Transport from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station
JR・Shinsanken・Bus・Car
Osaka Station to Kyoto Station: How Far & How to Get There?
Osaka Station and Kyoto Station are about 43 km apart, making it one of the most popular and convenient day trips in Japan. The fastest and most convenient way is to take the JR Special Rapid Service on the JR Kyoto Line, which travels directly in about 28–30 minutes. You can also take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, which takes around 15 minutes on the bullet train, though a short transfer from Osaka Station is required. Buses and rental cars are available as well, but travel time can take 60–80 minutes depending on traffic. For most travelers, the JR train is the easiest and most affordable way to travel between Osaka and Kyoto.
Major Transport from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station：JR、Shinsanken、Bus、Car
Compare Prices for Traveling from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station
| Operator | Price (From) | Duration | Route | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR Kyoto Line | $4–$5 | 30min | Osaka Station → Kyoto Station | Direct TrainFrequent Departures |
| Shinkansen | $10–$20 | 35min | Osaka Station → Shin-Osaka → Kyoto Station | FastestReserved Seats |
| Willer | $15–$20 | Approx. 1h 30min | Osaka Station → Kyoto Station | ComfortableVehicle Transport |
| Car Rental (Times / Nippon / Orix) | $80-$120+/day | Approx. 43 km | Via Meishin Expressway | FlexibleScenic StopsDaily Rate |
Compare Operators between Osaka Station and Kyoto Station
JR Trains (JR West)
JR Kyoto Line – Special Rapid Service
Departure: Osaka Station (JR Kyoto Line)
Arrival: Kyoto Station
Duration: About 30 min
Price: $4-$7
JR Kyoto Line – Rapid / Local
Departure: Osaka Station
Arrival: Kyoto Station (more intermediate stops)
Duration: 40–45 min
Price: $6-$7
Tokaido Shinkansen (via Shin-Osaka)
Departure: Shin-Osaka Station
Arrival: Kyoto Station
Duration: 13–15 min on Nozomi (plus transfer from Osaka Station)
Price: $13 - $26 depending on seat type
Highway buses
Osaka–Kyoto highway buses
Departure: Osaka Station
Arrival: Kyoto Station
Duration: 60–90 min (traffic dependent)
Price: $15–$20
Taxi & private transfer
Licensed taxis & private cars
Departure: Taxi ranks around Osaka Station / city hotels
Arrival: Kyoto Station or your hotel
Duration: 50–80 min
Price: $102 – $154+ depending on route
Car rentals in Osaka
Osaka car rentals (Trip.com partners)
Pick-up: Osaka city locations or Kansai International Airport
Drop-off: Kyoto / Kansai region or back in Osaka
Drive: 50–80 min from Osaka to Kyoto by expressway
Price: From about $100+/day for small cars
Japan Travel Tips
Daily Budget
S$80 - 160
Best Season
Distinct four seasons
Power Plugs
Type A (two flat pins)
Time Difference
+1 hour ahead
Internet
SIM / eSIM / Roaming / WiFi
Local Transport
Train・Bus・Car
Top Hotels in Kyoto
5 star
Great2418 Reviews
Kyoto Station Kyoto|3.13km from downtown
This is a 4-star hotel, very close to Kyoto Station, and they offer a free shuttle bus to and from the station. The shuttle picks up on the left side when you exit the *Karasuma Central Exit* (条口) of Kyoto Station. There isn't much to explore around the hotel itself, and very few restaurants. If you plan on taking the train or eating out, it's best to head to Kyoto Station. Kyoto Station is large and beautiful, a tourist attraction in itself, and even has a big Isetan department store!
The breakfast restaurant on the 14th floor is a revolving restaurant with panoramic views of Kyoto. However, the Western set breakfast is quite mediocre. The breakfast restaurant on the first floor offers both Japanese and Western options, but the value for money isn't great. In terms of transportation, besides taking the train from Kyoto Station, you can also catch a bus nearby. It's a bit far from the livelier areas of Sanjo and Shijo, making it suitable for guests who prefer a quiet stay and want to be close to Kyoto Station.FromSGD 93
Great584 Reviews
Kyoto Station Kyoto|2.98km from downtown
The location is incredibly convenient, right on the second floor of Kyoto Station. Every time we exited the subway, we were practically at the hotel, which was super handy. The room itself was quite spacious, with a business-like aesthetic. The night view from the window was fantastic; from our room, we could see the railway lines of Kyoto Station, and I imagine the Kyoto Tower would be visible from the other side. It seems the swimming pool has a fee. When we checked out, my son forgot his watch in the room. After contacting Ctrip, the hotel located it and held it at the front desk. When we went to pick it up, they had even packaged it nicely in a bag for us. The service was absolutely excellent.FromSGD 184
Amazing1251 Reviews
Kawaramachi Kyoto|1.01km from downtown
The biggest advantage of Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is definitely its location. Beyond its prime spot in the city center, there's a direct walkway from the hotel's third floor straight to Takashimaya. You can walk along the green passage into the mall, turn a corner, and be at Din Tai Fung – it's incredibly convenient. This stay, I specifically booked a corner room to experience the lounge. The room was spacious, and the bathroom had a great four-piece layout. The large windows let in plenty of light, and catching a glimpse of the beautiful Higashiyama scenery in the distance was a pleasant surprise. The lounge is also on the third floor, so after browsing Takashimaya, it was lovely to just tap my card, go in, and relax with a drink.
