Osaka to Kyoto Japan: Transport Guide
Osaka and Kyoto are both neighboring prefectures, and it’s easy to travel between them.
In this travel guide, you’ll find useful information about traveling from Osaka to Kyoto by train and bus, including timetable, ticket prices, and tips.
Osaka to Kyoto: Overview
The distance between Osaka and Kyoto is about 56 km (35 miles), and you can easily travel between the two cities by train and bus.
Taking a Shinkansen is the fastest way to travel to Kyoto. Japan Rail Pass is ideal for budget travel to Japan, as it includes shinkansen and rapid train services.
You can also book a tour to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka. You’ll visit beautiful places in Kyoto and Nara, such as the Kinkakuji temple, Arashiyama bamboo forest, and Nara park.
| Type | Time | Cost | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen | 15 minutes | $10 (€10) | Check tickets or JP Pass |
| Special Rapid Train | 29 minutes | $3.8 (€4) | Get JP Pass |
| Bus | 1 hour 10 mins | $6 (€6) | Check tickets |
| Tour | 1 day | $58 (€58) | Check availability |
Osaka to Kyoto Shinkansen
Shinkansen is the fastest way to travel from Osaka to Tokyo.
These bullet trains depart from 6 am to 11:32 pm daily, and there is a new one every 10 minutes. The trip takes 15 minutes.
Tokaido Shinkansen service from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station include Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama trains. Please note that Nozomi is not covered by Japan Rail Pass.
You can pay $10 for a Shinkansen ticket if you don’t have JR Pass.
Osaka to Kyoto train
Alternatively, you can take a Special Rapid Train from Osaka to Kyoto.
The Special Rapid trains take about 29 minutes to get from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, departing from platforms 8, 9, and 10.
Tickets cost just 560 yen ($4) or are free with a Japan Rail Pass.
| Train info | |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 15 ~ 29 minutes |
| Price | From $4 (€4) |
| Distance | 56 km (35 miles) |
| Frequency | several trains per day |
| First train | 6 am |
| Last train | 11:32 pm |
| Departure station | Osaka, Shin-Osaka |
| Arrival station | Kyoto |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Operators | JR Central |
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| JR Central | 06:55 | 07:09 | Check tickets |
| JR Central | 07:20 | 07:34 | Check tickets |
| JR Central | 08:00 | 08:14 | Check tickets |
| JR Central | 09:08 | 09:22 | Check tickets |
| JR Central | 10:07 | 10:21 | Check tickets |
How long is the train from Osaka to Kyoto?
The train to Kyoto takes 15 minutes for Shinkansen and 29 minutes for Special Rapid Train. You should be at the train station at least 15 minutes before departure.
How much is the train ticket from Osaka to Kyoto?
The train ticket to Kyoto costs about $10 (€10) for Shinkansen and $4 (€4) for Special Rapid Train. You should book your tickets in advance to secure the best seat and prices.
Where are the departure and arrival stations?
Shinkansen depart from Shin-Osaka station and arrive at Kyoto station. Special Rapid Trains depart from Shin-Osaka station and Osaka station and arrive at Kyoto station.
When is the first and last train departing from Osaka?
The first train leaves the station at 6 am, and the last departs at 8 pm. For the latest schedule, please check here.
Osaka to Kyoto bus
Traveling by bus is another option to get from Osaka to Kyoto. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the ticket price starts at $6 (€6).
Please come at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in procedures.
| Bus info | |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 1 hour 10 mins |
| Price | $6 (€6) |
| Distance | 56 km (35 miles) |
| Frequency | 3 buses per day |
| First bus | 9:35 am |
| Last bus | 9:10 pm |
| Departure station | Sakurajima Universal Studios |
| Arrival station | Kyoto |
| Operators | Keihan bus |
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| Keihan | 09:35 | 10:43 | Check tickets |
| Keihan | 20:05 | 21:56 | Check tickets |
| Keihan | 21:10 | 22:16 | Check tickets |
How long is the bus from Osaka to Kyoto?
The bus to Kyoto takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on your arrival location. Please note that the travel time could be slightly longer due to traffic time.
How much is the bus ticket from Osaka to Kyoto?
The bus ticket to Kyoto costs about $6 (€6). Please note that prices may change on weekends and national holidays.
Where are the departure and arrival stations?
Buses leave from Sakurajima Universal Studios and arrive at Kyoto city.
When is the first and last bus departing from Osaka?
The first bus departs at 9:35 am, while the last leaves at 9:10 pm. For the latest schedule, please check here.
