How to Get from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Osaka

If you are planning to go visit Osaka via Kansai International Airport (KIX), you might be wondering how to get from the airport to the city. Since Osaka is such a big city, there are many transportation options and route options for you to choose from when getting to Osaka.

In this article, we will introduce to you the most convenient options for you to travel from KIX to Osaka and vice-versa.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

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The first thing to take into account is the means of transportation. The main ones are trains, buses, and taxi. So we will be introducing these on this list.

The next thing to take into account is the destination within Osaka. Since Osaka is such a huge city, we will be introducing to you ways to access the main hubs in Osaka which are “Namba Station”, “Osaka Station”, and “Shin-Osaka Station”.

We will also introduce the best way to go to Universal Studios Japan!

1. Travel by Train

Although not as complex as the train network in Tokyo, Osaka also has a train system that can be confusing, especially for those who visit for the first time. Here, I will introduce to you the most comfortable routes you can take.

KIX – Namba Station

The Nankai Airport Express (南海線空港急行) and the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t (南海線空港特急ラピート), both from the Nankai Line, are the 2 best options for you to use when accessing Namba Station from NIX and vice-versa.

The difference between these 2 lines is that the Limited Express Rapi:t (pronounced [ʁaˈpiːt]) makes the trip in less time and is a little more expensive compared to the Airport Express. There are 1 to 2 Rapi:t trains per hour, while there are 3 to 4 Airport Express trains.

When traveling from KIX to Namba Station, it isn’t difficult to take these trains. But you need to be careful when taking the train from Namba Station to KIX since there are other trains from the Nankai Line that head to different destinations. So be sure to check the name of the train before taking it.

From KIX (Terminal 1) to Namba Station

• First Train(Airport Express): 05:45 am (05:47 am on weekends and holidays)
• First Train(Rapi:t): 06:52 am (07:06 am on weekends and holidays)
• Last Train(Airport Express): 11:55 pm
• Last Train(Rapi:t): 11:00 pm (10:55 pm on weekends and holidays)
• Platform № 1 or 2
• How long(Airport Express): 44 ~ 53 minutes (depending on the time)
• How long(Rapi:t): 36 ~ 40 minutes (depending on the time)
• How much(Airport Express): JPY 930
• How much(Rapi:t): JPY 1,450

From Namba Station to KIX (Terminal 1)

• First Train(Airport Express): 05:15 am (05:10 am on weekends and holidays)
• First Train(Rapi:t): 06:00 am
• Last Train(Airport Express): 11:02 pm (10:55 pm on weekends and holidays)
• Last Train(Rapi:t): 10:00 pm
• Platform № 5 (Airport Express)
• Platform № 9 (Rapi:t)
• How long(Airport Express): 44 ~ 53 minutes (depending on the time)
• How long(Rapi:t): 36 ~ 40 minutes (depending on the time)
• How much(Airport Express): JPY 930
• How much(Rapi:t): JPY 1,450

▶Nankai Rapi:t Kansai Airport Express Ticket!!

▶Kansai Thru Pass 2-3 days (including from KIX to Osaka)!!

KIX – Osaka Station

The most comfortable way to travel between KIX and Osaka Station is using the JR Kansai-Airport Rapid Service (JR関空快速). The train makes 14 stops before getting to the destination, but the good thing is that there’s no need to change the train in midway.

The JR Kansai-Airport Rapid Service is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. So if you have purchased it, this is a good option for you.

From KIX (Terminal 1) to Osaka Station

• First Train: 5:50 am (5:54 am on weekends and holidays)
• Last Train: 11:32 pm
• Platform № 3 or 4
• How long: 65 ~ 75 minutes (depending on the time)
• How much: JPY 1,210

From Osaka Station to KIX (Terminal 1)

• First Train: 06:06 am (06:12 am on weekends and holidays)
• Last Train: 10:24 pm
• Platform № 1
• How long: 65 ~ 75 minutes (depending on the time)
• How much: JPY 1,210

KIX – Shin-Osaka Station

The Limited Express Haruka (特急はるか) from JR West is a train that connects KIX (Terminal 1) and Kyoto station. If your final destination is Shin-Osaka Station, then you don’t need to change trains, making this train very convenient. KIX and Shin-Osaka Station are only 2 to 4 stations apart (depending on the time) and there are 30 round trips per day.

