Osaka, the city of delicious food, and Kyoto, the historic ancient capital, are two must-visit destinations in Kansai. Three different railway companies connect these two cities: Hankyu Railway, JR, and Keihan Railway.
Whether you want to travel fast, keep the cost low, or enjoy a comfortable ride, this guide explains all the advantages and disadvantages, along with access tips and recommended discount passes for traveling from Osaka to Kyoto.
1. Comparing train fares and travel times from Osaka to Kyoto
If you are starting your journey from the Umeda area, you can take either Hankyu Railway from Osaka-Umeda Station or JR from Osaka Station. If you prefer to use the Keihan Line, you can transfer at Yodoyabashi Station, which is just one stop from Osaka-Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. The best train to take will vary depending on where you board and which part of the area you plan to visit.
If you want to visit the main downtown district around Shijo–Kawaramachi, the closest station is Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. If you want easy access to Kyoto Tower, JR Kyoto Station is directly in front of it. For sightseeing spots like Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the most convenient choice is Keihan Gion-Shijo Station.
| Hankyu Railway | JR | Keihan Railway | |
| Main Station in Kyoto
|
Kyoto-kawaramachi Station | Kyoto Station | Gion-Shijo Station |
| Number of trains | 6 trains per hour | 4 trains per hour | 5 trains per hour
|
| One-way fare | Adult ¥410 | Adult ¥580 | Adult ¥490 |
| Travel Time | About 43 min by Limited Express / Semi Express | About 29 min by Rapid Service | About 49 min by Limited Express |
| Operating Hours | Limited Express: 8:00–16:00 Semi Express: 6:00–23:00 |
5:00–24:00 | 6:00–23:00 |
| Advantages
|
・Lowest fare
・Direct access to the city center of Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi) – very convenient for sightseeing ・Limited Express and Semi Express trains are reasonably fast ・Optional reserved-seat service “PRiVACE” available for extra comfort |
・Fastest travel time ・Very convenient connections to the Shinkansen, Nara, and Shiga areas |
・Convenient access to the eastern side of Kyoto (Gion, Kiyomizudera, etc.)
・Optional reserved-seat “Premium Car” available for a more comfortable ride
|
| Disadvantages | ・Does not go to Kyoto Station, so a transfer is needed if using the Shinkansen | ・Higher fare
・Rapid trains can be crowded ・Delays can affect a wide area |
・Longer travel time
・Requires transfer from Umeda to Yodoyabashi Station |
※Fares are as of November 2025
2. Money-saving passes for traveling from Osaka to Kyoto
All three railway companies offer convenient 1-day passes (and 2-day passes for JR) that allow unlimited rides. These passes are especially useful if you plan to visit sightseeing spots a little further from central Kyoto such as Arashiyama or Fushimi Inari Shrine.
| Hankyu 1-day Pass (Digital Ticket, 2025) | JR-West QR 2-day Pass | Keihan Railway Osaka–Kyoto 1-day SIGHTSEEING PASS | |
| Price | Adult 1,300 yen | Adult 4,000 yen | Adult 1,650 yen |
| Validity | 1 day | 2 days | 1 day |
| Advantages
|
・Easy access to Arashiyama with a transfer at Katsura Station
・Ticketless with QR code |
・Reach Arashiyama with a transfer at Kyoto Station
・Ticketless with QR code |
・Convenient for travel between Osaka, Fushimi Inari, and Gion
・Includes Iwashimizu-hachimangu-sando-cable to Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine ・Special discounts at temples and attractions along the Keihan line ・Ticketless with QR code |
| Disadvantages | ・Only valid on Hankyu lines
・Credit card only |
・Only valid on JR lines
・Must be used on two consecutive days ・Extra fee for Limited Express or “A-Seat” ・Credit card only |
・Only valid on Keihan lines
・Ishiyama-Sakamoto and Keishin lines in Otsu are not included ・“Premium Car” requires an additional fee ・Credit card only |
3. Reserved seating options
For travelers who prefer to sit during the ride, both Hankyu and Keihan offer reserved-seat services. Hankyu provides PRiVACE, while Keihan offers the Premium Car. With an additional fee of only 500 yen, you can enjoy wide, comfortable seats and a relaxed journey. There is also space for large luggage, making it convenient for travelers with suitcases.
Hankyu Railway – “PRiVACE”
Tickets can be reserved in advance through the dedicated online booking site. No membership registration is required, and reservations open 14 days before travel. Up to 4 seats can be booked at one time.
Seats are arranged in a spacious 2+1 layout (three seats per row) with generous width and legroom. Each seat comes with its own power outlet and a personal table. Free Wi-Fi is also available, allowing you to charge your phone, work on your laptop, or enjoy the internet during the ride.
*If seats are still available, you can also purchase your ticket on the spot after boarding on the day of travel.
Keihan Railway – “Premium Car”
Ticket reservations open 14 days before the travel date. Seating is arranged in a spacious 2 + 1 layout (three seats per row), with only 40 seats per car — providing ample space between seats for a premium experience. Just like with PRiVACE, every seat is equipped with a power outlet, drink holder, and personal table. Free Wi-Fi is available, and the car is also fitted with security cameras and air purifiers for a safe, comfortable ride.
▼For more info▼
4. Special trains between Osaka and Kyoto
If you want to enjoy more of a sightseeing atmosphere while traveling by train, we highly recommend the “Kyo-Train Garaku,” a special sightseeing train that lets you feel the spirit of Kyoto the moment you step on board.Each carriage has its own seasonal and botanical theme, featuring traditional Japanese design elements such as tatami-style seating and dry landscape garden motifs. The interiors are different in every car, creating a stylish “Japanese-modern” atmosphere that keeps the ride interesting no matter how many times you take it.
No seat reservation is required, and you can ride with a regular train fare, making it easy and convenient. The train operates only on weekends and public holidays.
▼For more info▼
Kyo-Train Garaku | Feel Kyoto, From the Moment You Step On Board – Specially Designed Train
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