How to get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto

This page introduces the means to get from Kansai Airport to How to get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto as well as the time and price it takes to get there.

We will also introduce the necessary procedures after arriving at Kansai Airport and convenient services at Kansai Airport.

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Is there a direct means of transportation from Kansai Airport to Kyoto?

The means by which you can go directly from Kansai Airport to Kyoto are as follows.

Bus

Advantages of using

  • The only way to go directly from the airport terminal to Kyoto.
  • There is no problem even if your luggage is a little large.

List of transportation methods from Kansai Airport to Kyoto

MeansFeeTime required
Train1,910 yen1 hours 37 minutes〜
Bus2,800 yen1 hours 25 minutes
Night bus2,800 yen1 hours 29 minutes
Taxi36,200 yen3 hours 38 minutes

What is the most recommended method of transportation?

While each mode of transportation has its advantages, I most recommend the bus route.

Why Bus are recommended

We recommend taking the bus route from Kansai Airport to Kyoto. The bus route is the only method that does not require transfers. If you are visiting Japan for the first time, choosing a route with as few transfers as possible will help you avoid getting lost.

Taking a cab requires no transfers, but is more expensive. Taking a train requires many transfers and is not recommended.

Information about Train and Bullet Train or Bus

Train

PriceTime required
1,910 yen1 hours 37 minutes〜
First timeFinal time
5:3523:39
Stool Frequency
4〜5 flights per hour

Flow of Movement

STEP
Get on Kansai Airport

Head from Kansai Airport to Namba Station.(Nankai Airport Line)

STEP
Get on Namba Station

Head from Namba Station to Osaka Station.(Midosuji Line)

STEP
Get on Osaka Station

Head from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station.(JR Tokaido Sanyo Main Line New Rapid)

STEP
Arrived at Kyoto Station

Arrived at Kyoto.

Type of Vehicle Used
「Nankai Airport Line」「Midosuji Line」「JR Tokaido Sanyo Main Line New Rapid」

Bus

PriceTime required
2,800 yen1 hours 25 minutes
First timeFinal time
6:4522:52
Stool Frequency
2 flights per hour

Flow of Movement

STEP
Get on Kansai Airport

Head from Kansai Airport T2 to Kyoto Hachijo Exit.

STEP
Arrived at Kyoto Hachijo Exit

Arrived at Kyoto.

Type of Vehicle Used
「Bus」

Night bus

PriceTime required
2,800 yen1 hours 29 minutes
First timeFinal time
22:0322:20
Stool Frequency
2 flights a day.

Flow of Movement

STEP
Get on Kansai Airport

Head from Kansai Airport T2 to Kyoto Hachijo Exit.

STEP
Arrived at Kyoto Hachijo Exit

Arrived at Kyoto.

Type of Vehicle Used
「Night bus」

It can be crowded at certain times of the year and at certain times of the day. The number of buses is limited, so it is recommended to make reservations in advance.

Kansai Airport to Kyoto:Great Ticket Deals

Here are some great ticket deals from Kansai Airport to Kyoto. Please refer to them and try to save money on your trip to Kyoto.

  • Kanku Kaisoku Rapid and Limited Express “Haruka
    Discount tickets that include a train ticket and a limited express ticket may be available. You can save money if you purchase the tickets in advance.
  • ICOCA card
    If you purchase an ICOCA card in advance, you can save a little on the fare and it is also convenient.
  • Round-trip discount
    Some travel agencies and online sites offer discounts for round-trip purchases.
  • Early Bird Discounts and Campaigns
    Check the official websites of JR and private railway companies, and you may find limited time offers and early-bird tickets.
  • Packages with Hotels
    Finding a plan that includes a hotel in Kyoto may save you money, including transportation costs.

Other articles below introduce train tickets available within Kyoto. It will be easier to understand if you also take a look at this article.

Information about Taxi or Transfer Service

Taxi

PriceTime required
36,200 yen3 hours 38 minutes

Flow of Movement

STEP
Get on Kansai Airport

Head from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station.

