Traveling from Osaka to Kyoto and back is easier than ever. The two cities are well-connected and there are numerous travel options.
The fastest way to travel from Osaka to Kyoto and back is by rail, and there are 4 different lines you can take. Using your JR Pass, you can catch a Shinkansen bullet train which only takes around 15 minutes.
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Osaka to Kyoto by Shinkansen bullet train
The Shinkansen service which runs from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station is the fastest way and it’s covered by the JR Pass. The bullet train time is only 15 minutes or less and covers a distance of 56.4km. If you don’t have a JR Pass, the Shinkansen price for this journey is 5,907 yen.
The available train services between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto Station by the Tokaido Shinkansen are Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama. JR Pass holders can ride on a Nozomi service if they pay a supplemental fee.
There are Shinkansen departing from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto Station from 6:00 a.m to 08:01 p.m., one every 9 minutes or less, including Nozomi trains. The same applies to the inverse route, from Kyoto to Osaka.
The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to transportation all around Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days, including Shinkansen.
A single ticket, huge savings.
Travel by non-Shinkansen train: JR Kyoto line
Kyoto StationAlthough there are 16 stations along this line, only local trains stop at all of them. The Special Rapid is the fastest and most convenient service in this line since it only stops at Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Takatsuki and Kyoto.
The Special Rapid trains run between Osaka Station (departing from platforms 8, 9 and 10) and Kyoto Station and they take between 24 and 29 minutes (depending on the train schedule). Though they are slower than the bullet trains it’s the quickest way if you’re close to Osaka Station. Tickets are only 560 yen (or free with a JR Pass).
As well as Special Rapid Trains, you can take the Limited Express Thunderbird fully covered by your JR Pass (without it, the price of the ride is between 1210 and 1930 yen). This train runs from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station passing only by Shin-Osaka, and from Kyoto to Osaka. The journey takes 30 minutes.
If you're looking to extensively explore a specific area of Japan, choose one of the JR Regional Passes for unlimited travel within a designated region.
Non-JR train lines between Osaka and Kyoto
Hankyu Railway is a private company which is not covered by the JR Pass. The Hankyu Kyoto line goes from Hankyu Umeda Station to central Kyoto in 44 minutes. Though it’s not the quickest, it only costs 400 yen so it’s a good option if you haven’t got a JR Pass. It also provides easy access to attractions in western Kyoto.
A limited express train takes you on the Keihan main line from Yodoyabashi Station to Sanjo Station in 55 minutes and costs 410 yen. It’s a handy option for sightseeing as stops close to many of Kyoto’s most iconic sights. It’s run by a private company not covered by the JR Pass.
Osaka to Kyoto by bus
Alternatively, there are several bus routes that cover the journey from Osaka to Kyoto.
| Departure Point | Arrival Point | Duration | Fare (approx.) | Operator | Buses per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka Station | Kyoto Station | 1h 20m | 900 yen | Keihan Bus | 6 – 7 |
| Namba OCAT | Kyoto Station | 1h 30m | 900 yen | Keihan Bus | 7 – 8 |
| Kansai Airport (KIX) | Kyoto Station | 1h 45m | 2,550 yen | Limousine Bus | 15 – 20 |
| Universal Studios Japan | Kyoto Station | 1h 10m | 900 yen | Keihan Bus | 1 (weekends only) |
Kansai International Airport to Kyoto
The journey from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Kyoto takes longer than from central Osaka. The fastest option is the Haruka Express (limited express) which takes 70 minutes to get to Kyoto Station. It’s covered by the JR Pass, and the Kansai Area Pass and other regional passes, but costs 1,880 yen if you don’t have one of these.
There’s also a slower, cheaper option (covered by the JR Pass). You can take JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service train (for Kyobashi) to JR Osaka Station, then transfer to JR Special Rapid Service train (for Nagahama) to JR Kyoto Station.
Kansai Airport to Kyoto by bus
There are ‘limousine buses’ which run twice an hour from the arrival lobby. The journey takes around 2 hours. You can buy tickets at the airport or online.