The breakfast selection wasn't huge, but most items were high quality. I ate there for three days and didn't get bored. The ham, salmon, and homemade yogurt sauce were all excellent, and the latte was delicious too.
Furthermore, the cleanliness of this popular hotel exceeded my expectations. Daily housekeeping was impeccable, and they didn't compromise on standards under the guise of being eco-friendly, which I really appreciated. Huge thanks to the staff.FromSGD 394
Amazing795 Reviews
Kyoto Station Kyoto|2.87km from downtown
Extremely close to Kyoto Metro Station, and also conveniently accessible via the airport express. It's super easy to get to nearby attractions, restaurants, and shopping. The facilities are clean and hygienic, and the living experience was fantastic!FromSGD 301
Great747 Reviews
Kyoto Station Kyoto|2.36km from downtown
It was a grea hotel with free shuttle to station. The room size was big compared to other usual Japanese hotel and the longer bathtube made a difference.
Breakfast buffet was the best with many many variety and staff produced french toast at site served with honey.
Underground Carpark was really convenient and you coud get discount by joinning as its member at once!FromSGD 86
Amazing962 Reviews
Higashiyama Kyoto|1.54km from downtown
Highly Recommended Stay in Kyoto
I would like to strongly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting Kyoto. The staff demonstrate exceptional professionalism and hospitality.
In particular, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Miss Yuki, who assisted us with our check-in and kindly introduced many wonderful sightseeing spots and activities in Kyoto, as well as to Miss Tsai, a ********* staff member who supported us during check-out with great warmth and care. Their thoughtful service truly reflects the welcoming spirit of Kyoto and the hotel’s commitment to excellence.
I am genuinely impressed by the quality of the team members who bring guests happiness and satisfaction through their dedication. They truly deserve recognition and applause for their outstanding service.
Our two-night stay was far too short, and we are already looking forward to returning in the near future.FromSGD 446
Business travel
Great467 Reviews
Kyoto Station Kyoto|3.43km from downtown
The room was quite spacious, which is a plus for a Japanese chain hotel – you can usually count on their cleanliness. I always pick them for business trips. This particular location doesn't offer free breakfast. It's about a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station, which is pretty convenient. There's also a direct bus to Kansai Airport nearby, as well as buses to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Overall, it's a good spot, and I'd likely choose it again on my next visit.FromSGD 78
Great907 Reviews
Kyoto Station Kyoto|3.47km from downtown
The room was very clean, and the large public bath was super relaxing. It's actually not too far to walk from JR Kyoto Station. It's especially convenient if you're taking the bus to and from Kansai Airport, as it's only a 3-4 minute walk to the hotel. Plus, the hotel is right next to bus and subway stations near Kujo, making it incredibly easy to get around Kyoto. The front desk even sells Kyoto subway and bus day passes, so you can just grab one and hop on public transport right away.FromSGD 71
Great565 Reviews
Kyoto Gosyo/Karasuma Kyoto|1.51km from downtown
I had a great stay at Agora Kyoto Karasuma. The hotel has a calm, elegant atmosphere, and the rooms are thoughtfully designed with a minimalist Japanese style that feels both modern and cozy. The location is perfect, close to transportation, shops, and great local restaurants, which made getting around Kyoto very convenient.
