When touring the Kansai area, not only in Osaka Prefecture, where Kansai International Airport (KIX, commonly known as "Kanku") is located, but also in neighboring Kyoto Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, and Wakayama Prefecture, there are many people who want to travel around all at once, aren't there?
For those who are concerned about the time and cost of transportation from the airport to each prefecture, this time, following the transportation from Kansai International Airport to the center of Osaka, we will introduce the access methods to the main stations of the aforementioned 4 prefectures.
※The information appearing in this article is all as of January 2024. Please check the official website etc. for the latest event information in advance.
※The required time for each transportation method is an approximate time from Kansai Airport Station or Kansai International Airport Terminal 2 Bus Stop to the destination. It may vary slightly depending on the train or flight used.
What kind of transportation is there from Kansai International Airport to the Kansai area?
The means of transportation from Kansai International Airport to the 4 prefectures adjacent to Osaka vary depending on the destination.
For the direction of Kyoto, Hyogo, and Nara, mainly use JR West's express or transfer by train, while for visiting the southern Wakayama, the Nankai Electric Railway's Nankai Airport Line is often used. Both railway companies can be boarded from Kansai Airport Station, which is directly connected to the 2F of the 1st Terminal Building and the 2F of the Aeroplaza Building.
In addition, there are limousine buses that can take you to various places without transfers, and the "Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle", a high-speed boat that connects Hyogo and Kobe Airport by waterway.
1. JR West Japan (Limited Express Haruka, Kansai Airport Rapid, etc.) Travel Time and Fares
When traveling from Kansai International Airport to each prefecture by JR West Japan, it is common to use the limited express train "Haruka" or the rapid train "Kansai Airport Rapid".Kyotois directly accessible by the "Haruka", but transfers are necessary to go to other prefectures. Since there are various transfer stations and routes, make sure to check to avoid getting on the wrong train.
| Destination | (Kyoto Station) | (Kyoto Station) | (Sannomiya Station) | (Nara Station) | (Wakayama Station) |
| Airport Access Train | Limited Express Haruka | Kansai Airport Rapid | Limited Express Haruka or Kansai Airport Rapid | Limited Express Haruka or Kansai Airport Rapid | Kansai Airport Rapid |
| Transfer | None | At Osaka Station to Kyoto Line | At Osaka Station to Kobe Line | At Tennoji Station to Yamatoji Rapid | At Higashino Station to Kishuji Rapid |
| Travel Time (Estimated) | Standard Fare | About 80 minutes｜ | About 110 minutes｜1,910 yen | About 110 minutes｜1,740 yen (*2) | About 90 minutes｜1,740 yen (*2) | About 50 minutes｜900 yen (*2) |
*1: This is the regular one-way fare for adults
*2: This is the one-way fare for adults to each transfer station on the Kansai Airport Rapid Service
Haruka Limited Express
Operating route: Kansai Airport Station - Shin-Osaka Station - Kyoto Station, Kusatsu Station, Yasu Station
Through Tennoji Station, Osaka Station, and Shin-Osaka Station, you can travel from Kansai International Airport to the Kyoto area without changing trains on the "Limited Express Haruka". It takes about 45 minutes to Osaka Station and about 80 minutes to Kyoto Station, making it the fastest way to travel from the airport to each destination.
Most of the trains are wrapped in a Hello Kitty design in traditional Japanese clothing, and there is also a luggage space where you can place suitcases and other items. Only short-term foreign visitors can purchase the one-way discount ticket "Haruka One-way Ticket" (Kansai Airport Station - Kyoto Station | 2,200 yen) and the "JR-WEST RAIL PASS" is also available.
- Official website: https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel/shopping/access/train.html
Kansai Airport Rapid Service & Kishuji Rapid Service
Operating Section:
【Kansai Airport Rapid Service】Kansai Airport Station - Hineno Station - Tennoji Station
【Kishuji Rapid Service】Tennoji Station - Hineno Station - Wakayama Station
The rapid train, "Kanku Rapid", operates at 15-minute intervals during the daytime. Although the travel time to Osaka Station is slightly longer than the Limited Express Haruka at about 65 minutes, it is characterized by its reasonable fare.
To go to Hyogo or Nara, it is smooth to change trains at Osaka Station or Tennoji Station. To go to Wakayama, if you change to the "Kishuji Rapid" at Hineno Station, you will arrive at Wakayama Station in about 30 minutes.
※Please always confirm the latest information on the official JR West Japan website.
2. Travel Time and Fare for Nankai Electric Railway (Limited Express Rapit, Airport Express, Limited Express Southern)
If you take the Nankai Electric Railway's Limited Express Rapit or Airport Express, you can quickly get to Namba Station, which is close to the downtown area, or Shin-Imamiya Station, where the Osaka Loop Line and Kansai Main Line stop. Make sure to check the information about transfer stations and connecting trains in advance on the official website or app, and plan your trip to move smoothly.
| Destination | (Kyoto Station) | (Kobe Sannomiya Station) | (Kintetsu Nara Station) | (Wakayama City Station) |
| Airport Access Train | Limited Express Rapit or Airport Express | (Same as left) | (Same as left) | Limited Express Rapit, Airport Express or Local |
| Transfer |
|
|
|
|
| Travel Time (Estimate*3) | Standard Fare | About 110 minutes | 1,920 yen | About 110 minutes | 1,390 yen | About 95 minutes | 1,650 yen | About 40 minutes | 920 yen *Additional 520 yen is required for reserved seats on the Limited Express Southern |
*3: The above is the one-way fare for adults when using the Airport Express to the transfer station in 1.
