Bus Guide between Osaka and Kyoto
Navigating Your Way by Bus between Osaka and Kyoto
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The Kansai area is undoubtedly one of the most visited areas in Japan by international visitors. Especially, Kyoto and Osaka are the two main cities that people have on their bucket lists due to the vast amount of culture and history that you can experience in each of these locations.
One thing people need to take into account before traveling to these areas is how to move from one place to another. In Japan, the three primary transportation pillars are trains, buses, and taxis. While many international travelers are familiar with the country’s exemplary train system, there’s another mode of transit that might suit certain travelers better which is the bus.
For journeys between Osaka and Kyoto, two of Japan’s most vibrant cities, many people automatically opt for the train, overlooking the bus. However, taking the bus can be particularly convenient for those unfamiliar or less comfortable with train travel. Even though it isn’t the most popular choice for this specific route, it remains a viable and valuable option for many.
Price-wise, choosing the bus will be lighter on your wallet compared to a taxi, making it an economical choice. Additionally, the bus provides a comfortable seating environment, free from the need to navigate crowded stations or change trains. For a direct, cost-effective, and relaxed journey between Osaka and Kyoto, remember the limousine bus as a strong contender.
In this article, I will introduce to you how you can move between Osaka and Kyoto by bus.
*Note: You won’t find a bus route that will take you between Kyoto Station and Osaka Station. You can simply take the train (Kyoto Line).
From Kyoto to Osaka
The bus rides that we’re introducing in this article are from the company Keihan Bus. The main routes that this company offers are: between Kyoto Station and Namba Station (OCAT); and between Kyoto Station and Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
As I mentioned in the intro, most people travel from these locations by train due to the highly efficient train system that Japan offers. And because of this, there aren’t many rides per day. However, for those who don’t feel comfortable having to change trains at various times carrying large luggage, the bus can be a great option.
From Kyoto to Namba Station (OCAT)
- First Bus: 6:40 (weekdays) / 7:20 (weekends)
- Last Bus: 19:45 (weekdays) / 18:45 (weekends)
- Bus Stop: JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Bus Rotary H1
- How long: about 80 minutes
- 6~7 rides per day
- How much: JPY 900 (Adults) / JPY 450 (Children)
From Kyoto to USJ (Only weekends)
- One bus per day: departs at 7:20
- Bus Stop: JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Bus Rotary H1
- How long: about 70 minutes
- 1 ride per day (weekends and holidays)
- How much: JPY 900 (Adults) / JPY 450 (Children)
You can book a bus ride by either phone, online, or at convenience stores. For more detailed information about these rides, check out the Keihan Bus official website.
▶Keihan Bus Official Website: https://www.keihanbus.jp/express/namba/
From Osaka to Kyoto
Similar to the case of the rides from Kyoto to Osaka, rides from Osaka to Kyoto are also limited in numbers. So if you want to take a bus between these locations, be sure to check well in advance the available rides.
From Namba Station (OCAT) to Kyoto
- First Bus: 7:10 (weekdays) / 8:25 (weekends)
- Last Bus: 21:25 (weekdays) / 20:25 (weekends)
- Bus Stop: OCAT Bus Stop № 4
- How long: about 80 minutes
- 7~8 rides per day
- How much: JPY 900 (Adults) / JPY 450 (Children)
From USJ (Only weekends) to Kyoto
- One bus per day: departs at 21:10
- Bus Stop: USJ Bus Terminal (Stop № 3)
- How long: about 70 minutes
- 1 ride per day (weekends and holidays)
- How much: JPY 900 (Adults) / JPY 450 (Children)
You can book a bus ride by either phone, online, or at convenience stores. For more detailed information about these rides, check out the Keihan Bus official website.
▶Keihan Bus Official Website: https://www.keihanbus.jp/express/namba/
▽Transportation Guide for Traveling in Japan by Bus▽
▶︎How to Book Bus Tickets in Japan
▶︎How to Ride a Night Bus in Japan
▶︎10 Best Destinations to Go from Tokyo by Bus
Don’t know how buses work in Japan? Check out this article
▶︎How to Ride a Bus in Japan: A Detailed Bus Guide for Tourists
▽Transportation Guide for Kansai Area▽
▶︎Bus Guide between Osaka and Kansai International Airport (KIX)
▶︎Bus Guide between Kyoto and Kansai International Airport (KIX)
▶︎7 Best Airport Taxi Services between Osaka and KIX/ITAMI
▶︎Ways to Move from Kansai International Airport (KIX)
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Written by
Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.
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