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

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Osaka, Japan
to
Kyoto, Japan

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$2 by trainBest price
43.5 kmDistance
43m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Osaka to Kyoto 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
various
Train
Average Duration
43m
Estimated price
$5-32
Recommended
Company
Keihan Electric Railway
Train
Average Duration
46m
Estimated price
$2-4
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 43.5 km
Duration: 43m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$6-9
Company
Airport Limousine Bus (Hankyu Kanko Bus)
Bus
Average Duration
1h  50m
Estimated price
$11-13
Company
various
Taxi
Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$130-170
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Osaka to Kyoto

The journey from Osaka to Kyoto offers a fascinating contrast between Osaka's vibrant city life and Kyoto's serene historical ambiance.

Best Neighbourhoods in Kyoto

Kyoto boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences and attractions.

Gion
• Renowned for traditional wooden machiya houses.
• Famous for its Geisha culture and tea houses.
Arashiyama
• Features the iconic bamboo grove.
• Home to scenic river views and temples.
Kita-ku
• Offers peaceful temples and shrines.
• Less crowded, ideal for serene exploration.

Best Times To Visit Kyoto's Attractions

Maximize your experience by visiting Kyoto’s attractions during off-peak times.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Visit early in the morning on weekdays to enjoy the tranquility.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Explore early in the morning to avoid large tour groups.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Go late afternoon to appreciate soft lighting and fewer visitors.

Kyoto Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Kyoto experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cool winters, making spring and autumn the most enjoyable times to visit due to mild temperatures and stunning foliage. The weather impacts your travel experience significantly, as pleasant conditions enable comfortable exploration of the city's many temples and gardens.

Dining Recommendation in Kyoto

Try kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal, at Kikunoi, where each dish showcases seasonal ingredients and meticulous presentation, reflecting Kyoto's culinary artistry. This dining experience stands in contrast to Osaka's lively street food scene, offering a serene atmosphere that emphasizes harmony and balance in flavors.

Osaka - Kyoto operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
(050) 2016-1603
Website
https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/

Train from Osaka to Takatsuki

Average Duration
24m
Estimated price
$2-4

Train from Takatsuki to Kyōto

Average Duration
14m
Estimated price
$2-4

Train from Osaka to Kyōto

Average Duration
43m
Estimated price
$4-35
Contact phone
06-6945-4560
Website
https://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/

Train from Yodoyabashi to Shichijo

Average Duration
46m
Estimated price
$2-4
Contact phone
0570-089-500
Website
https://www.hankyu.co.jp/global/en/

Train from Osaka-umeda to Omiya

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$2-4
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
06-6844-1124
Website
https://www.okkbus.co.jp/en/

Bus from Osaka Marubiru to Kyoto Station Hachijou gate

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$11-13

Bus from Osaka Marubiru to Osaka Itami Airport North Terminal

Average Duration
42m
Estimated price
$3-5

Bus from Osaka Airport to Kyoto Station Hachijou gate

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$7-9
Taxi
Contact phone
+81 6-6452-0055
Website
http://sakurataxi.co.jp

Taxi from Osaka to Kyoto

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$130-170
Contact phone
+81 6-6452-4441
Website
http://mk-group.co.jp

Taxi from Osaka to Kyoto

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$130-170
Contact phone
+81 570-03-5931
Website
http://kkg-osaka.jp

Taxi from Osaka to Kyoto

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$130-170

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

Traveling between Osaka and Kyoto 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.

🚗 Driving from Osaka to Kyoto is a breeze, with a distance of 54.7 km and a travel time of around 45 minutes on the road. 💰 The cost of traveling from Osaka to Kyoto by car is quite affordable, ranging from $6 to $9.
Average price
$6 - $9
🚆 The train journey from Osaka to Kyoto is a convenient and efficient way to travel between these two iconic Japanese cities. The direct train departs from Yodoyabashi station in Osaka and arrives at Shichijo station in Kyoto, with services running every 10 minutes. 🌸 With a travel time of approximately 46 minutes, passengers can enjoy a smooth and scenic ride through the picturesque Kansai region of Japan. Japan Railways operates the Osaka to Kyoto train services, ensuring a comfortable and reliable transportation experience for travelers. 🎎 Prices for the train ticket between Osaka and Kyoto can range from $5 to $32, offering budget-friendly options for those looking to explore the cultural wonders of Kyoto from the bustling city of Osaka.
Departure Point
Osaka station
Arrival Point
Kyōto station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: The Shinkansen (bullet train) on the Tokaido Shinkansen line offers a catering service known as 'ekiben', traditional Japanese bento boxes. You can purchase these from vending carts that travel through the train or at the station before boarding. Be sure to try local specialties such as 'Kyoto-style' bento for a taste of your destination even before you get there.
• Seating Options: For your trip from Osaka to Kyoto, you can choose from several seating classes on the Shinkansen. Options include 'Ordinary Car', 'Green Car' (equivalent to Business Class), and 'Gran Class' (the highest luxury class). The Ordinary Car provides comfortable seating, while the Green Car offers wider seats and quieter surroundings, making it a great choice for your short journey.
• Arrival Station Tip: When arriving at Kyoto Station, you’ll find a large hub with clear signage in both Japanese and English. You can leave your luggage at the station’s coin lockers located on the B1 level if you wish to explore the city without carrying bags. Additionally, restrooms are available throughout the station, but there are no shower facilities. Make sure to check the station map available on the Kyoto Station website to navigate easily.
🚌 The journey from Osaka to Kyoto by bus takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes with a transfer at Osaka Airport. 💰 The bus fare for the trip from Osaka to Kyoto ranges from $11 to $13, providing an affordable and convenient transportation option between the two cities in Japan.
Departure Point
Osaka Marubiru station
Arrival Point
Kyoto Station Hachijou gate

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Osaka to Kyoto.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Osaka and Kyoto is 43.5 km or 51.8 km by road. Traveling by train is the quickest option, taking approximately to reach Kyoto from Osaka. By car, the journey takes around . If you prefer taking a bus, it would take 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach Kyoto from Osaka.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Osaka to Kyoto is by train. It takes approximately 32 minutes and costs between $2 and $15. Driving is also a viable option as it takes about 40 minutes and costs $5-$9.
The prices for traveling from Osaka to Kyoto vary depending on the mode of transportation. The train ticket prices range from $2 to $15, while the bus ticket prices range from $11 to $13.
To get from Osaka to Kyoto without using public transportation, you can drive a car. The distance between the two cities is approximately 51.5 km, and it takes around 40 minutes to drive from Osaka to Kyoto. However, please note that there may be toll fees associated with using the highways, and the prices can range from $5 to $9.
The best way to travel from Osaka to Kyoto without a car is by train. The train journey takes approximately 32 minutes and the cost ranges from $2-$15.
Yes, there is a direct link between Osaka and Kyoto. The most convenient and quickest mode of transportation is by train, which takes approximately 32 minutes. There is a train service that operates every day and departs every five minutes from Osaka to Kyoto. Alternatively, there is also a bus service available, which takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes, including transfers.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Kyoto. With over 1151 hotels to choose from, travelers have a wide range of choices. Prices for hotels in Kyoto start at $21 per night, offering budget-friendly options for travelers.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Osaka to Kyoto by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is approximately 43.5 km.