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Osaka to Kyoto Trains

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Timetable

Route overview

Classes

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Osaka to Kyoto Trains

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Osaka to Kyoto

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Book Official Tickets Easily

Rail Monsters provides official tickets for Osaka to Kyoto services, including local JR and limited Shinkansen connections. Use the platform to confirm and purchase tickets online and receive e-tickets where available.

Secure Payment Options

Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment options. Our online ticket system supports credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other methods to securely purchase Osaka to Kyoto tickets.

24/7 Human Customer Support

Get assistance from our human support team, available 24/7 to answer questions or assist with online ticket booking. We provide help for Osaka to Kyoto train ticket issues and itinerary changes.

Receive Your Tickets Instantly

After purchase, receive electronic e-tickets or PDF confirmations by email when provided by the rail operator. Use these for station validation or seat reservation procedures.

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

Flexible exchange and cancellation policies are available depending on fare type. Adjust your travel plans and modify Osaka to Kyoto reservations through our reservations service based on operator rules.

Why Book Osaka to Kyoto Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?

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Book your Osaka to Kyoto train tickets on Rail Monsters to compare timetables and fares, access a 24/7 human support team, use mobile apps for iOS and Android, manage flexible bookings and cancellations, and receive real-time train time updates and e-tickets in one account.

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Osaka to Kyoto Train Tickets & Timetable

Osaka to Kyoto services include local JR Special Rapid, regional rapid trains, and Tokaido Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto for select services. Train ticket options cover reserved and non-reserved seating and several classes on Shinkansen when used. Departures operate frequently from Osaka Station and Shin-Osaka Station. Book tickets online to secure the best prices; the typical one-way price range is ¥560–2,800 (around $3.8–19.0 USD). For timetable information, ticket availability, classes, station details and current prices use the search page to view departures, train times and online schedule updates.

3Mar

Seats

Osaka

Kyoto

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

06:00

OsakaShin-Osaka

13m

06:13

Kyoto

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 210

from

1352 USD

13m, Direct

06:00

OsakaShin-Osaka

06:13

Kyoto

from

1352 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 210

06:08

OsakaShin-Osaka

13m

06:21

Kyoto

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 282

from

1352 USD

13m, Direct

06:08

OsakaShin-Osaka

06:21

Kyoto

from

1352 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 282

Day trains

12:06

OsakaShin-Osaka

13m

12:19

Kyoto

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 18

from

1352 USD

13m, Direct

12:06

OsakaShin-Osaka

12:19

Kyoto

from

1352 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 18

12:15

OsakaShin-Osaka

14m

12:29

Kyoto

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 232

from

1352 USD

14m, Direct

12:15

OsakaShin-Osaka

12:29

Kyoto

from

1352 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 232

Evening trains

18:00

OsakaShin-Osaka

14m

18:14

Kyoto

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 252

from

1352 USD

14m, Direct

18:00

OsakaShin-Osaka

18:14

Kyoto

from

1352 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 252

18:06

OsakaShin-Osaka

13m

18:19

Kyoto

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 44

from

1352 USD

13m, Direct

18:06

OsakaShin-Osaka

18:19

Kyoto

from

1352 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 44

First train

06:00

Last train

22:30

Travel duration

13m

Daily departures

124

Departure station

Osaka

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Kyoto

Ticket price

Osaka to Kyoto Route Overview

The Osaka to Kyoto corridor is a short, high-frequency route served by JR regional and limited express trains; some passengers use the Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto for the fastest transfers. Journey times vary from about 15 minutes on the fastest Shinkansen link to 30–50 minutes on rapid and local services. The route is ideal for day trips and commuting within the Kansai region.

Travel time

13m

Train type

Hikari

Kodama

Nozomi

Fastest trip

13m

Longest trip

15m

Osaka

Osaka - A major commercial hub in Kansai with multiple central stations including Osaka and Shin-Osaka. Known for Umeda, Dotonbori, and its culinary scene.

Shin-Osaka

Station

13m

Kyoto

Kyoto - Historic capital famed for temples, shrines and traditional districts such as Gion. Key stations include Kyoto Station, which connects regional and Shinkansen services.

