Train (JR, Hankyu, Keihan, etc.)
There are several routes to travel from Namba to Kyoto by train, including the JR line, Hankyu line, and Keihan line. The journey takes about 40 minutes to an hour depending on the route , and the fare is relatively cheap at around 600 to 800 yen . For example, it takes about 30 minutes (580 yen) from JR Osaka Station to JR Kyoto Station by special rapid train, about 45 minutes (410 yen) from Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station to Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station by limited express, and about 50 minutes (430 yen) from Keihan Yodoyabashi Station to Keihan Sanjo Station by limited express. From Namba Station, you will need to take the subway (about 8 minutes, 240 yen) to the Osaka Umeda area where the JR and Hankyu lines start, but the overall travel time and cost will still be less than the Shinkansen or taxi. Trains are available all day long.
Advantages: Traveling by train is cheap and has excellent cost performance. The JR Special Rapid Service takes only a short time (about 30 to 40 minutes), and the Hankyu and Keihan trains can take you directly to downtown Kyoto . Another advantage is that there are many trains on the schedule , so you can board without having to wait , making it easy to plan your schedule. In addition, Hankyu and Keihan also sell discount tickets for travelers, such as one-day passes .
Disadvantages: You need to transfer to the subway (from Namba to Osaka Umeda/Yodoyabashi), which can be a little inconvenient, especially if you have large luggage. It tends to get crowded during rush hour , so you may not be able to find a seat. If you arrive at Kyoto Station by JR, you should also be aware that you will need to travel further to get to the central tourist areas (such as Shijo Kawaramachi).
Shinkansen (via Shin-Osaka)
The Shinkansen connects Osaka and Kyoto.
From Namba, take the Midosuji subway line to Shin-Osaka Station for about 15 minutes (about 280 yen) and transfer to the Shinkansen. The fare from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto is 1,450 yen for unreserved seats (reserved seats are slightly more expensive), which together with the subway fare will bring the total to around 1,700 yen.
This is about 1,000 yen more expensive than using a conventional train .
There are many Shinkansen trains (including Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama trains, which depart every few minutes ), so you can go to the station without worrying about the timetable and board with almost no waiting. In addition, the seats, including reserved seats, are spacious, and the onboard facilities (toilets and luggage storage) are well-equipped and comfortable.
Advantages: The travel time is significantly shorter , making it advantageous when time is a priority.
The interior of the train is very comfortable, and you can be sure to get a seat (when using a reserved seat), so you can travel without getting tired . Furthermore, if you have a JR pass for tourists visiting Japan , you can ride the Shinkansen as much as you like without paying an additional fee (※Not available for Nozomi, only Hikari and Kodama), so if you are eligible, you can use the fastest route without worrying about the cost, which is a big advantage.
Disadvantages: The fare is higher than other means of transportation , and because it is a short distance, it feels expensive compared to the time saved. You need to travel and transfer from Namba to Shin-Osaka, and the door-to-door travel time difference is surprisingly small compared to using conventional trains . Also, if you do not have a JR pass, it is expensive for families and groups, so it is not suitable for cost-conscious travel .
Bus (express bus)
There is also an express bus from Osaka Namba to Kyoto Station. The journey takes about
The fare varies depending on the route and flight, but it is about 820 to 1,700 yen one way , and depending on the time of day, it may be cheaper than the conventional train.
For example, Keihan Bus’s “Choku Q Kyoto-go” goes directly from Namba (OCAT) to Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, taking about an hour and a half, and the fare is about 1,250 yen (round-trip discounts available). Since all seats on express buses are reserved, you can be sure to get a seat if you make a reservation before boarding . If you board from Namba Bus Terminal (OCAT), you can get to Kyoto Station without changing trains, so it’s easy to travel even with large luggage.
Advantages: The fare is relatively cheap , so it is a good option if you want to keep travel expenses down. Unlike conventional trains, there is no need to transfer, and you can sit down and go directly, which is comfortable. Luggage can be stored in the trunk of the bus, so even travelers with large suitcases can travel light. Another reassuring feature is that you can be sure to get a seat by reserving your seat in advance.
Disadvantages: The biggest disadvantage is that it is easily affected by traffic congestion . It is difficult to predict the travel time, especially during morning and evening rush hours and on holidays, and there is a risk of being delayed. In addition, the number of trains is not as frequent as that of trains , with only one train per hour (even less depending on the time of day), so you need to plan your trip accordingly. Furthermore, since your destination is limited to Kyoto Station, there may be cases where you need to travel within the city after arriving. Overall, it is suitable for travel with plenty of time, but not for travel in a hurry.
taxi
The biggest advantage of taking a taxi from Namba to Kyoto is that it is a direct door-to-door service . The travel time depends on the road conditions, but it usually takes about an hour and a half .
The cost is calculated based on distance and time, and if you use the expressway, it will be quite expensive at around 15,000 yen . (This includes the expressway fee, but it may be a little cheaper if you use local roads.) Taxis are available 24 hours a day, so you can travel even when there are no trains, such as late at night or early in the morning. If multiple people ride together, the burden per person will be reduced, so it is worth considering if you are traveling in a group with a lot of luggage.
Advantages: You can travel directly from your home or accommodation to your destination without having to transfer. The inside of the car is a private space and you can carry all your luggage, so it is very comfortable . You can travel reliably even in the rain or late at night, and the driving is left to a professional, so you can rest assured even if you are unfamiliar with the roads. If multiple people use it, it is easy even if you have large luggage , and the cost burden per person can be distributed.
Disadvantages: It is more expensive than any other means of transportation , and the cost of travelling one way can add up. If you get caught in traffic, it will take a long time, and the meter fare will be added during that time. There are many places in Kyoto and Osaka where it is difficult to park or stop, and you cannot take a toilet break along the way. There are also disadvantages, such as the possibility that some taxi drivers are unwilling to travel long distances, and in some cases advance reservations are required.