And for those who have purchased the Japan Rail Pass, this is your best traveling option since this train is within the coverage.

From KIX (Terminal 1) to Shin-Osaka Station

• First Train: 6:30 am on weekdays (6:40 am on weekends and holidays)
• Last Train: 10:16 pm
• Platform № 4
• How long: 50 ~ 67 minutes
• How much: JPY 2,380~

※Depending on the time, the train will be making 1 to 3 stops before arriving at Shin-Osaka Station. Therefore the time it takes also varies accordingly. All trains departing from 9:46 to 15:44 take about 50 minutes.

From Shin-Osaka Station to KIX (Terminal 1)

• First Train: 6:17 am
• Last Train: 9:00 pm
• Platform № 3
• How long: 50 ~ 67 minutes
• How much: JPY 2,380~

※Depending on the time, the train will be making 2 to 4 stops before arriving at KIX terminal 1. Therefore the time it takes also varies accordingly. All trains departing from 8:46 am to 5:00 pm take about 50 minutes.

▶Book the Limited Express Haruka online!!

2. Travel by Bus

There are Limousine Buses that travel between KIX and the various points in Osaka. In comparison with the train, it takes longer and the price is higher. But on the other hand, the bus stops at both terminal 1 and 2 of KIX, you can store your larger luggage in the bottom trunk of the bus, and the buses make stops at various important places in Osaka, so you might find a stop that is more convenient for you.

KIX – Namba Station (OCAT)

The bus that travels in between KIX and Namba Station (OCAT) doesn’t make any stops in between, making this a very convenient and smoothe ride. There are 1~3 buses per hour depending on the time of the day.

From KIX to Namba Station (OCAT)

• First Bus: 04:57 am(Terminal 2) / 05:10 am(Terminal 1)
• Last Bus: 22:42 pm(Terminal 2) / 22:55 pm(Terminal 1)
• Terminal 2 Bus Stop № 6
• Terminal 1 Bus Stop № 11
• How long: 50 minutes from Terminal 1 / 60 minutes from Terminal 2
• How much: JPY 1,100(Adults) / JPY 550(Children)

From Namba Station (OCAT) to KIX

• First Bus: 05:15 am
• Last Bus: 09:10 pm(to Terminal 1) / 08:40 pm(to Terminal 2)
• Bus Stop: OCAT Bus Stop № 5
• How long: 50 minutes to Terminal 1 / 60 minutes to Terminal 2
• How much: JPY 1,100(Adults) / JPY 550(Children)

KIX – Osaka Station

The bus that travels between KIX and Osaka Station is very convenient because, in most cases,  it doesn’t make any stops in between (late-night buses makes 1 stop in between). There are 1~4 buses per hour depending on the time of the day.

From KIX to Osaka Station

• First Bus: 02:47 am(Terminal 2) / 03:00 am(Terminal 1)
• Last Bus: 00:47 am(Terminal 2) / 02:00 pm(Terminal 1)
• Terminal 2 Bus Stop № 1
• Terminal 1 Bus Stop № 5
• How long: 60~70 minutes to Terminal 1 / 70~80 minutes to Terminal 2
• How much: JPY 1,600(Adults) / JPY 800(Children)

From Osaka Station to KIX

• First Bus: 04:00 am
• Last Bus: 09:55 pm(to Terminal 1) / 08:40 pm(to Terminal 2)
• Bus Stop: Hotel New Hankyu(Osaka Sta.)
• How long: 50~60 minutes to Terminal 1 / 60~70 minutes to Terminal 2
• How much: JPY 1,600(Adults) / JPY 800(Children)

KIX – Shin-Osaka Station

Important to note that there is only one bus per day that travels between KIX and Shin-Osaka Station. It is a good option if the time of the bus goes well with your schedule.

