Kansai International Airport (ŠÖ¼‹ó`, Kansai Kūkō, KIX) is one of Japan's most important international airports. Located on a man made island about 40 kilometers south of central Osaka, Kansai Airport was opened in 1994, taking over all international and some of the domestic air traffic formerly handled by Osaka's Itami Airport.
Kansai Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1, the main terminal, is housed in a long, modern building and serves both domestic and international flights by regular airlines. The railway station is located directly adjacent to it. Added in 2012 in a more remote, spartan building, terminal 2 serves low-cost airlines (LCCs). It has fewer bus connections and no train service, and is connected to terminal 1 and the railway station by a free shuttle bus.
The following train and bus lines connect Kansai Airport's terminal 1 with the nearby cities of Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and surroundings. Only a limited number of buses also stop at terminal 2.
How to travel between Kansai Airport and Central Osaka
By JR Haruka limited express train
Direct, 50 minutes, 1120-2900 yen one way to Shin-Osaka Station, 2 trains per hour
"Haruka" limited express trains connect Kansai Airport with Tennoji (30 minutes, 1740 yen by unreserved seat, about 2300 yen by reserved seat) and Shin-Osaka Station (50 minutes, 2380 yen unreserved, about 2900 yen reserved). With the Icoca & Haruka ticket, available to foreign tourists only, you can travel by non-reserved seat on the Haruka between the airport and Osaka for only 1120 yen (to Tennoji) or 1320 yen (to Shin-Osaka) if you own or purchase an Icoca prepaid card.
By JR airport rapid train
Direct, 70 minutes, 1080-1210 yen one way to Osaka Station, 2-3 trains per hour
Rapid trains connect the airport with Tennoji Station (50 minutes, 1080 yen) and Osaka Station (70 minutes, 1210 yen).
By Nankai Railways
Direct, 35-50 minutes, 930-1450 yen one way to Namba Station, frequent departures
"Rap:t" limited express trains take about 35 minutes and cost 1450 yen (all reserved) from Kansai Airport to Namba Station, while express trains do the same trip in about 45 minutes and for 930 yen. Those transferring to a subway line at Namba Station should consider the "Kanku Chikatoku Ticket" which combines the Nankai train ride from Kansai Airport to Namba Station and a subway journey from Namba Station to any subway station within Osaka for only 1020 yen one way. The ticket is also available for travel in the opposite direction.
By bus
Direct, 45-60 minutes, 1600 yen one way to central Osaka, frequent departures
There are direct airport limousine buses from Kansai Airport to various places and hotels in Osaka, including Osaka Station (60 minutes, 1600 yen) and Namba Station (45 minutes, 1100 yen).
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How to travel between Kansai Airport and Kyoto
By JR Haruka limited express train
Direct, 70 minutes, 1630-3400 yen, 2 trains per hour
The JR Haruka limited express takes about 70 minutes and costs 2900 yen by non-reserved seat or around 3400 yen by reserved seat from Kansai Airport to Kyoto. There are departures every 30 minutes. With the Icoca & Haruka ticket, available to foreign tourists only, you can do the trip by non-reserved seat for only 1630 yen if you own or purchase an Icoca prepaid card.
By JR rapid trains
1 transfer, 100 minutes, 1910 yen, 4 connections per hour
Take the JR Airport Rapid from Kansai Airport to Osaka Station and transfer to a special rapid train along the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto. The one way trip takes about 100 minutes and costs 1910 yen.
Take a Nankai express train from Kansai Airport to Tengachaya Station (40 minutes, 930 yen), and then the Sakaisuji Subway Line and Hankyu Kyoto Line to central Kyoto (about 60 minutes, 680 yen, one transfer of trains along the way, typically at Awaji, Ibarakishi or Takatsuki Station). A special ticket, the "Kyoto Access Ticket" (also known as "Kanku Access Ticket" if purchased in Kyoto), covers this route for only 1250 yen one way. This route is worth considering by people staying in central Kyoto along or around Shijo-dori Street.
Take a Nankai express train from Kansai Airport to Tengachaya Station (40 minutes, 930 yen), followed by a 10 minute ride on the Sakaisuji Subway Line to Kitahama (230 yen). From Kitahama, take the Keihan Main Line to central Kyoto (50 minutes, 420 yen). This route is worth considering by people staying in eastern Kyoto along the Keihan Line, e.g. Higashiyama or Gion.
By bus
Direct, 100 minutes, 2600 yen, 1-2 buses per hour
Direct airport buses from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station take about 100 minutes and cost 2600 yen.
By taxi
Direct, 90-150 minutes, 4300 yen per person (shuttle service), 30,000 yen (regular taxi)
By regular taxi the trip costs around 30,000 yen and takes about 90-150 minutes depending on the destination in Kyoto. Furthermore, several taxi companies operate so called "shuttle services" (mini buses shared by several passengers) between the airport and a desired location in Kyoto for around 4300 yen per person. Advance reservations are required for these "shuttle services".
