Purchasing Airport Express Haruka tickets

Hi,

I have a flight to catch at the Kansai International Airport (KIX) and I will be staying close to the Shin Osaka Station. It seems like the best way to get there is via the JR Airport Express Haruka.

Am I able to purchase the tickets from the Shin Osaka station? If so, can I purchase them in advance? Or would I have enough time to buy one on the spot prior boarding.

Thanks!

Am I able to purchase the tickets from the Shin Osaka station?

Yes, at Shin-Osaka Station or any other JR station with ticket counter in Japan.

If so, can I purchase them in advance?

Yes, you can purchase them from one month in advance.

Or would I have enough time to buy one on the spot prior boarding.

That would, of course, depend on how early go to the station! If you are not familiar with ticket purchases in Japan, I would recommend to go at least 15-20 minutes in advance. There is a risk that reserved seating will be booked out, in which case you could always ride in the non-reserved section.

I usually buy my tickets using the ticket machine just prior to boarding; if you're going to buy at the counter the line can be long at times so get there early. Since your hotel is nearby it might be better to get them the night before.

Some people (not me, I like to travel leisurely so I usually have ample time to buy my tickets as I go) like to buy/book the tickets for their trip once and for all at the JR ticket office of the airport right after landing, since it's generally not very crowded.

Do you know what is the closing times for these offices? I foresee myself coming back very late the night before.

Also, would I be able to purchase these tickets back in the Tokyo Station JR office?

Thanks!

The ticket office at Shin Osaka normally closes at 23:30; on 3/31 it will be closing at 23:00.

You should be able to purchase the ticket in Tokyo.