Limited Express Rapit, Airport Express
Operating section: Kansai Airport Station - Izumisano Station - Namba Station
When heading to each transfer station from Kansai International Airport, it is convenient to use the airport limited express "Limited Express Rapi:t" with all seats reserved or the "Airport Express" that does not require a limited express ticket. The former is equipped with a covered luggage rack and a carry-on luggage space in the car, and the latter is characterized by being able to ride at a relatively low cost.
There are two types of "Limited Express Rapi:t", "Limited Express Rapi:t α" and "Limited Express Rapi:t β", which have different numbers of stops, but both stop at Izumisano Station, Shin-Imamiya Station, and Namba Station, so there is no problem if you use the first train.
If you are heading towards Wakayama, one of the methods is to change to the "Limited Express Southern" at Izumisano Station, which is two stations from Kansai Airport Station, or to use a local train that stops at each station.
Limited Express Southern
Operating section: Namba Station - Izumisano Station - Wakayama Port Station
The "Limited Express Southern", which connects Osaka・Namba and Wakayama, is a limited express train that operates from Izumisano Station to Wakayama City Station and Wakayama Port Station in about 30 minutes.
There are four cars with reserved seats that require a seat reservation fee (520 yen), and four cars with non-reserved seats that can be used with just a ticket. Reserved seat tickets need to be purchased in advance either online or at the counter.
3. Travel Time and Fare for the Airport Limousine Bus
The limousine bus saves you the trouble of changing trains. Although the travel time is longer compared to the railway, you can easily move to the main stations in the Kansai area from the airport without changing trains, just by checking in your luggage.
| Destination | Kyoto | Hyogo | Nara | Wakayama |
| Example of stops within the prefecture | Kyoto Station, etc. | Kobe Sannomiya Station, Himeji Station, etc. | Nara Station, etc. | Wakayama Station, etc. |
| Travel time (estimate) | Standard fare | About 85-90 minutes to Kyoto Station | 2,600 yen | About 65-75 minutes to Kobe Sannomiya Station | 2,000 yen About 125-140 minutes to Himeji Station | 3,400 yen | About 103 minutes to Nara Station | 2,400 yen | About 40 minutes to Wakayama Station | 1,200 yen |
| Bus company | Kansai Airport Transportation, Keihan Bus, Hankyu Sightseeing Bus | Kansai Airport Transportation, Hanshin Bus, Hankyu Sightseeing Bus | Kansai Airport Transportation, Nara Kotsu | Kansai Airport Transportation, Wakayama Bus |
As the number of daily operations varies depending on the destination, it is recommended to check the timetable of each bus company before departure. Also, some services may depart from Terminal 1 without going through Terminal 2.
- Official Website:【Kansai Airport Transportation】https://www.kate.co.jp/
4. Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle
The high-speed boat 'Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle', which connects Kansai International Airport and Hyogo・Kobe Airport, operates 32 flights a day. The one-way trip takes about 30 minutes (*9), and it takes about 50 minutes including the time to move from the terminal building of each airport to the pier.
If you transfer to the unmanned Port Liner from Kobe Airport, you can access Sannomiya Station, a representative urban area of Hyogo, in about 18 minutes. Also, compared to the limousine bus, it's nice to have a space where you can stretch your legs under the seat.
| Destination | Kobe Airport (Marine Access Terminal Pier) |
| Travel Time (Estimated) | Regular Fare | About 30 minutes (*4) | One-way 1,880 yen, round trip discount 3,060 yen Inbound discount price (for short-term stayers) one-way 500 yen |
*4: Some flights from Kansai International Airport take about 36 minutes
Please note that in case of cancellation due to bad weather, a substitute bus will be used, and the travel time will be about 90 minutes.
- Official website: https://www.kobe-access.jp/
Transportation from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Prefecture (Kyoto Station)
| Limited Express Haruka | Kansai Airport Rapid & Kyoto Line (New Rapid) | Limousine Bus (Keihan Bus, Hankyu Sightseeing Bus, etc.) | |
| Route | Kansai Airport Station ↓ Kyoto Station | Kansai Airport Station ↓ ↓Change to Kyoto Line (Rapid) Kyoto Station | Between Kansai International Airport Terminals (2nd & 1st) ↓ Kyoto Station |
| Travel Time｜Standard Fare | About 80 minutes｜ ※The above price is for a one-way adult fare during normal periods | About 110 minutes｜1,910 yen | About 85～90 minutes｜2,600 yen |
We recommend traveling to Kyoto Station, the largest terminal station in Kyoto, by JR train. If you want to move as quickly as possible, use the "Haruka Limited Express". If you want to move reasonably even if it takes some time, use the "Kansai Airport Rapid & Kyoto Line (New Rapid)".
