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 from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, which only takes around 15 minutes.
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Osaka to Kyoto by Shinkansen bullet train
The Shinkansen service from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station is the fastest way, taking around 13 to 15 minutes over approximately 39 km. Hikari and Kodama services are covered by the JR Pass.
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 train if they pay a supplemental fee.
Without a JR Pass, a one-way adult non-reserved ticket costs 1,450 yen. Reserved-seat fares are higher and vary by train and travel date.
There are Shinkansen departing from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto Station from 6:00 a.m to 10:30 p.m. In the reverse direction, services run from around 6:55 a.m. to 11:32 p.m., with intervals varying throughout the day.
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
Although there are 17 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 and Kyoto Station and they take arround 29 minutes. Check the departure board for the platform.
Though they are slower than the bullet trains, it’s the quickest way if you’re close to Osaka Station. The journey is covered by a JR Pass, or adult tickets are 580 yen.
As well as Special Rapid trains, you can take the Limited Express Thunderbird, fully covered by your JR Pass. All Thunderbird seats are reserved, so reserve a seat before boarding.
Without a JR Pass, the regular-season adult fare is 1,870 yen, with the price varying by travel date. The train stops at Shin-Osaka, and some services also stop at Takatsuki. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
Limited Express Thunderbird
As well as Special Rapid Trains, you can take the Limited Express Thunderbird fully covered by your JR Pass. All seats are reserved, so reserve a seat before boarding.
Without a JR Pass, the standard adult one-way fare for an ordinary-car reserved seat ranges from 1,670 to 2,270 yen depending on the travel date.
This train runs between Osaka Station and Kyoto Station, stopping at Shin-Osaka. Some services also stop at Takatsuki. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
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 runs from Osaka-umeda Station to Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, with Limited Express services taking around 43 to 48 minutes.
Though it’s not the quickest, an adult one-way fare is only 410 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 arround 50 minutes and costs 490 yen. It’s a handy option for sightseeing as it 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 limited direct bus services from Osaka to Kyoto. The Kyoto Express New Star operates from Hotel New Otani Osaka and several stops in Higashi-Osaka.
| Departure Point | Arrival Point | Duration | Fare (approx.) | Operator | Buses per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel New Otani Osaka | Kyoto Station | 1h 40m | 1,100 yen | Osaka Bus | 1 |
| Higashi-Osaka Fuse Station | Kyoto Station | 1h 15m | 1,000 yen | Osaka Bus | 5 |
The Kansai International Airport limousine bus is covered separately below
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 arround 80 minutes to get to Kyoto Station.
It’s covered by the JR Pass, and the Kansai Wide Area Pass and other regional passes. Without a pass, a standard adult one-way non-reserved ticket costs 3,060 yen. Eligible temporary visitors can also buy the discounted Haruka One-way Ticket for 2,200 yen.
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.
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. The journey takes around 100 minutes and costs 1,860 yen for an adult one-way ticket without a pass.
Kansai Airport to Kyoto by bus
Limousine buses run from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station, often every 20 minutes during the day. From Terminal 1, the journey takes around 1 hour 25 to 1 hour 30 minutes.
An adult one-way ticket costs 2,800 yen. Services from the airport are first-come, first-served, and tickets should be purchased before boarding at an airport ticket counter or ticket machine.
FAQs About Osaka to Kyoto
Find answers to common questions here.
How far is Kyoto from Osaka?
Osaka Station and Kyoto Station are 42.8 km apart by rail on the JR Kyoto Line. The exact distance depends on your departure point and the route you take.
How long does it take to get from Osaka to Kyoto?
The Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station takes around 13 to 15 minutes. From Osaka Station, the JR Special Rapid train takes around 29 minutes.
How much does it cost to go from Osaka to Kyoto?
An adult one-way train fare costs 410 yen on Hankyu or 580 yen on the JR Special Rapid. A non-reserved Shinkansen ticket from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto costs 1,450 yen.