STEP
Arrived at Kyoto Station

Arrived at Kyoto.

How to get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto by rental car

It is possible to rent a car from Kansai Airport to Kyoto. However, it takes about 1.5 hours by expressway (toll). It is not an impossible distance to drive, but driving in an unfamiliar country is not recommended.

If you have been here more than once, it is a convenient way to stop in Osaka and then visit Kyoto.

What you need to drive in Japan

To drive in Japan, you will need either a Japanese driver’s license, an international driver’s license, or a driver’s license from a country or region that has a licensing system recognized as being of a level equivalent to that of foreign countries for driving automobiles and other vehicles.

Japanese driver’s license

To obtain a driver’s license in Japan, you are required to submit a certificate of residence showing your permanent address. Foreign residents can also obtain a driver’s license by presenting a certificate of residence.

International Driver’s License

It is issued at the police station of each country and can be driven in Japan within its one-year validity period. Since it cannot be issued in Japan, be sure to obtain one in your own country beforehand.

Driver’s license of your own country

The countries of Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, and Monaco can be driven in Japan without an international driver’s license, as long as it is accompanied by a license from their country and an official translation.

Avoid the crowds! Best Time to Kyoto from Kansai Airport

If you want to avoid congestion on your way from Kansai Airport to Kyoto, please note the following points.

  • Off-season
    January through March or November through early December are less crowded due to fewer tourists.
  • Weekdays
    Especially from Tuesday to Thursday, there are fewer tourists than on weekends or Mondays.
  • Early morning or late evening
    If you leave early in the morning or travel later in the evening, trains are more comfortable and free!

However, there are many inbound tourists these days, so even the above schedule may be crowded. In particular, Kyoto is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Japan, so it is unlikely that there will be no people at all.

Procedure after arriving at Kansai Airport

International flight

  • Quarantine
  • Immigration
  • Baggage claim
  • Plant and animal quarantine
  • Customs inspection
  • Proceed to the arrival lobby

Domestic flight

  • Retrieve baggage
  • Proceed to the arrival lobby

Convenient services available after arriving at Kansai Airport

Pocket WiFi Rental Service

With our pocket WiFi rental service, you can connect to the internet as soon as you arrive. You can do various things at a comfortable speed, such as doing research and arranging transportation.

TerminalNumber of Stores
First Terminal13 stores
Second Terminal5 stores
Recommend Stores
Kansai International Airport Terminal 1, 1F International Arrivals Lobby “Global WiFi x NINJA WiFi” Counter

Foreign Currency Exchange Service

There are many currency exchange offices at Kansai Airport. We will introduce currency exchange offices in each terminal. There is also a money exchange machine in the area after immigration.

TerminalNumber of pieces
First Terminal6 stores
Second Terminal2 stores
Recommend Stores
1st floor Travelex International Arrival Lobby North Store

Baggage Delivery Service

A baggage delivery service is a service that delivers your luggage for a trip or business trip from your home to the airport on your outbound journey, or from the airport to your home on your return journey.

TerminalNumber of pieces
First Terminal3 stores
Second Terminal1 stores
Recommend Stores
4th floor Kita Kansai Airport Baggage Service

Shower Facilities Service

You can use a shower for an average of 1,000 yen. In addition to shower facilities at Kansai Airport, there are also facilities where you can take a bath. There are also accommodation facilities within the airport.

TerminalNumber of pieces
First Terminal2 stores
Second Terminal0 stores
Recommend Stores
Terminal 1 KIX Airport Cafe Lounge NODOKA

Recommended pocket WiFi rental at Kansai Airport

NINJA WiFi

Distributors:Vision Inc. Payment Method:Credit Card
Reservation Deadline:1 Day Before the Pick-up Date By 3:00 p.m. Japan Time

NINJA WiFi has the highest number of receiving locations. Of course, you can also pick it up at Kansai Airport.In order to pick it up at Kansai Airport, please complete your application by 3pm the day before.