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How to travel between Kansai Airport and Kobe
By bus
Direct, 75 minutes, 2000 yen, 3 buses per hour
Direct airport limousine buses from Kansai Airport to Sannomiya Station in central Kobe take about 75 minutes and cost 2000 yen.
By JR trains using the Icoca & Haruka ticket
One transfer, 90 minutes, 1530 yen, 2 connections per hour
With the Icoca & Haruka package, available for 1530 yen to foreign tourists only, you can travel between the airport and Kobe by non-reserved seat on the Haruka limited express and the JR Kobe Line via Shin-Osaka if you own or purchase an Icoca prepaid card.
By JR trains using the shinkansen
One transfer, 75 minutes, around 3500 yen, 2 connections per hour
Take the JR Haruka limited express from the airport to Shin-Osaka (50 minutes) and transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen for Shin-Kobe (15 minutes). The journey is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using a Hikari, Sakura or Kodama train between Shin-Osaka and Shin-Kobe.
By non-JR trains
One transfer, 110 minutes, 1150-1860 yen, 4 connections per hour
Take the Nankai Railway from the airport to Namba Station (45 minutes, 930 yen by express or 35 minutes, 1450 by limited express) and transfer to the Hanshin Railway to Kobe-Sannomiya Station in central Kobe (45 minutes, 410 yen). The transfer at Namba Station involves a 5-10 minute walk. A discount ticket, called the Kanku Access Ticket or Kobe Access Ticket, is available on this route for 1150 yen if you take an express train between the airport and Namba Station.
By ferry
2 transfers, 60 minutes, 2220 yen, 4 connections per hour
The Bay Shuttle, a high-speed ferry, operates between Kansai Airport and Kobe Airport. The one way journey takes 30 minutes, costs 1880 yen and includes a short shuttle bus ride between the Kansai Airport terminal building and the ferry pier. On the Kobe side, the Port Liner connects Kobe Airport with Sannomiya Station in central Kobe in 20 minutes for 340 yen.
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How to travel between Kansai Airport and Nara
By Japan Railways (JR) via Tennoji
Take the JR Haruka limited express (30 minutes) or JR airport rapid (50 minutes) from Kansai Airport to Tennoji and transfer to the JR Yamatoji Line for Nara (35 minutes). The entire one way journey costs around 2400-2900 yen if taking the Haruka or 1740 yen if taking an airport rapid. With the Icoca & Haruka ticket, available to foreign tourists only, you can do the trip by non-reserved seat for only 1430 yen if you own or purchase an Icoca prepaid card.
By Nankai Railway and Kintetsu Railway via Namba
Take Nankai Railway from Kansai Airport to Namba (45 minutes, 930 yen by express or 40 minutes, 1450 yen by Rapit) and Kintetsu Railway from Namba to Kintetsu-Nara Station (40 minutes, 570 yen by express or 35 minutes, 1090 yen by limited express).
By airport bus
Hourly airport buses connect Kansai Airport with Nara (Kintetsu and JR Nara stations, Nara Hotel). The one way journey takes about 90 minutes and costs 2100 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online, but only in the direction of the airport.
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How to travel between Kansai Airport and Itami Airport
By bus
Direct, 75 minutes, 2000 yen one way, 2 buses per hour
Airport buses directly connect Itami Airport with Kansai Airport in about 75 minutes and for 2000 yen one way.
By monorail and train
2-3 transfers, about 100 minutes, 1590-2110 yen one way, frequent connections
The journey by rail requires at least two transfers of trains along the way: take the Osaka Monorail from Itami Airport (Osaka Airport Station) for just one station to Hotarugaike Station (2 minutes, 200 yen) and transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line for Osaka-Umeda Station (15 to 20 minutes, 230 yen). From there you can get to Kansai Airport by direct JR Airport Rapid (70 minutes, 1210 yen) or subway and Nankai Railways via Namba (60 minutes, 1680 yen by limited express or 70 minutes, 1160 yen by express).
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How to travel between Kansai Airport and Itami Airport
By bus
Direct, 75 minutes, 2000 yen one way, 2 buses per hour
Airport buses directly connect Itami Airport with Kansai Airport in about 75 minutes and for 2000 yen one way.
By monorail and train
2-3 transfers, about 100 minutes, 1590-2110 yen one way, frequent connections
The journey by rail requires at least two transfers of trains along the way: take the Osaka Monorail from Itami Airport (Osaka Airport Station) for just one station to Hotarugaike Station (2 minutes, 200 yen) and transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line for Osaka-Umeda Station (15 to 20 minutes, 230 yen). From there you can get to Kansai Airport by direct JR Airport Rapid (70 minutes, 1210 yen) or subway and Nankai Railways via Namba (60 minutes, 1680 yen by limited express or 70 minutes, 1160 yen by express).
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate, click here.
