Landing in Japan after a long-haul flight and then heading toward your destination in Kansai isn’t as complicated as you think. There are tons of options to get from the airport to the city center and depending on the time you arrive, some might be more efficient than others.
In this guide, we break down all the ways you can get to and from the airport to start exploring the region.
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Photo by: PIXTA/ adigosts Welcome to Kansai!
Kansai International Airport is one of Japan’s major airports and the closest international airport to Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. It is located about 40 kilometers southwest of Osaka station on its artificial island in Osaka Bay. The airport is 75 kilometers southwest of Kyoto and 23 kilometers southeast of Kobe, though the distance on land is about 70 kilometers.
KIX has weekly flights to 65 destinations in Asia, Australasia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. It is the hub for Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Jetstar Japan and Peach. There are two terminals: Terminal 1 is the main terminal, and Terminal 2 serves low-cost airlines.
The airport was opened in 1994 to prevent overcrowding at the original Osaka International Airport in Itami, closer to Osaka.
KIX can easily be confused with this airport, which is now typically called Itami Airport and only serves domestic flights. Ensure you know whether your flight is connected to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM).
Train
Photo by: PIXTA/ bravy100 Frequent departures to and from the airport but might pose challenges if you have tons of luggage.
Two train lines stop at the airport: the JR and Nankai lines. Both lines offer a rapid service and an express service.
The JR Haruka Express is the fastest route to Osaka and offers a direct way to Kyoto station. Those traveling to Kobe must change trains at Osaka station. The Haruka Express departs every 30 minutes.
- Osaka station: 45 minutes, ¥2,740 (unreserved seating)
- Kyoto station: 80 minutes, ¥3,440 (unreserved seating)
- Kobe Sannomiya station: from Osaka station, a further 20–40 minutes and ¥420
The cheaper JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service operates between the airport and Osaka station. From there, you can transfer to the JR Kyoto and JR Kobe lines, which offer local, rapid and express train routes.
- Osaka station: 65 minutes, ¥1,210
- Kobe Sannomiya station: from Osaka station, a further 20–40 minutes and ¥420
- Kyoto station: from Osaka station, a further 30–50 minutes and ¥580
The Nankai Rapi:t express train and the Nankai Airport Express connect the airport to Namba station in Osaka. From there, you can transfer to the Osaka subway lines, the JR line and the Hanshin line.
- Nankai Rapi:t to Namba: 35 minutes, ¥1,490
- Nankai Airport Express to Namba: 45 minutes, ¥970
Bus
Photo by: PIXTA/ のりえもん Catch one of these buses that depart three to four times an hour.
Direct limousine bus services connect KIX to several stops in central Osaka and Kyoto and Sannomiya and Rokko Island in Kobe. Bus tickets can be purchased at ticket machines on the first floor of both airport terminals. During the day, buses leave three to four times an hour, with more limited services in the early morning and late evening.
- To Osaka station and Universal Studios Japan: about one hour, ¥1,600
- To Kobe Sannomiya station: about one hour and five minutes, ¥2,000
- To Kyoto station: one and a half hours, ¥2,600
Ferry
Photo by: PIXTA/ JIRI For direct access to Kobe.
One high-speed ferry connects KIX to Kobe Airport (UKB). The ferry pier is only accessible by a shuttle bus, which departs from bus stop 12 at Terminal 1 and then stops at Terminal 2. The ferry departs about once an hour, ending at 11:50 p.m. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs ¥1,880.
Taxi and Private Transfer
Photo by: PIXTA/ ’90 Bantam The priciest option.
Taxi rides from the airport are quite expensive, so this option is not recommended. For those arriving late after bus and train services have stopped, accommodation is available by terminal 1 at Hotel Nikko and at the capsule hotel First Cabin.
- To central Osaka: ¥18,000–23,000
- To Kobe Sannomiya: ¥28,000
- To central Kyoto: ¥40,000
