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Kyoto to Osaka Trains

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Kyoto to Osaka Trains

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Kyoto to Osaka

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Rail Monsters provides official tickets for Kyoto to Osaka regional and limited express services, allowing you to confirm and purchase tickets online and receive electronic e-tickets when available from the rail operator.

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Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment options, including credit cards and digital wallets. Our online ticket system secures transactions when you buy Kyoto to Osaka tickets.

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

Flexible exchange and cancellation policies help adjust travel plans. Modify your Kyoto to Osaka train tickets based on availability and the fare conditions provided at time of booking.

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Get assistance from our human support team, available 24/7 to answer questions or assist with online ticket booking. We provide reservations service for Kyoto to Osaka journeys.

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Kyoto to Osaka Train Tickets & Timetable

Kyoto to Osaka services include local JR lines, the special rapid and limited express trains, and Shinkansen options to Shin-Osaka. Station departures include Kyoto Station and arrivals at Shin-Osaka or Osaka Station. Classes vary by service; local trains offer standard seating, Shinkansen offers Ordinary and Green. It is recommended to book tickets online to secure the best prices. Typical one-way price range: ¥560–3,800 (around $4.00–28.50 USD). For timetable information, ticket availability, class fares and train times use the search page to view departures, online schedule and prices.

6Mar

Seats

Kyoto

Osaka

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

06:55

Kyoto

14m

07:09

OsakaShin-Osaka

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 275

from

1351 USD

14m, Direct

06:55

Kyoto

07:09

OsakaShin-Osaka

from

1351 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 275

07:20

Kyoto

12m

07:32

OsakaShin-Osaka

Direct

Hikari 531

from

1351 USD

12m, Direct

07:20

Kyoto

07:32

OsakaShin-Osaka

from

1351 USD

Direct

Hikari 531

Day trains

12:02

Kyoto

13m

12:15

OsakaShin-Osaka

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 65

from

1351 USD

13m, Direct

12:02

Kyoto

12:15

OsakaShin-Osaka

from

1351 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 65

12:22

Kyoto

14m

12:36

OsakaShin-Osaka

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 329

from

1351 USD

14m, Direct

12:22

Kyoto

12:36

OsakaShin-Osaka

from

1351 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 329

Evening trains

18:02

Kyoto

13m

18:15

OsakaShin-Osaka

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 77

from

1351 USD

13m, Direct

18:02

Kyoto

18:15

OsakaShin-Osaka

from

1351 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 77

18:11

Kyoto

13m

18:24

OsakaShin-Osaka

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 419

from

1351 USD

13m, Direct

18:11

Kyoto

18:24

OsakaShin-Osaka

from

1351 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 419

First train

06:55

Last train

23:42

Travel duration

13m

Daily departures

120

Departure station

Kyoto

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Osaka

Ticket price

Kyoto to Osaka Route Overview

The Kyoto to Osaka corridor is a short, high-frequency connection serving commuters and tourists. Services include frequent local and rapid JR trains and Shinkansen services to Shin-Osaka for faster transfers onward. Journey times range from about 15 minutes on rapid services to under 30 minutes on limited express or Shinkansen segments between central stations.

Travel time

13m

Train type

Hikari

Kodama

Nozomi

Fastest trip

12m

Longest trip

15m

Kyoto

Kyoto - Former capital of Japan, rich in temples, shrines and traditional districts such as Gion and Fushimi Inari. Kyoto Station is a major rail hub with connections across Kansai.

Kyoto

Station

13m

Osaka

Osaka - A major commercial and entertainment centre in Kansai with landmarks like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori. Shin-Osaka and Osaka Station serve as primary rail gateways to the city.

Shin-Osaka

Station

Available Ticket Classes

On the Kyoto to Osaka corridor, services offer standard seating on local and rapid trains. Shinkansen services (when used to Shin-Osaka) provide Ordinary and Green Car classes. Seat reservations are available on limited express and Shinkansen services; local trains generally use unreserved seating.

from

$2504

Ordinary Car

from

$3227

Green Car

from

$1360

Non-reserved

Practical Information for Shinkansen Travelers

Luggage Guidelines on Shinkansen and regional services. Below are key points to know when travelling between Kyoto and Osaka on local, rapid or Shinkansen services:

Luggage Allowance

Passengers may bring carry-on bags and suitcases. On Shinkansen, large items with total dimensions over 250 cm may require prior arrangement; typical checked alternatives are limited. Keep valuables in carry-on items.

Storage Facilities

Trains provide overhead racks and space behind some seats for small to medium suitcases. Shinkansen offers dedicated luggage areas near car doors on certain services; use these for larger items when available.

