Kyoto Airport: Does It Exist And Where?

Kyoto does not have its own airport, but there are three airports nearby: Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport: ITM), Kansai International Airport (KIX), and Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO). The closest airport to Kyoto is Osaka International Airport, which is approximately 36 kilometres or a 50-minute bus ride from the city. However, Osaka International Airport only serves domestic flights, so most international travellers fly into Kansai International Airport, which is about 77 kilometres from Kyoto and offers both domestic and international flights. Chubu Centrair International Airport is another option, located 97 kilometres from Kyoto with a travel time of under 80 minutes by train.

Transport options from Osaka International Airport to Kyoto

Kyoto does not have its own airport, but there are several transport options available to travellers flying into nearby Osaka. Here are some of the ways to get from Osaka International Airport to Kyoto:

Train

Taking a train from the airport to Kyoto is a popular option, with the JR Haruka Limited Express train being the fastest route. This train has comfortable reserved seats, luggage storage, and takes around 75 minutes to reach Kyoto Station. The cost of a ticket is 3110 yen for a non-reserved seat and around 3600 yen for a reserved seat. There are departures every 30 minutes. The Haruka train is also covered by the Japan Rail Pass, so if you have one, you can take this train at no additional cost.

Another option is to take the Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Osaka Station and then transfer to the JR Rapid Service on the JR Kyoto Line. This route takes about 100 minutes and offers comfortable seats and ample luggage space. This route is also covered by the JR Pass, but if you don't have one, a one-way ticket will cost around 1910 yen.

Bus

The Airport Limousine Bus offers a direct and convenient connection from the airport to various drop-off points in Kyoto. It has comfortable seating, dedicated luggage storage, and other amenities like toilets, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The journey takes around 90 minutes, and tickets can be purchased online in advance.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is the most expensive option, with a typical ride from the airport to Kyoto costing upwards of 35,000 yen. However, taxis are available 24/7 and offer a private and comfortable ride directly to your destination. This option may be preferable if you have a late-night arrival or are travelling with bulky luggage.

Private Transfer

Private airport transfers offer a door-to-door service, whisking you and your travel companions directly to or from your hotel. This option is ideal for large groups or those travelling with a lot of luggage. You can choose from various vehicle options, such as the Toyota Alphard, vans, coasters, or even a bus for larger parties. The travel time to Kyoto Station is around 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

Transport options from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto

Kyoto does not have its own airport, but there are several transport options available to reach the city from nearby airports. Here is a list of transport options from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Kyoto:

Train

The JR Haruka limited express train is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between Kansai Airport and Kyoto. The train has comfortable seating and luggage storage, and takes around 70 to 75 minutes to reach Kyoto Station. The normal fare is 3110 yen for a non-reserved seat and around 3600 yen for a reserved seat. The Haruka train departs from Platform 4 at Kansai Airport Station and arrives at Kyoto Station's Platform 30. The earliest train from Kansai Airport is at 6:30 am, and the latest is at 10:16 pm.

Bus

The airport limousine bus offers a direct and convenient connection from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station and other drop-off points. The bus has comfortable seating, luggage storage, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, and tickets can be purchased online or at the airport. The earliest departure from Kansai Airport is around 6:00 am, and the latest is at 11:40 pm.

Taxi

While taking a regular taxi from Kansai Airport to Kyoto can be expensive (around 30,000 yen), shuttle services offered by companies like Yasaka Taxi and MK Taxi provide an affordable and convenient alternative. These shuttle services pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, and the fare is around 3500 to 3600 yen. However, the journey can take longer, up to 2 hours and 30 minutes, as it involves travelling to multiple locations. Reservations are required at least two days in advance.

Private Transfer

Private airport transfers offer a door-to-door service, which is ideal if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or as a large group. You can choose from various vehicle options, such as cars, vans, or buses, depending on your needs. The travel time to Kyoto is around 90 minutes, and you can book the service in advance.

Rental Car

Renting a car at Kansai Airport is another option, especially if you plan to explore areas around Kyoto that are not easily accessible by train or bus. Several rental car companies are available at the airport, and driving to Kyoto will take about 90 minutes, depending on traffic. However, you will need a valid international driver's license to rent a car in Japan.

Transport options from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Kyoto

Kyoto does not have its own airport. However, there are several transport options for getting to Kyoto from Chubu Centrair International Airport.

Train

The train is the fastest way to travel from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Kyoto. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 24 minutes and costs $30-50. The train is also the best way to get from the airport to Kyoto. The route involves taking the train from Central Japan International Airport(Ngo) to Nagoya Station, and then taking another train from Nagoya Station to Kyoto.

Bus

There is no direct bus from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Kyoto. The bus journey takes approximately 4 hours 30 minutes and costs $28. The bus route involves taking a bus from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Yokkaichi, and then taking another bus from Kintetsu Yokkaichi to Kyoto.

Car

The cheapest way to get from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Kyoto is by car, which costs $16-$24 and takes 1 hour 44 minutes. The driving distance between the airport and Kyoto is 93 miles.

Shuttle

There is also the option of taking a shuttle bus from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Kyoto. This journey takes 1 hour 44 minutes and costs $343.

Transport options from Nagoya Airfield to Kyoto

Kyoto does not have its own airport. Here are some transport options for getting from Nagoya Airfield to Kyoto:

By Train

The JR Tokaido Shinkansen provides a direct train connection between Nagoya and Kyoto. The Nozomi trains take about 35 minutes, while the Hikari and Kodama trains take between 40 and 60 minutes. The one-way fare for a non-reserved seat is 5170 yen, and a reserved seat is around 6000 yen. The Japan Rail Pass covers Hikari and Kodama trains, but a supplement fee is required for Nozomi trains.

By Local Train

You can also take local trains on the JR Tokaido Line, which takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes and requires a transfer at Maibara Station. The one-way fare is 2640 yen.

By Bus

Multiple companies operate daytime highway buses between Nagoya Station and Kyoto Station. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and costs around 2500-2800 yen. You can make online reservations for some of these buses through Japan Bus Online.

By Car

The driving distance between Nagoya Airfield and Kyoto is approximately 97 km. You can rent a car at Nagoya Airfield and drive to Kyoto, which can take between 45 minutes and 80 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Transport options from Kobe Airport to Kyoto

Kyoto does not have its own airport. Kobe Airport is located on a man-made island off the coast of central Kobe. Here are some transport options from Kobe Airport to Kyoto:

Train

Two railway companies, JR and Hankyu, provide train connections between Kyoto and Kobe. The fastest way to get from Kyoto to Kobe is by train, which takes 22 minutes and costs $15-35. The train from Kyoto to Shin-Kobe Station is direct and departs every 15 minutes.

Taxi

You can also take a taxi from Kyoto to Kobe, which is approximately 47 miles and will take around 57 minutes. This option will be more expensive than taking the train, costing between $40-60.

Car

If you prefer to drive, the distance between Kyoto and Kobe is 47 miles, and it will take approximately 57 minutes. This is the cheapest option, costing only $8-12.

Bus

There is also the option to take a bus from Kobe Airport to Sannomiya Station in central Kobe. This journey takes less than 20 minutes and costs 340 yen. From Sannomiya Station, you can take a train to Kyoto.

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