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Kyoto to Osaka from $2: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Kyoto, Japan
to
Osaka, Japan

How to Get from Kyoto to Osaka: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$2 by trainBest price
43.45 kmDistance
45m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Kyoto to Osaka with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Keihan Electric Railway
Train
Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$2-4
Recommended
Company
Keihan Electric Railway
Train
Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$2-4
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 43.45 km
Duration: 45m

See more options

Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$6-9
Company
Airport Limousine Bus (Hankyu Kanko Bus)
Bus
Average Duration
1h  48m
Estimated price
$11-14
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$130-170
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Traveling From Kyoto to Osaka

The journey from Kyoto to Osaka offers you a shift from tranquil temples and historic charm to vibrant nightlife and a dynamic urban atmosphere.

Best Neighbourhoods in Osaka

Osaka boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Dotonbori
• Famous for its neon lights and street food.
• Bustling nightlife with vibrant entertainment options.
Namba
• Central shopping hub with trendy cafes and boutiques.
• Accessible transportation links to explore the city.
Shinsaibashi
• Known for its chic shopping arcades and boutiques.
• Rich culinary scene with diverse dining choices.

Best Times To Visit Osaka's Attractions

Planning your visit around peak times can transform your Osaka experience.

Osaka Castle
Early mornings or weekdays offer a quieter, more serene exploration of the grounds.
Universal Studios Japan
Visiting on weekdays during non-holiday periods minimizes wait times for attractions.
Shitennoji Temple
Mornings are ideal for a peaceful visit, allowing you to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Osaka Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Osaka experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) the best seasons to enjoy outdoor attractions. The weather can influence your plans, as summer heat may drive some travelers indoors while the pleasant temperatures during spring and fall encourage exploration.

Dining Recommendation in Osaka

Sampling Osaka's famous takoyaki at a lively street food stall provides an experience rich in flavor and energy, contrasting sharply with the refined kaiseki dining of Kyoto. The casual atmosphere, paired with the savory goodness of freshly cooked takoyaki, showcases Osaka’s reputation as Japan's kitchen, emphasizing bold flavors and local seafood.

Kyoto - Osaka operators

Explore transport companies operating between Kyoto and Osaka, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
06-6945-4560
Website
https://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/

Train from Shichijo to Yodoyabashi

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$2-4
Contact phone
0570-089-500
Website
https://www.hankyu.co.jp/global/en/

Train from Omiya to Osaka-umeda

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$2-4
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
06-6844-1124
Website
https://www.okkbus.co.jp/en/

Bus from Kyoto Station Hachijou gate to Osaka Itami Airport South Terminal

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$8-10

Bus from Osaka Itami Airport to Herbis Osaka

Average Duration
33m
Estimated price
$3-5
Taxi
Website
null

Taxi from Kyoto to Osaka

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$130-170

Kyoto to Osaka: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Kyoto and Osaka offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Japan as you embark on a 45-minute drive from Kyoto to Osaka, covering a distance of 56.3 km. 💰 Experience the convenience and flexibility of traveling by car, with prices ranging between $6 and $9 for a smooth journey to vibrant Osaka.
Average price
$6 - $9
🚆 The train journey from Kyoto to Osaka by Keihan Electric Railway is convenient and efficient, departing from Shichijo station and arriving at Yodoyabashi station in approximately 48 minutes. 🎟️ Ticket prices for the train between Kyoto and Osaka range from $2 to $4, making it a budget-friendly transportation option for travelers looking to explore these two vibrant cities in Japan.
Departure Point
Shichijo station
Arrival Point
Yodoyabashi station
Useful tips for train travellers
• The Shinkansen (bullet train) and JR Special Rapid services operate between Kyoto and Osaka. The Shinkansen offers various onboard catering options, including bento boxes, snacks, and beverages available for purchase from onboard vendors or vending machines in some train cars. Look out for specialty bento that reflects local Kyoto cuisine!
• On the Shinkansen line, seating options include Standard Class (Economy), Green Class (First Class), and Gran Class (luxury). Standard Class is affordable and comfortable, while Green Class provides wider seats and more legroom. If you prefer a more luxurious experience, Gran Class offers exclusive seating with complimentary meals and beverages. For the JR Special Rapid service, you'll find Standard Class seating without the additional luxury options.
• The two main train operators for the route are Japan Railways (JR West) and the Shinkansen line operated by JR Central. For more information, visit their websites: JR West and JR Central. For local transport schedules, you can also visit the Osaka Transport Authority for connections within Osaka.
🚌 Starting from Kyoto Station Hachijou Gate, travelers can take an Airport Limousine Bus bound for Osaka, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes. 💰 With ticket prices ranging from $11 to $14, the bus journey from Kyoto to Osaka offers an affordable way to travel while enjoying the scenic views along the route.
Departure Point
Kyoto Station Hachijou gate
Arrival Point
Herbis Osaka station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Kyoto to Osaka.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Kyoto and Osaka is 44 km by train, with a travel time of. By car, the road distance is 53 km, with a travel time of. If you prefer taking a bus, it takes around 1 hour and 48 minutes to reach Osaka from Kyoto.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Kyoto to Osaka is by train. The train journey takes approximately 33 minutes and costs between $2 and $15. Alternatively, driving is also a viable option, taking around 40 minutes and costing between $5 and $9.
The prices for a train ticket from Kyoto to Osaka range from $2 to $15, depending on the type of train and class. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Osaka to Kyoto vary from $11 to $14.
To get from Kyoto to Osaka without using public transportation, you can opt for a private car or taxi. The driving distance between Kyoto and Osaka is 53 km, and it typically takes about 40 minutes to drive between the two cities. The cost of the car or taxi ride would range from $5 to $9, depending on factors like traffic and the type of vehicle chosen.
The best way to travel from Kyoto to Osaka without a car is by train. The train journey takes approximately 33 minutes and offers a convenient and efficient mode of transportation. The cost of the train ticket can range from $2 to $15, depending on the type of train and seating class chosen.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Kyoto and Osaka. The train journey takes approximately 33 minutes, with services departing every five minutes and operating every day. However, there is no direct bus route from Kyoto station to Osaka. The bus journey, including transfers, takes approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes, with services departing from Kyoto Station Hachijou gate and arriving at Herbis Osaka station.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Osaka as there are more than 1219 hotels available. Prices start at $19, making it accessible for travelers with different budgets.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Kyoto to Osaka by bicycle.