Kyoto

Station

Available Ticket Classes

On the Osaka to Kyoto route, classes include standard Ordinary seating on local and rapid services. On Shinkansen services between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto, Ordinary and Green Car classes are offered; seating can be reserved or non-reserved depending on service and fare rules.

from

$2504

Ordinary Car

from

$3227

Green Car

from

$1360

Non-reserved

Practical Information for Shinkansen Travelers

Luggage Guidelines on Japanese trains. Traveling between Osaka and Kyoto on JR services and Shinkansen includes rules for carry-on and larger items. Below are key points to know when bringing luggage aboard Japanese trains:

Luggage Allowance

Passengers may bring standard carry-on items and up to two larger pieces. For Shinkansen services, large items should not exceed 250 cm in total dimensions and heavier items may require placement in designated luggage areas.

Storage Facilities

Trains provide overhead racks and luggage zones at the end of cars. On Shinkansen there are reserved spaces for oversized bags on certain services; use these or store items in overhead compartments for shorter rides.

Special Items

For bicycles, sporting gear or musical instruments, check operator rules in advance. Space for bulky items is limited and may require advance notice or specific packaging.

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

Osaka to Kyoto Map

Plan your trip between Osaka and Kyoto on JR lines including the Tokaido Main Line, JR Kyoto Line and the Tokaido Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto. Key stations include Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Takatsuki and Kyoto. The route passes urban and suburban zones, with cultural sites visible near Kyoto. Use this map to plan travel times, transfers and station access within Japan.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

Nozomi

Changes

Direct

Travel time

13m

Price from

Departures

3058

Rating

Train

Hikari

Changes

Direct

Travel time

13m

Price from

Departures

854

Rating

Train

Kodama

Changes

Direct

Travel time

14m

Price from

Departures

455

Rating

Rail connections provide frequent, city-center to city-center service and faster door-to-door times compared with buses for Osaka to Kyoto. Buses are usually slower and operate on road schedules, while flights are not practical for this short corridor given airport transfer times. For most travelers, regional and JR rapid trains offer the best mix of speed and station access.

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

$8-$20

Flight

Apprx.

50m

$80-$250

Osaka to Kyoto Train

Regional JR and limited Shinkansen services operate on the Osaka to Kyoto corridor. The Tokaido Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto runs at operational speeds up to 285 km/h (177 mph) on some services, completing the short link in roughly 15 minutes. JR Special Rapid and regional trains on the JR Kyoto Line provide frequent departures with journey times typically between 25 and 50 minutes depending on stops. Green Car seating is available on Shinkansen; Ordinary class is standard on local and rapid services.

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

Osaka is a large commercial city known for Umeda, Dotonbori and its food culture. Kyoto is Japan's historic capital, famed for temples such as Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari and the Gion district. Depart from Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka and arrive at Kyoto Station to access historic sites and cultural districts.

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 Osaka - Kyoto Route

How much is the train from Osaka to Kyoto?

Typical one-way fares range from ¥700 to ¥3,600 (approximately $4.8 - $24.4 USD) depending on service and class. Local and rapid JR services are at the lower end; Shinkansen connections and reserved seats are at the higher end. Check Rail Monsters for current fares and ticket types.

What train should I take from Osaka to Kyoto?

For the fastest transfer use a Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto. For most central departures from Osaka Station, JR Special Rapid and local services on the JR Kyoto Line provide frequent options and direct access to Kyoto Station.

How to book train tickets from Osaka to Kyoto?

Book online via Rail Monsters or purchase tickets at station counters and vending machines. Use the search page to compare departures, classes and prices, then complete booking to receive e-tickets or PDF confirmations when available.

How long is the train ride from Osaka to Kyoto?

Travel time ranges from about 15 minutes on a Shinkansen link between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto, to 25–50 minutes on JR Special Rapid and local services from central Osaka stations. Choose service based on departure station and stop pattern.

How fast is the train between Osaka and Kyoto?

The Shinkansen link between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto can operate at speeds up to about 285 km/h (177 mph) on certain services, yielding a travel time near 15 minutes. Regional rapid services typically take 25 to 50 minutes depending on stops.

Learn more information at our

Country Guide