Check the NINJA WiFi Counter MAP at Kansai Airport
Name of Airport
Kansai International Airport Terminal 1, 1F International Arrivals Lobby “Global WiFi x NINJA WiFi” Counter
Business Hours
6:30 a.m. ~ 10:30 p.m.
Pick-upReturnOn the day
“Global WiFi x NINJA WiFi” Counter MAP

JAPAN WIRELESS

Distributors:Inbound Platform Corp. Payment Method:Credit Card
Reservation Deadline:【Post Office】1 Day Before, 【JAL ABC Counter】2 Day Before

All plans of Japan Wireless are unlimited, so you can use it without worrying about the amount of data. It has also received good reviews from over 800,000 customers.

Check the JAPAN WIRELESS Counter MAP at Kansai Airport
Name of Airport
Kansai International Airport Terminal “JAL ABC” Counter
Business Hours
7:00 ~ 21:00
Reservation Deadline
【Pickup Before 12PM】2 Day Before By 16PM (JST)
【Pickup After 12PM】2 Day Before By 16PM (JST)
Pick-upReturnOn the day
“JAL ABC” Counter MAP

WiFi BOX

Distributors:Telecom Square, Inc. Payment Method:Credit Card
Reservation Deadline:OK just before pick up WiFi

WiFi BOX can be rented on the day without prior reservation if you have a device. There is no staff at the pick-up counter, so pick-up and return is easy and contactless.

Check the WiFi BOX Counter MAP at Kansai Airport
Name of Airport
Kansai International Airport Terminal 1, 4F Departure Lobby Baggage Service Counter
Business Hours
24 hours
Pick-upReturnOn the day
Baggage Service Counter MAP
Name of Airport
Kansai International Airport Terminal 1, 4F Departure Lobby E and F Counter side
Business Hours
24 hours
Pick-upReturnOn the day
E and F Counter side MAP
Name of Airport
Kansai International Airport Terminal 1, 1F North Arrival Lobby Counter
Business Hours
24 hours
Pick-upReturnOn the day
North Arrival Lobby Counter MAP
Name of Airport
Kansai International Airport Terminal 2, 1F Counter
Business Hours
24 hours
Pick-upReturnOn the day
North Arrival Lobby Counter MAP
Name of Airport
Kansai International Airport Terminal 2, 1F Arrival Hall Side Counter
Business Hours
24 hours
Pick-upReturnOn the day
North Arrival Lobby Counter MAP

Tour Introduction in Kyoto

Kyoto is one of the prefectures in Japan with the largest number of tourist attractions. The distance to each tourist attraction can be great, making it difficult for first-time visitors to Japan to get around efficiently.

One option for first-time visitors is to join a tour. Some tour guides speak good English, and you may be able to hear information that only they know. Please refer to the following tour articles.

Is Kansai Airport closer to Osaka or Kyoto?

Kansai Airport is located in Osaka Prefecture, so those going to Osaka are close, but it is also accessible to Kyoto. It takes about 30 minutes from Kansai Airport to Osaka by train, and about 1 hour to Kyoto.

If you have time to spare, you could say that heading to Kyoto after sightseeing in Osaka is a way to enjoy Japan more. Please consider it.

It is difficult to visit both in one day, so it would be nice if you can make time for one day in each city.

Summary

The most recommended means of transportation from Kansai Airport to Kyoto.

Bus

Advantages of using

  • You can go to Kyoto without changing trains.
  • It’s a little more expensive than the train, but your luggage won’t get in the way.
  • The time required is also the shortest

Recommended services at Kansai Airport

Pocket WiFi Rental Service

Advantages of using

  • You can use the internet as soon as you arrive
  • There are many counters so you can receive it on the way.
  • To return, just put it in the post

Below we introduce the pocket WiFi rental service at Kansai Airport in more detail.

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