How to get from Osaka to Kyoto

The four options

Times are approximate and taken from each operator's official timetables. Fares change, so check the current fare at the station or on the operator's site.

• JR 新快速

  JR Special Rapid

  Route: Osaka Station (Umeda) → Kyoto Station. Also stops at Shin-Osaka.

  Time: About 30 minutes.

  Best if… You're heading to Kyoto Station or Fushimi Inari (from Kyoto, the JR Nara Line takes you to Inari Station). Covered by the JR Pass. Some trains have an "A-Seat" carriage with reserved seats for a supplement.

• 阪急京都線

  Hankyu Kyoto Line

  Route: Osaka-umeda → Kyoto-kawaramachi, via Karasuma.

  Time: About 45 minutes by Limited Express.

  Best if… You're staying near Umeda and going to central Kyoto: Kawaramachi, Shijō and Nishiki Market. Gion is a short walk across the Kamo river. Not covered by the JR Pass.

• 京阪本線

  Keihan Main Line

  Route: Yodoyabashi or Kitahama → Gion-shijō, continuing to Sanjō and Demachiyanagi.

  Time: About 50 minutes by Limited Express.

  Best if… You want to arrive right in Gion and Higashiyama. Local trains stop at Fushimi-Inari. The Limited Express has a Premium Car with reserved seats for a supplement. Not covered by the JR Pass.

• 新幹線

  Shinkansen

  Route: Shin-Osaka → Kyoto Station.

  Time: About 15 minutes.

  Best if… Your hotel is at Shin-Osaka or you have a JR Pass (Hikari and Kodama are included; Nozomi needs a separate special ticket). From Umeda it rarely pays off: the Special Rapid takes only a little longer with no change of train.

Tips

• With an IC card (ICOCA, Suica…) you tap through the gates on JR, Hankyu and Keihan without buying a ticket. The shinkansen is separate: you need a ticket, or a smartEX booking with your registered card.
• Avoid weekday rush hour, roughly 7:30 to 9:00: trains are packed and travelling with luggage is hard work.
• If you want a guaranteed seat, look at Keihan's Premium Car, JR's "A-Seat" or a reserved seat on the shinkansen. All cost extra.
• Before choosing a train, think about where your hotel is: often the best train is simply the one that leaves closest.

Or I pick you up at your hotel and we go together

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Price per group, up to 6 people

• If you pay in advance, do it only once we have confirmed your date on WhatsApp.
• Trains, admissions and meals aren't included: you pay as we go and I show you how.
• Pay in cash on the day, or in advance with PayPal or Wise.
• Free cancellation up to 72 hours before.