How to Get From Kansai Airport to Osaka

Are you interested in how to get From Kansai International Airport(KIX) to Osaka?

Kansai International Airport is a hub airport in Western Japan available to operate 24 hours, opened in 1994. It is often called "Kankuu” as a Japanese abbreviation or "KIX" because of its airport code. Osaka has another airport called Itami Airport, but since only domestic flights are available there, if you are travelling from abroad directly to Osaka, you will definitely be arriving at Kansai International Airport. Here, we will be showing you ways to access Osaka from Kansai International Airport.

Ways to Access Osaka from Kansai International Airport

Firstly, we would like to show you a list of ways you can access from kansai airport to osaka in a table. Main 4 categories are: by train, by bus, by taxi and by private transfer. Let’s look at each option one by one.

Kansai Airport to Osaka by train

If you want to reduce the cost of travelling from kansai airport to osaka as much as possible, using a train is the main option. Another advantage of using a train would be the fact that you will never get into a traffic jam, and it usually operates on time. There are two different railroad services you can use at Kansai International Airport: JR and Nankai Train.

JR

There are two types of train operating at JR (Japan Railways): Kankuu Express and Limited Express “Haruka”. If you have a JAPAN RAIL PASS, you can ride on these trains using the pass and you can use them at a discounted price.

Kankuu Express (JR)

Kankuu Express is an express train operated by JR West, connecting Kyoubashi, Osaka, Tennouji area and Kansai International Airport. You can go straight to Osaka station (Umeda) without changing, so it would be very convenient if you are trying to get to Osaka station. It takes about 60 minutes to get to Osaka station from Kansai International Airport, and the cost is 1,210 yen.

Limited Express “Haruka” (JR)

Limited Express “Haruka” is a limited express train operated by JR West. This train will stop at Tennouji and goes directly to Shin-Osaka station without passing Osaka station (Umeda). It is a convenient option when you are trying to travel to other cities from Shin-Osaka. It takes about 70 minutes to get to Shin-Osaka station from Kansai International Airport, and the cost starts from 2,380 yen.

Nankai Train

There are two trains available from Nankai Train: Airport Express and Limited Express “Rapi:t”.

Airport Express

Airport Express, operated by Nankai Electric Railway, is a train that does not charge you extra as a limited express train. It is the cheapest option connecting Nanba and Kansai International Airport, and if you are trying to reach Nanba, this route is recommended. It takes about 50 minutes to Nanba station, and the cost is 930 yen.

Limited Express "Rapi:t"

Limited Express “Rapi:t” is a limited express train operated by Nankai Electric Railway connecting Nanba station and Kansai International Airport station. You can use this train just like the Airport Express to travel to Nanba from Kansai International Airport, but if you want to travel more comfortably, “Rapi:t” is recommended. It takes about 40 minutes to Nanba station and the cost starts from 1,290 yen.

Kansai Airport to Osaka by bus

Bus (or Limousine Bus) has many destinations, and you can get off at many areas of Osaka city including Umeda, Nanba, Shin-Osaka and Tennouji. The bus terminal of Kansai International Airport is located right where you exit the airport terminal. You can travel from kansai airport to osaka directly without transferring , so personally I recommend this route more than taking a train. It takes about 60 minutes to get to Osaka station, and the cost is 1,550 yen.

Kansai Airport to Osaka by Taxi

Maybe you are very tired due to a long flight, going through immigration and collecting your luggages when you arrive at Kansai International Airport. It can be very tough to locate a train station or bus terminal while you are carrying your heavy luggages. You can take taxis in those cases, since you can travel without much stress from door to door to your desired location in Osaka city from Kansai International Airport.

However, there is one thing to note: many Japanese taxi drivers do not speak or understand English. It takes about 50 minutes to Osaka station from Kansai International Airport, and the cost starts around 16,000 yen.

Kansai Airport to Osaka by Rent-a-car

If you have a Japanese driving license or International driver’s license, you can rent a car as an option. What’s the advantage of renting a car? Firstly, you can travel directly to destinations that are harder to get to by public transports like trains and buses. But if that’s the only advantage, you could use taxis or private transfer services. However, if you want to go to your desired destinations whenever you want, days after arriving at your first destination, rent-a-car could be the only option. There are 5 rent-a-car companies located within Kansai International Airport, and the cost starts around 6,000 yen per day.

Kansai Airport to Osaka by Private Transfer

The last option that we want to tell you about, is private transfer services, also provided at Kens Osaka Taxi

It is the most costly option to use, but the experience you get is top-notch. Firstly, most private transfer services provide greeting options at airports. The driver will be waiting for you at the arrival gate holding a board with your name written on it, so you will not be stressed trying to find a train station or a bus terminal like when you are using public transport. When you meet the driver, the driver will carry your luggages for you and will guide you to the car in a professional manner.

Secondly, private transfer services differ from taxis because the contract is based on the fixed price. Thus, you do not need to worry about how much it would cost to get to your desired destination.

Furthermore, in most of the cases, your driver should know your desired destination beforehand. Therefore, even if the driver did not speak English, there will be less misunderstandings than using a taxi.

Summary of Ways to Access Osaka from Kansai International Airport

We have looked at 5 ways to access Osaka from Kansai International Airport.
The ultimate choice will differ depending on your situation: for example, are you travelling on your own? Does your family travel with you? Are you travelling as a tourist, or are you on a business trip? In any case, if you want to choose the most comfortable way to travel, please take a look at our private transfer service.