Kansai Airport to Kyoto: 2 fastest ways - by JR Haruka & Bus (2025 update)
Kansai Airport and Kyoto Station are connected by the JR Haruka Train and the Limousine Bus, with a travel time as fast as 80 minutes. In this article, we will compare these two common transportation methods to get to Kyoto and provide you with essential information, including the prices, schedules, and timetables. Let's find out which option suits you best!
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Best Ways to travel to Kyoto:
1. JR HARUKA direct train to Kyoto!
Kansai Airport ⇄ Kyoto Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes Frequency: Every 30 minutes Fare: 2,200 yen >> Online Discount <<
When traveling from Kansai Airport to Kyoto, the preferred choice is undoubtedly the JR Haruka express train. It offers a direct route to Kyoto station without any transfers. The train route (shown in blue) is as follow:
Source: JR West Japan
It is highly recommended to purchase the ticket online to take advantage of discounted prices, as buying it on-site is usually more expensive.
Free JR transfer with the Haruka ticket
Source: JR West Japan
With the Haruka ticket, you can enjoy a free transfer to a JR local train once, allowing you to enter and exit selected JR stations within Kyoto, including Saga-Arashiyama (for the bamboo grove) and Inari (for Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine).
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How to redeem the Haruka discounted ticket?
If you purchase a discounted ticket online, you can collect the physical ticket at either the "White" machine (for one-way tickets) or the "Green" ticket machine (for both one-way and return tickets) at the JR station.
Please note that tickets obtained from the white machines (usually have no queues!) require a manual ticket check, which is as simple and hassle-free as going through the automatic gate.
Can I use JR Pass for HARUKA train?
Most JR Passes can be used for the Haruka train. If you plan to extensively use JR for your trip, consider purchasing the JR Kansai Area Pass, which also includes a one-day pass for the Kyoto City Subway, Keihan Electric Railway, and Hankyu Railway. It's a great way to save money while exploring Kyoto.
Alternatively, if your itinerary includes JR rides to other mid-to-long range destinations, such as Okayama, Amanohashidate, or Tottori, you may consider purchasing a broader JR Pass. For more information, refer to:
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2. Limousine Bus stops at both T1/T2!
Source: 利木津巴士
Kansai Airport ⇄ Kyoto Duration: 1h30m - 1h45m Frequency: Mainly every 30 minutes (Schedule) Fare: 2,800 yen
While the high-speed Limousine Bus takes slightly longer than JR Haruka train, it offers the advantage of stopping at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the airport. This means that passengers arriving at Terminal 2 (via Peach or Jeju Air) can directly take the bus to Kyoto without the need to take a shuttle bus to Terminal 1.
Another advantage is that each passenger can bring two pieces of luggage, totaling 30kg. You don't have to worry about your luggage during the journey, as the staff will store it in the luggage compartment under the bus.
How to redeem the bus ticket?
After purchasing the bus ticket online, you can exchange it for a physical ticket at the airport ticket machines using the QR code. Follow the instructions and queue up to board the bus.
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