Private car (personal car/rental car)
If you travel from Namba to Kyoto by car, the advantage is that you can travel at your own pace. If you use the expressway (such as the Meishin Expressway), the journey takes about an hour , and you can travel smoothly over the distance between Osaka and Kyoto (about 50 km). The highway toll is about 3,000 yen one way, and even if you include gasoline, it may not be much different from the train fare for the number of people. If you rent a car, you will need to pay a separate rental fee, but there are many rental car offices in Osaka and Kyoto, so it is easy to rent a car. Traveling by car makes it easy to stop by tourist spots in the suburbs, and gives you flexibility in your itinerary.
Advantages: Since there is a high degree of freedom in terms of time and route , it is easy to make an original itinerary by making detours and visiting tourist spots along the way . You can go directly to places with little public transportation, so it is especially convenient if you are planning to travel around northern Kyoto Prefecture, such as Amanohashidate and Ine. Also, when traveling with your family or group, the total train fare and car cost for everyone tend to be about the same, making it an economical means of transportation depending on the number of people . Large vehicles are comfortable and can carry plenty of luggage , and you can relax in your own space while traveling.
Disadvantages: Roads in the urban areas of Osaka and Kyoto are prone to congestion.
Recommended transportation methods for different situations
Cost-conscious: If you want to keep costs down, we recommend using conventional trains (private railways). The Hankyu Railway costs only 410 yen from Osaka Umeda to Kyoto Kawaramachi , and even if you add the subway fare from Namba, the total is about 650 yen, making it a very cheap trip. The Keihan Railway is about the same price, so you can choose depending on your destination. Highway buses are also cheap, but the cheapest is around 800 yen, so the train is a better option overall, as it takes less time and is cheaper. If you plan to travel widely in the Kansai area, you can further reduce transportation costs, including travel between Osaka and Kyoto, by using the Kansai Thru Pass (unlimited rides on private railways and subways) or the Hankyu/Hanshin 1-day pass .
Time-conscious: If you want to shorten your travel time even a little, the JR New Rapid train or Shinkansen is the best option. The New Rapid train will take you to Kyoto in about 40-45 minutes, including transfers, and the Shinkansen is the fastest, taking just 30 minutes door-to-door. We highly recommend this option, especially for travelers with a JR pass, as you can use the Shinkansen at no extra cost. Avoid taking a taxi during morning and evening rush hours, as it will be counterproductive (traffic jams make it difficult to predict the time). If you want to be sure of getting there on time, the train is the most reliable option.
Prioritizing comfort: If you are prioritizing comfort during your trip, reserved seats on the Shinkansen or a taxi are good options. The Shinkansen has wide seats and a stable ride, so you won’t get tired even if you are on a short trip, and the in-car service is also excellent. Taxis allow you to relax in your own space, and even if you have heavy luggage, you can leave it to the driver and travel door-to-door, so it will be less stressful. However, there is a trade-off with the cost, so this is an option if you have a generous budget. If you have a large suitcase , express buses without transfers are surprisingly comfortable. If you leave your luggage under the floor of the bus, you can spend your time lightly in the seat, and you can stay seated the whole time, so it is also easy on your body.
There are several options as mentioned above depending on the situation, but since the railway network between Namba and Kyoto is well developed, it is generally more convenient to use the train . Consider the balance between cost, time, and comfort and choose the mode of transportation that suits your trip. If necessary, you can also use various free passes and discount tickets to enjoy a good deal and comfortable trip.
Summary of transportation methods from Namba to Kyoto
Traveling from Namba, the center of Osaka , to Kyoto, a city of history and tradition, is convenient and has many options for those visiting for sightseeing or business. This time, we will explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of the five ways to travel by train, Shinkansen, bus, taxi, and private car, and also introduce recommendations for each situation.
1. Traveling by train
The most common way to get there is to take the JR, Hankyu, or Keihan trains from Namba via Osaka Umeda or Yodoyabashi. The journey takes about 40 minutes to an hour, and the fare is reasonable at about 600 to 800 yen. The JR special rapid service is especially recommended for those who value speed.
merit:
- Good value for money
- There are many trains on the schedule, so you can board without waiting.
Cons:
- Transfers are required and it can get crowded
2. Traveling by Shinkansen
You can travel by subway to Shin-Osaka and then take the Shinkansen from there. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs about 1,700 yen. Although it is a short and comfortable way to travel, it is a little expensive.
merit:
- Short travel time
- Comfortable on-board facilities
Cons:
- The fare is expensive
3. Traveling by express bus
There is also an express bus that goes directly from Namba OCAT to Kyoto Station. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the fare is reasonable at about 820 to 1,700 yen, so it is recommended for those with a lot of luggage.
merit:
- Low cost
- Travel without transfers
Cons:
- Vulnerable to congestion
4. Traveling by taxi
Since it is a direct door-to-door service, it is convenient when you have a lot of luggage or are traveling late at night. The journey takes about an hour and a half, and the fare is around 15,000 yen.
merit:
- Comfortable and stress-free
Cons:
- High cost
5. Traveling by car
If you take the Meishin Expressway, you can get there in about an hour. The toll is about 3,000 yen. You have a lot of flexibility in terms of time and route, and you can even enjoy making detours.
merit:
- Free route selection
Cons:
- Parking problems and risk of congestion
| Situation | Recommended transportation |
|---|---|
| Cost-conscious | Trains and buses |
| Time-conscious | bullet train |
| Comfort-first | Shinkansen reserved seat/taxi |
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each method and choose the one that best suits you!