Limousine buses operate approximately 1-2 services per hour from morning to night. Choose the means that suits your travel needs, and it is a good idea to wisely use trains and buses.
Transportation from Kansai International Airport to Hyogo Prefecture (Kobe Sannomiya Station / Sannomiya Station)
| Kansai Airport Rapid & Kobe Line (Rapid) | Limousine Bus (Hanshin Bus, Hankyu Sightseeing Bus, etc.) | Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle | |
| Route | Kansai Airport Station ↓ ↓Change to Kobe Line (Rapid) Sannomiya Station | Between Kansai International Airport Terminals (2nd & 1st) ↓ Sannomiya Station, Kobe | Kansai International Airport Terminal (2nd & 1st) ↓Kobe-Kanku Bay Shuttle ↓Kobe Airport ↓Port Liner Sannomiya Station ※Move between each terminal building and the pier by shuttle bus |
| Travel Time｜Standard Fare | Approximately 110 minutes｜1,740 yen | Approximately 65～75 minutes｜2,000 yen | Approximately 80 minutes | 2,220 yen |
From Kansai International Airport to Sannomiya, Kobe City, the busiest downtown area in Hyogo, there are mainly three modes of transportation: railway, limousine bus, and high-speed boat. There is not much difference in travel time and cost between these modes of transportation, so the limousine bus, which requires no transfer, is recommended.
By the way, there are four stations around Sannomiya with different names depending on the railway company: "Sannomiya", "Kobe Sannomiya", "Sannomiya" and "Sannomiya Hanadokei-mae", but all are within a 10-minute walk.
Transportation from Kansai International Airport to Nara Prefecture (Nara Station)
| Kansai Airport Rapid & Yamatoji Rapid | Airport Express & Yamatoji Rapid | Limousine Bus (Kansai Airport Transportation, Nara Transportation) | |
| Route | Kansai Airport Station ↓ Tennoji Station ↓Change to Yamatoji Rapid Nara Station | Kansai Airport Station ↓ Shin-Imamiya Station ↓Transfer to Yamatoji Rapid Nara Station | Between Kansai International Airport Terminals (2nd & 1st) ↓ Nara Station |
| Travel Time｜Standard Fare | Approximately 90 minutes｜1,740 yen | Approximately 80 minutes｜1,550 yen | Approximately 103 minutes｜2,400 yen *The journey takes about 85 minutes for services passing through Yamato Nishi-Oji Station |
From the bustling areas of Osaka such as Namba and Tennoji, you can reach Nara in less than an hour by train. There is not much difference in travel time between the train and the limousine bus to get to Nara Station, the terminal station. However, as there are only five limousine buses a day, depending on the departure time, it may be smoother to travel by train for sightseeing.
Transportation from Kansai International Airport to Wakayama Prefecture (Wakayama Station & Wakayama City Station)
| Kanku Rapid & Kishuji Rapid | Airport Express & Limited Express Southern | Limousine Bus (Kansai Airport Transportation, Wakayama Bus) | |
| Route | Kansai Airport Station ↓ Hineno Station ↓Change to Kishuji Rapid Wakayama Station | Kansai Airport Station ↓ Izumisano Station ↓Transfer to Limited Express Southern Wakayama City Station | Between Kansai International Airport Terminals (2nd & 1st) ↓ Wakayama Station |
| Travel Time｜Standard Fare | About 50 minutes｜900 yen | About 40 minutes｜920 yen | About 40 minutes｜1,200 yen |
Wakayama's terminal stations are JR Wakayama Station and Nankai Electric Railway Wakayama City Station. However, as these two stations are about 3km apart, it is recommended to decide your route in advance according to your destination or accommodation.
The basic way to get to Wakayama Station is by the "Kansai Airport Rapid & Kishuji Rapid" and the limousine bus, and to Wakayama City Station by the "Airport Express & Limited Express Southern". However, as there are only four limousine buses a day, you may arrive earlier by train depending on your departure time.
Enjoy the Kansai area with the best transportation from Kansai International Airport!
Due to the well-developed transportation from Kansai International Airport to the Kansai area, the best transportation method varies depending on your destination. As this greatly affects your travel plans, be sure to understand the time and means of transportation to your destination in advance.
Summary of transportation from Kansai International Airport to the center of Osaka
Recommended sightseeing spots & activities in the Kansai area
- A must-see for those traveling to Kansai in winter! Summary of recommended illumination events in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe from December to February
- Kansai's Three Major Towers - Enjoy the superb views and gourmet food!
- 4 highlights of "Solaniwa Onsen", one of the largest hot spring theme parks in the Kansai region
- 【FUN! JAPAN Recommended】10 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Kansai, Japan
- Where to eat reasonable Japanese domestic beef? Osaka's best budget all-you-can-eat yakiniku culture & recommended restaurants
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