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Shinkansen (fastest way)
The Shinkansen is the fastest way to travel between Osaka and Kyoto. It takes about 15 minutes from JR Shin-Osaka Station, where the Shinkansen stops, to JR Kyoto Station. The time required is only 15 to 30 minutes longer than that of a regular train. The fare is 1,450 yen, which is about 1,000 yen more than the train, so if you are not in a hurry, it is better not to use the train. However, if you are a tourist and have a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), it is recommended to use the Shinkansen since it allows unlimited rides. Note that the JR Pass allows you to take only “Hikari” and “Kodama” bullet trains, not “Nozomi” bullet trains.
Train (best way)
When considering the balance of price and speed, the best choice from Osaka to Kyoto would be the train. There are three routes: JR, Hankyu, and Keihan. Each of these routes has different stops and destinations, so you should choose the one that best suits your needs.
JR
Traveling by JR is characterized by short travel time and ease of use. From JR Osaka Station, take the JR Kyoto Line “Shin-Kaisoku” train bound for Kyoto and arrive at JR Kyoto Station in about 30 minutes and the fare is 580 yen.
Note that it is a bit far from Kyoto Station to the central area where Kawaramachi and other areas are located.
Time: 30 min
Fare: 580 yen
Hankyu
When using the Hankyu Railway, board at Osaka-Umeda Station, which is adjacent to JR Osaka Station. You can travel to Kawaramachi, Kyoto, near the center of Kyoto, without changing trains. From Hankyu’s Osaka-Umeda Station, board a “limited express” train bound for Kyoto Kawaramachi on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, which takes about 45 minutes. The fare is 410 yen (JR Pass cannot be used). You can go to Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, near Gion and shopping areas, without changing trains.
Time: 45 min
Fare: 410 yen
Keihan
Keihan trains run a little further from the center of the city than the Hankyu, but this gives them a unique flavor. From Yodoyabashi Station in Osaka, take the express bound for Demachiyanagi to Sanjo Station in Kyoto in about 50 minutes. The fare is 430 yen (JR Pass not valid). Yodoyabashi Station is a 15-20 minute walk from Osaka Station.
Time: 50 min
Fare: 430 yen
Buses and Taxis
Buses are available from Hotel Keihan Universal Tower and Universal Studios Japan (USJ) to Kyoto Station. Note that there is no bus service between Osaka Station and Kyoto Station. The trip from Hotel Keihan Universal Tower to Kyoto Station takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. The fare is about 820 yen. If you take a taxi, the trip takes about 1.5 hours and costs about 15,000 yen. If you have more than one person and a lot of luggage, or if you want to go directly to your destination, taking a cab would be an option.
Time: 2 h
Fare: 820 yen
Tips
For tourists visiting Japan, transportation companies offer special free passes. For example, the “JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass” offered by JR allows unlimited rides on regular trains, limited expresses, and Shinkansen trains not only to Osaka and Kyoto but also to Kobe and Okayama. The “Kansai Thru Pass” offers unlimited rides on Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe subways, Keihan, Hankyu, Kintetsu, and Nankai Electric Railway lines other than JR. In addition, there are also free passes such as the “Hankyu Tourist Pass,” which is available only on the Hankyu Line at a discount price.
Conclusion
There are many ways to get to Kyoto from Osaka, but taking the train is recommended. You can choose between Hankyu and JR depending on your destination. Please note that JR trains are often delayed.