Special Items

Bicycles, sports equipment and oversized items may need disassembly or special handling. Check carrier rules in advance; space on peak services is limited and advance notice is recommended.

Average rating & reviews

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

Easy purchase and process

We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. We bought our tickets online, printed the tickets and had no issues. Great experience

Denise Harston

Thank you very much for your support

Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.

Mitja Bostner

Thank you, David!

Could not thank David from Rail Monsters enough, i made a couple of errors in my booking for japan and he fixed them asap with no hassle, customer service A1

Alan

Local Guide

Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.

Marius-Adrian Nicoara

Very kind and helpful staff

Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!

Allison Makhoul

Kyoto to Osaka Map

Plan your trip between Kyoto and Osaka on JR lines including the Tokaido Main Line, JR Kyoto Line and the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka. Key stations include Kyoto, Takatsuki, Shin-Osaka and Osaka. Travel passes and local timetables cover rapid, local and Shinkansen services when planning transport in Japan.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

Nozomi

Changes

Direct

Travel time

13m

Price from

Departures

3081

Rating

Train

Hikari

Changes

Direct

Travel time

13m

Price from

Departures

876

Rating

Train

Kodama

Changes

Direct

Travel time

14m

Price from

Departures

431

Rating

Rail travel between Kyoto and Osaka provides frequent city centre to city centre connections with minimal transfers compared with buses or flights. Buses run on the same corridor but take longer and use highway terminals; flights require airport transfers and longer check-in times. For most travellers between Kyoto and Osaka, rail offers the fastest direct access and greater departure frequency.

Plus, it’s a greener choice, reducing your carbon footprint

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Winner

Train

Apprx.

13m

$9-$26

Bus

Apprx.

1h 0m

$7-$18

Flight

Apprx.

45m

$80-$220

Kyoto to Osaka Train

Regional and high-speed services serve Kyoto to Osaka. The Tokaido Shinkansen links Kyoto to Shin-Osaka with Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama services; Nozomi runs fastest, up to 285 km/h (177 mph) on some sections and completes transfers to Shin-Osaka in under 15 minutes of running time between the two stations when considering short distance. Rapid and special rapid JR services operate frequently at lower speeds and provide direct access to Osaka Station with travel times from about 15 to 30 minutes. Choose Shinkansen for faster transfers toward long-distance connections and rapid services for direct city centre access.

Hikari

Travel at speeds up to 285 km/h on the Hikari Shinkansen.

Learn more

Kodama

Kodama trains glide at speeds up to 285 km/h on Japan's Shinkansen lines.

Learn more

Nozomi

Embark on Japan's Nozomi, the fastest Shinkansen at 300 km/h.

Learn more

Cities at Both Ends

Kyoto is famous for its classical Buddhist temples, imperial palaces and traditional wooden houses, while Osaka is known for its commercial districts, street food and nightlife. Depart from Kyoto Station and arrive at Shin-Osaka or Osaka Station to access cultural sites in Kyoto and urban attractions like Dotonbori in Osaka.

Osaka

A major city known for its modern architecture and rich culinary heritage.

Kyoto

An ancient city known for its classical Buddhist temples and gardens.

FAQ about the Kyoto - Osaka Route

How much is the train from Kyoto to Osaka?

One-way fares between Kyoto and Osaka typically range from about ¥560 to ¥3,800 depending on service and seat class. Converted to USD, typical fares range approximately $4.50 to $29.80 for regular services and limited express options. Prices vary by service, seat reservation and whether you use Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka.

Which trains run between Kyoto and Osaka?

Services include JR West local and rapid trains on the JR Kyoto Line, special rapid trains, and Tokaido Shinkansen services to Shin-Osaka. The choice depends on arrival station preference and transfer needs for onward travel.

Do I need a seat reservation from Kyoto to Osaka?

Seat reservations are optional on local and rapid services but recommended for limited express and Shinkansen services during peak periods. Reserved seats ensure a specific seat; non-reserved seating is available on many regular trains.

Can I use JR passes or regional passes on this route?

JR Passes and regional passes often cover the JR Kyoto Line and Tokaido Shinkansen segments with specific conditions. Verify pass rules for Nozomi services, as some passes exclude fastest Nozomi trains and require Hikari or Kodama for Shinkansen travel.

How long is the train from Kyoto to Osaka?

Local and rapid JR services take about 25 to 40 minutes between Kyoto and Osaka Station, while faster limited express or Shinkansen segments to Shin-Osaka can take around 15 minutes of running time on the short corridor.

Learn more information at our

Country Guide