From KIX to Shin-Osaka Station

• Departure Time: 08:52 pm(Terminal 2) / 09:05 pm(Terminal 1)
• Terminal 2 Bus Stop № 1
• Terminal 1 Bus Stop № 5
• How long: 80 minutes from Terminal 1 / 90 minutes from Terminal 2
• How much: JPY 1,600(Adults) / JPY 800(Children)

From Shin-Osaka Station to KIX

• Departure Time: 06:29 am
• Bus Stop: Hankyu highway bus terminal
• How long: 80 minutes to Terminal 1 / 90 minutes to Terminal 2
• How much: JPY 1,600(Adults) / JPY 800(Children)

KIX – Universal Studios Japan

If you are heading to Universal Studios Japan, then taking the bus is definitely the best way. If you were to take the train, you would have to change trains in midway. So I would recommend you to take the bus.

There are 1~2 buses per hour for both KIX to USJ and USJ to KIX.

From KIX to USJ

• First Bus: 09:17 am(Terminal 2) / 08:40 am(Terminal 1)
• Last Bus: 04:37 pm(Terminal 2) / 04:50 pm(Terminal 1)
• Terminal 2 Bus Stop № 7
• Terminal 1 Bus Stop № 3
• How long: 50~70 minutes from Terminal 1 / 60~80 minutes from Terminal 2
• How much: JPY 1,600(Adults) / JPY 800(Children)

From USJ to KIX

• First Bus: 08:55 am
• Last Bus:  06:40 pm
• Bus Stop: USJ Bust Terminal
• How long: 50~70 minutes to Terminal 1 / 60~80 minutes to Terminal 2
• How much: JPY 1,600(Adults) / JPY 800(Children)

▶Book the KIX Limousine Bus online!!

3. Travel by Taxi

Traveling from KIX to Osaka (and vice-versa) by Taxi is not very advisable because of the distance and price. But if you want a ride that will take you directly to the hotel that you are staying in, Taxi is the way.

Taxi is also a good choice if you are traveling in a big group and/or have many bags.

From KIX to Osaka

• Meetup point: The chauffeur will be waiting for you at the gate holding a sign with your name written on it
• How long: About 120 minutes
• How much: JPY 18,500 ~

From Osaka to KIX

• Bus Stop: The taxi will pick you up at the place that you indicate during your booking
• How long: About 120 minutes
• How much: JPY 18,500 ~

※Fees vary depending on the number of people (there are 3 taxi-sizes) and the time of the ride (there is a late-night rate between 11:00 pm and 5:00 am), so make sure to ask when making your reservation.

Our affiliate provider Airport Taxi is one of the best services for transfer to and from Kansai or Itami Airport. They have a very competitive fixed price, and the customer service center is open every day from 8:00  to 23:00 and they can speak English, Japanese and Chinese. Its fleet includes Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, which are comfortable 7-seater vehicles, with more capacity than a regular taxi.

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▶Check the official website: https://www.airport-taxi.tokyo/en

While you are considering how to travel between KIX and Osaka, here are other services you may be interested in using!

▶Get JR-West Kansai Area Pass 1/2/3/4 Day Bus & Rail Pass!

▶Same-day Luggage Delivery to Osaka and KIX!

▶Get a Prepaid E-Money Card for the Kansai area “ICOCA” online!

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Taking public transportation in big cities like Osaka can be complicated, especially if it is your first time visiting. I hope this list will be helpful for you and reduce the stress of not knowing how to get from the airport to your hotel (or from the hotel to the airport).

Please note that there could be changes in time and prices due to special circumstances. So make sure to double-check when you make your reservations.

Hope you enjoy your stay in Osaka!

▶︎Check out How to Travel between OSAKA and KYOTO!

Looking for more information about Osaka? These articles might help you find what you’re looking for!

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