Means of access to/from Kansai Airport
JR Limited Express "Haruka"
About 2000 yen, 30 minutes to Tennoji About 2500 yen, 50 minutes to Shin-Osaka About 3000 yen, 70 minutes to Kyoto Departures every 30 minutes
The Haruka is a comfortable train for travelers to and from the airport, which connects to Tennoji (a large station in southern Osaka), Shin-Osaka (the shinkansen station of Osaka) and Kyoto. Reserved and non reserved seats are available. Thanks to the Icoca & Haruka discount ticket, the Haruka can also be a relatively economical option.
JR Kansai Airport Rapid
1080 yen, 50 minutes to Tennoji 1210 yen, 70 minutes to Osaka Departures every 15 minutes
The JR Airport Line is the inexpensive JR alternative to the Haruka limited express between the airport and central Osaka, serving Tennoji, Osaka and other major stations on the Osaka Loop Line. It cuts the ticket price in half, but increases the traveling time by about 15 minutes. Unlike the Haruka, it is a normal commuter train which stops a few times between the airport and Osaka and can become crowded during rush hours.
Nankai "Rapi:t"
1450 yen, 35 minutes to Namba Departures every 30 minutes
The Nankai "Rapi:t Alpha" and "Rapi:t Beta" trains are limited express trains which connect the airport with Namba, the heart of Osaka's southern city center. Beta trains stop at two more stations than Alpha trains and are, therefore, just slightly slower than Alpha trains. Both are comfortable trains especially for travelers to and from the airport. All seats are reserved.
Nankai Airport Express
930 yen, 45 minutes to Namba Departures every 15 minutes
The Nankai Airport Express, also connecting the airport with Namba, is the cheaper but slower alternative to the "Rapi:t" trains. Unlike the "Rapi:t" trains, these trains are normal commuter trains which stop more frequently and can become crowded during rush hours.
Airport Limousine Bus
About 1500 yen, 60 minutes to central Osaka 2600 yen, 100 minutes to Kyoto 2000 yen, 75 minutes to Kobe
Airport limousine buses connect Kansai Airport with various places and hotels in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and other destinations in the Kansai Region.
Taxi
About 15,000 yen (18,000 yen late night), 50 minutes to central Osaka
Because Kansai Airport is located about 50 km outside of Osaka, a taxi ride into the city center of Osaka is very expensive and not recommended to common travelers.
Ferry
1880 yen, 30 minutes to Kobe Airport
A high speed ferry connects Kansai Airport with Kobe Airport. A shuttle bus connects the airport terminal with the ferry pier.
Late night and early morning flights
Travelers with flights departing in the early morning (before 8:00) or arriving in the late evening (after 22:00) should take note that all trains and most buses do not operate overnight. Taxis remain available, but are an expensive option with fares to Osaka starting around 18,000 yen. Affected travelers are advised to stay at a hotel in the vicinity of the airport, instead.
Late night transportation
The last train out of Kansai Airport to Osaka's Namba area departs just before midnight, while the last trains with connections to Osaka Station and Kyoto depart about half an hour earlier than that. Likewise, most last buses depart the airport around 23:00 or midnight, except for hourly buses to Osaka Station that operate throughout the night.
Early morning transportation
The first train connections in the morning from Osaka reach the airport around 6:00, while those from Kyoto do so about an hour later. Early morning buses generally also start arriving around 6:00.
Hotels around the airport
Kansai Airport is open 24 hours, and it is possible for budget travelers to spend their first or last night there. Both terminals offer a variety of 24 hour facilities such as convenience stores, fast food and restaurants, while terminal 1 additionally offers showers, a paid airport lounge and an internet cafe.
There are a couple of hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the airport:
Several more accommodation options are available around Rinku Town Station, a short train (5 minutes, 370 yen) or taxi ride (about 2500-3500 yen) away. Some hotels offer free shuttle bus services to/from the airport:
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport is directly connected with the terminal 1 building
Sightseeing attractions around the airport
Sky View Observation Hall
Hours: 8:00 to 22:00, free entry Free shuttle bus from terminal 1 departs every 20 minutes
The Sky View Observation Hall is an airport museum and observation deck. Its close proximity to one of the runways affords visitors excellent views of the planes taking off and landing at Kansai Airport. The hall is located near the ferry terminal building and is accessible by free shuttle buses (8 minutes) from terminal 1 and the Rinku Premium Outlets.
Rinku Town
Hours: typically 10:00 to 20:00 (shops), 11:00 to 22:00 (restaurants) Access by train (5 min, 370 yen) or bus from terminal 1 (20 min, 200 yen)
Rinku Town is a shopping district with a large variety of shops, restaurants and other attractions. Some of the larger complexes include Seacle, a large shopping mall with a kids theme park, hot spring and ferris wheel; the Rinku Premium Outlets with over 200 brand name outlet shops and restaurants; and an Aeon shopping mall a little further away from Rinku Town Station.
