Airport Transfer in Kyoto
When traveling to Japan, instead of arriving in Tokyo, you may have chosen to land near Osaka or Kyoto, at either Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Itami International Airport (ITM). Kansai International Airport is about 75 kilometers southwest of Kyoto, while Itami International Airport is about 50 kilometers north of central Kyoto. Itami airport is mainly used for local flights, but depending on your country of departure, it's not impossible for your plane to land there.
To get to the heart of Kyoto, Japan's historic former capital, there are a number of different transport options, and it's essential to choose the one that best suits your needs. By exploring the different options, you can compare the advantages of each mode of transport in terms of journey time, cost, comfort, convenience or door-to-door. Whether you're traveling alone, with family or friends, with or without luggage, discover all the public transport options we offer for this itinerary between the airport and central Kyoto.
Between public transport such as express or local trains, limousine buses, or individual transport options such as private shuttles or cabs, discover the solution that suits you best!
What are the airport transfer options from Kansai (KIX) to Kyoto?
Haruka Express
THe Kansai Airport Line Haruka Express Train makes it simple to travel from the airport to a variety of locations and large cities like Osaka and Kyoto! The train leaves from Terminal 1, travels through the central metropolitan region and Osaka Prefecture before arriving at Kyoto Station. The entire trip from KIX to Kyoto takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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The Haruka Express offers trains with six to nine cars, with the option of upgrading to a higher-class Green Car, which has more legroom and more reclining seats than other train cars. Booking your Haruka Express transfer in advance is recommended to secure your seats, especially during peak travel periods, and save time at the airport.
Limousine Bus Shuttle
Transfer buses are comfortable coaches that run between Kansai International Airport (KIX) from Terminal 1 (international and domestic) and Terminal 2 (domestic low-cost) and the center of Kyoto. This transport service offers a practical and reliable solution, making it the most economical option for a trouble-free journey.
With luggage pick-up, and up to two pieces of luggage per person at no extra charge, this transport option is ideal for busy travelers wanting to avoid train or metro connections.
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Departures are frequent, with 1 to 2 buses per hour to Kyoto station. The journey from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to JR Kyoto Station takes around 85 minutes. Limousine buses serve the various airport terminals, as well as JR Kyoto station stop (all buses stop at the Hachijo exit) and Kyotanabe Highway stop (this bus stop is close to JR Matsui Yamate station).
The coaches are comfortable with plenty of legroom and air-conditioning, but note that free toilets, WiFi and USB chargers depend on the bus, and are not always guaranteed.
Shared Shuttle Bus
This is a minibus transfer service from Kansai airport to Kyoto city. A shared shuttle (for up to 8 people) takes you from the airport terminal to a Kyoto address of your choice (hotel, AirBnB, train station...). Allow around 1.5 hours for a trip between Kansai airport and central Kyoto.
You can take one large suitcase with you free of charge, and an additional 1,000 yen is charged per extra case.
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Shared shuttles offer comfortable seats, air conditioning and sometimes additional services such as free on-board WiFi. This option is ideal for travelers looking for simplicity, who prefer to be taken care of door-to-door. Prices for this shuttle service (similar to a cab, but shared by several people going to the same area) are higher compared with public transport, but more attractive than cab or private shuttle prices. This shuttle is not available with the JR Pass, so you'll need to buy a separate ticket.
Our Airport Transfer Options in Kyoto
Get from Kansai (KIX) or Itami airports to Kyoto with these airport transfers !
Did you know that your Japan Rail Pass also gives you access to certain airport transfer options in Kyoto ?
For example, the Haruka Express Train stopping at JR Kyoto station is included with your Japan Rail Pass. From there, you can then take local Kyoto lines to get to your accommodation or any final destination of your choice. If you do not have a Japan Rail Pass yet, explore all the advantages it offers outside the Shinkansen bullet train lines below !
All Other Airport Transfer Options in Kyoto
| Airport Transfer | Airport Served | Price | Stops | JR Pass compatible ? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle | Kansai (KIX) & Itami (soon) | $$ | Anywhere | N/A |
| Limousine Bus | Kansai (KIX) | $$ | JR Kyoto station | N/A |
| Haruka Express Train | Kansai (KIX) | $ | JR Kyoto station | Yes |
| Nankai Rapit Train | Kansai (KIX) | $ | Tengachaya Station + Hankyu Kyoto subway line | No |
| Taxi/Cab | Kansai (KIX) & Itami | $$$ | Anywhere | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions