your arrival at Kansai, proceed to the HIS Counter, found at the Arrival Hall. A Klook logo is usually displayed by the counter to guide you.
- Show your voucher to the staff. Once confirmed, they will provide you with a physical voucher. Cross to the other building where the train station is located.
- Proceed to the Nankai Ticketing Center, and have your physical voucher exchanged with a train ticket. Give yourself at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ride.
- Use your ticket to enter the Nankai train.
Kansai Airport to Namba by Bus
Another way to get to Namba is by shuttle. The bus will take you to the Osaka City Air Terminal, located in Namba. The first bus departs at 6:10 in the morning, the last at 10:40 at night.
Average travel time is an hour, but this will depend on traffic and other factors.
- When you arrive, proceed to the Arrival Hall, where the counter for OCAT Airport Bus is located.
- Buy a ticket. The fare is at JPY 1050. Make sure to provide your passport as they will require it. Once the transaction is complete, you will be given a white ticket and a green receipt.
- Proceed to the Departure Platform; usually, this is Platform 11, but this can change occasionally. The bus will arrive on this platform.
- Luggage and large bags will be tagged by the staff and brought to the bus’ storage compartment. You will be given a claim stub, which you’ll give to the staff upon arrival to claim your luggage. Don’t lose this!
- The driver will check your ticket when you board the bus. You’ll be assigned a seat number.
- Alight once you get to OCAT. Don’t forget to claim your bags.
Osaka Essentials
 Osaka Pocket Wi-fi Stay Internet-connected while in Osaka! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 Japan Local SIM Local SIM Card with data plan! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 Universal Studios Japan 1-Day Pass Ride all you can at Universal Studios! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 Osaka Amazing Pass Unlimited subway rides and free entry to attractions. ➡️ 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 Osaka Hotels
 Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Khaosan World Tennoji ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 APA Hotel Higashi-Umeda Minami-morimachi-Ekimae ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
