Train Tickets from Osaka to Kyoto

*the price displayed is for dedicated seats; children under 6 and babies can be seated on adults'lap free of charge.

55 Number
of daily departures
0h26 Shortest
travel duration
$9 Our best
available price
06:30 / 23:04 Earliest / Latest
departure time

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO KYOTO!


Renowned for its varied and delicious gastronomy, Osaka's streets are alive with a multitude of restaurants, street stalls and markets offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes, from local specialties like okonomiyaki and takoyaki to international cuisines. But Osaka isn't just about food: it's also renowned for its vibrant nightlife, lively shopping districts and impressive skyscrapers that light up the night sky.

As for Kyoto, its cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses, the graceful geishas moving through the historic quarters and the strong presence of traditional Japanese culture give Kyoto a timeless and bewitching aura.

Taking the train from Osaka to Kyoto, you can admire the ever-changing landscape, from Osaka's bustling districts to the picturesque, traditional countryside surrounding Kyoto.

Despite their differences, Osaka and Kyoto share a warm and welcoming atmosphere, characteristic of Japanese culture. The journey between these two cities offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, transporting them from a modern, dynamic metropolis to a world steeped in history and tradition.

Advantages of taking the train from Osaka to Kyoto

thunderbird express train japan
Efficiency

Covering the distance of 56km between Osaka to Kyoto in a little under 30 minutes, express trains are one of the fastest ways to reach your destination relaxed and worry-free.

shinkansen 700s interior seat seating japan train nozomi jr central
Comfort

Comfortable seats, plenty of space to relax your legs, regularly cleaned carriages and peace and quiet for a relaxing journey. 

shinkansen driver agent jr
Reliability

With hundreds of departures per day and an average delay per train estimated at 24 seconds, Japanese trains are very reliable. 

shinkansen 700s nozomi eco friendly green
Eco-friendly

Your Osaka to Kyoto itinerary corresponds to 2kg of CO2 emissions by train, compared to 12kg by car on the same journey. Traveling by train is 6 times more eco-responsible than driving!

How to book your Osaka to Kyoto train tickets

Pick your time, date, and seat

You can book up to 9 months prior to your travel date.

Confirm and purchase

Order your train ticket securely online.

Receive your QR code

Get your QR code by email 1 month before departure.

Exchange and enjoy

Follow the instructions received on how to exchange your QR code and enjoy your ride.

kyoto osaka train map

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OSAKA TO KYOTO STATION

How to get to Osaka Station

Osaka railway station, located in Kita district, is served by several local JR lines, covering both the Osaka metropolitan area and the greater Kansai region. Via JR lines, Osaka station is also one stop away from Shin-Osaka station. In addition, Osaka is connected by the Midosuji and Tanimachi subway lines, as well as the Hanshin line. These transportation options make it easy to reach major districts such as Osaka-Umeda and Namba from the station, and Osaka Station serves as a departure or stop point for several bus routes, enhancing its connectivity with other parts of the city.

Where to go from Kyoto Station

Kyoto railway station, located in the Shimogyo-ku district, is a transportation hub in the heart of the city. It is served by a comprehensive network of local and national rail lines, offering connections to destinations throughout Japan. JR West lines, including JR Kyoto, provide easy access to neighboring cities such as Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo. What's more, the station is connected to the Karasuma and Tozai subway lines, as well as several bus routes, offering convenient access to all parts of Kyoto. Whether you want to explore the historic temples of Higashiyama, stroll through the lively shopping districts or escape to the surrounding mountains, Kyoto station is the ideal starting point for discovering all the wonders of this emblematic Japanese city.

 

Why Book your Train Tickets with Japan Experience?

Official seller

Our train tickets are issued through an official partnership with the National Japan Railways Group (JR).

Secure payment

You're in control! We offer different payment options.

Quality at our core

Our team of passionate individuals based in Japan works with you directly, no intermediary needed.

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We're here to help, 7/7. And available through all channels.

READ MORE ABOUT THE EXCHANGE PROCESS, CONDITIONS, AND VALIDITY OF TRAIN TICKETS BELOW

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure. 

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free and do not need to book a seat. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare and will have to book a seat. 

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region

train tickets exchange map japan
 

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan 

To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Kyoto Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Himeji, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Himeji Station, and the city is now yours to explore. 

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply. 

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Osaka to Kyoto route.

Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan