When traveling from Osaka to Kyoto and vice versa, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is often the first option that comes to mind. While it’s true that the Shinkansen is fast and efficient, the distance between Osaka and Kyoto is relatively short. A regular train takes just 30–40 minutes and offers a variety of station options, making the Shinkansen not always the most practical choice for getting from Osaka to Kyoto.
Whether you’re seeking a scenic route, a budget-friendly option, or simply want to explore a different method to travel in Japan, this article will guide you through the various travel choices, detailing how long it takes and how much it will cost from Osaka to Kyoto. Find the ideal option that suits you best!
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1. Shinkansen Bullet Train: The Fastest Way from Osaka to Kyoto
The fastest way to travel between Osaka and Kyoto is by Shinkansen. However, Bullet Train only saves you around 15–30 minutes compared to other trains, while costing 2–3 times more.
For those with a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), though, the Shinkansen is a good choice as it’s included in the pass.
Note that the JR Pass covers the “Hikari” and “Kodama” trains while providing partial coverage for the “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” bullet trains, both reserved and non-reserved. JR Pass holders wishing to use these trains need to purchase an additional complementary ticket as a supplement to their Japan Rail Pass.
2. Three Recommended Transportation From Osaka to Kyoto by Local Train
Considering the balance of cost and travel time from Osaka to Kyoto, or Kyoto to Osaka taking a normal train is often the best option.
There are three main routes: JR Kyoto Line, Hankyu Railway, and Keihan Railway. Each has different departure and arrival stations, so it allows you more alternatives based on your itinerary.
– JR Kyoto Line: Quick and Affordable
Compared to the other two other routes, the JR Kyoto Line is significantly faster, offering a direct and quick connection from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station. Its biggest advantage is simplicity and speed. When you travel from Kyoto to Osaka you can also consider this line.
Departure
Arrive
Time
Price
Shin-Osaka station
Kyoto station
About 25 minutes
¥580
Kyoto station
Shin-Osaka station
About 25 minutes
¥580
– Hankyu Railway: The Most Affordable Option
The Hankyu Kyoto Line connects Kyoto Kawaramachi Station with Osaka Umeda Station. The advantage of this route is that Kyoto Kawaramachi Station is close to Kyoto’s city center, especially close to the Gion district, offering easy access to key attractions. It is convenient if you are coming back from Kyoto to Osaka as well, when you finish visiting the famous spots.
On the downside, Osaka Umeda Station is a short distance from Osaka Station, and boarding from intermediate stations may mean limited seating availability. Overall, it’s the most money-saving option from Osaka to Kyoto.
Departure
Arrive
Time
Price
Umeda station
Kawaramachi station
About 45 minutes
¥410
Kawaramachi station
Umeda station
About 45 minutes
¥410
– Keihan Railway: Convenient Access to Popular Attractions for both Osaka and Kyoto
The Keihan Main Line is a route that runs from Sanjo Station in Kyoto to Yodoyabashi Station in Osaka.
A key feature of the Keihan Line is that many of its stations are located near popular tourist attractions. For example, Yodoyabashi Station is close to the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka, while Sanjo Station offers easy access to Heian Shrine and Yasaka Shrine.
Additionally, it’s a convenient route for visiting famous spots like Fushimi Inari Taisha, Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, and the local amusement park Hirakata Park.
Departure
Arrive
Time
Price
Yodoyabashi station
Sanjo station
About 50 minutes
¥430
Sanjo station
Yodoyabashi station
About 50 minutes
¥430
3. Limousine Bus: A Convenient Way to Travel from Osaka Airport to Kyoto
Nowadays, buses may seem slower, but they can actually be quite convenient. For those looking to travel directly from the airport to Kyoto, trust me—the Limousine Bus is a great choice. You can head straight to Kyoto without any transfers, giving you a chance to rest on the way. Plus, traveling with large luggage on trains can be quite inconvenient.
There are two Limousine Bus routes available: one from Kansai International Airport and another from Osaka (Itami) Airport to Kyoto Station’s Hachijo Exit.
Departure
Arrive
Time
Price
Kansai International Airport
Kyoto Station’s Hachijo Exit
90 minutes
¥2,800
Osaka (Itami) Airport
Kyoto Station’s Hachijo Exit
50 minutes
¥1,340
For more information about ways of transportation from these airports, check out the following articles.
4. Recommended Value Passes for Traveling Between Osaka and Kyoto
A Free Pass ticket is a wise choice for tourists planning to stay in Kansai for several days, allowing you to travel between cities without worrying about transportation costs. For trips between Osaka and Kyoto, I recommend the following Free Pass options:
– Kansai Area Pass
The Kansai Area Pass by JR West is a versatile rail pass perfect for tourists wanting to explore Japan’s Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and surrounding cities. It offers unlimited rides on select JR West trains, making it a cost-effective option for sightseeing and quick, easy travel between major destinations.
– Keihan Railway “Kyoto to Osaka Sightseeing Pass”
The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is a budget-friendly option provided by Keihan Railway, Unlimited rides on the Keihan Line and Otokoyama Cable Line, connecting major stations in Kyoto and Osaka. It covers popular spots along the route, including Gion-Shijo, Fushimi Inari, and Yodoyabashi.
Japan is renowned for its incredibly convenient transportation options. If you don’t find the perfect way to travel from Osaka to Kyoto here, don’t worry! Explore other routes on websites tailored to your specific destination for the most convenient options. Besides trains and buses, taxis are also available, though they can be a pricier choice. Planning your transportation in advance is the first step of your journey, and you’ll be amazed at the variety of choices you have! Wishing you a wonderful journey in Japan.
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For more information about transportation in the Kansai region, check out the following articles!
Hi, I'm delighted to get to meet you through my sharing. I am a freelance writer who loves traveling, reading, and food. I'm also the mother of a two-year-old child. Living in Japan for eight years has been both long and short—long enough for me to know Tokyo, where I reside, like the back of my hand, and short because there are still so many aspects waiting for me to explore. Here, I will share the fantastic culture and my thoughts about this beautiful country, hoping you will fall in love with Japan just as I have.