The staff were kind, welcoming, and always ready to help with anything I needed. Their hospitality made the experience even better. Overall, it was a wonderful stay, and I would definitely choose Agora Kyoto Karasuma again on my next visit to Kyoto.FromSGD 77
Great1189 Reviews
Kyoto Station Kyoto|3.18km from downtown
The location is fantastic! It's right across the street from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit. There's a shopping mall next door with drugstores, bag shops, and shoe stores, and a 7-Eleven downstairs. For breakfast, we tried a charming little place run by an elderly couple downstairs one day and McDonald's the next. There are tons of great food options around, and Kyoto Station itself offers a complete experience for dining and shopping. Plus, there's an Aeon supermarket just a ten-minute walk from the hotel. The most convenient part is the bus stop right outside the hotel that goes directly to Kansai Airport. I'll definitely choose this place again on my next trip to Kyoto!FromSGD 59
Amazing996 Reviews
Kawaramachi Kyoto|1.02km from downtown
A quiet escape amidst the bustling city, this is a great place to experience a Japanese onsen, and they even provide yukata, which is a nice touch.
The English spoken by the staff at the ground floor reception and front desk was very good, making communication smooth.
The room was very traditional Japanese style and clean. I stayed for 3 days and didn't get bored.FromSGD 316
Very Good492 Reviews
Kyoto Station Kyoto|2.32km from downtown
The hotel is located in a very convenient area, making it easy to get around and explore the surroundings. There are many shops, restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores within walking distance, which was extremely helpful during the stay. Public transportation is also easily accessible, saving time when travelling to different attractions.
The room itself was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The bed was comfortable, and the room provided enough space to relax after a long day. Housekeeping did a good job of keeping everything tidy. Basic amenities were provided, and everything worked well throughout the stay.
Overall, the combination of a great location and a comfortable room made this hotel a good choice. It is suitable for both short and long stays, especially for travellers who value convenience and accessibility. I would consider staying here again and would recommend it to others looking for a hotel in a good location with many nearby amenities.FromSGD 58
Family friendly
Great8656 Reviews
Kyoto Station Kyoto|3.27km from downtown
Rooms are quite spacious. It can nicely accommodate 2 big luggages and 2 small luggages. The location is very convenient. Hotel is just across the Kyoto station giving a lot of transportation options to choose from. Gion is just 30 mins bus ride from Kyoto station. AEON mall is just across the hotel and there are vareities of restaurants and shopping options. Overall, it is worth the price we pay. We will choose this hotel again when we visit Kyoto next time.FromSGD 86
Amazing587 Reviews
Kyoto Station Kyoto|3.34km from downtown
Potel Umokoji Kyoto redefines what a hotel offers its guests. Firstly, the location is unique, an easy 5 min walk from the station ( Umokoji Kyotonishi) and 3 min train ride to the center of Kyoto. Yet this convenience is coupled with its location adjoining a large wooded park which some guest rooms overlook - a special and calm outlook right in the city centre.
Rooms are large by Japan standards and both the Japanese style rooms ( super comfy ) and more traditional Western styled rooms offer a Scandanavian/ Japanese decor style which is both modern and uncluttered.
In addition, guest services on offer include complementary DIY fresh brewed coffee and in the evenings, complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks . Can be taken either to your room with balcony overlooking parklands or in the guest book or music library, both offering a calm respite from a sometimes frenetic Kyoto CBD.
Unique, special and largely overlooked by tourist group bookings, the Potel Umokoji manages to offer the ambience and guest experiences that many mass tourism venues have lost. Try it, you won't be disappointed.FromSGD 145
Amazing618 Reviews
Higashiyama Kyoto|1.94km from downtown
Superb experience in Nohga. Everything here has been curated very carefully, you can tell the people or group behind this whole hotel concept really put in so much thought for their guests.
Absolutely loved my entire stay here. I eat breakfast at their bakery every morning. Love their customisable bagels, mortadella sandwich, salted bun and cinnamon mochi donut. Chocolate mochi donut was a little too sweet. Americano and matcha latte were great.
Thoroughly enjoyed their rooftop bar every night (opens till 12am). Awesome vibes, very romantic atmosphere. Staff are sweet, gives heat packs and blankets to keep us warm. Warm cocktails are a must during winters. You can order any random cocktails and they all taste so good.
The distance from the train station to this hotel is quite a distance but I think the overall experience you get in this hotel makes the walk a worthwhile one. Def recommending this hotel to my friends who wanna come to Kyoto.FromSGD 220
Great305 Reviews
Kawaramachi Kyoto|0.76km from downtown
The location is great, right near Karasuma Station. The hotel itself is new and stylishly designed. They even have a record player in the room! For this price, it's excellent value for money. The hotel's location makes it convenient to get anywhere, and there are many charming Kyoto-style neighborhoods nearby. I especially loved the breakfast spots around there. The staff were also very enthusiastic. A really good experience overall.FromSGD 531
Great114 Reviews
Higashiyama Kyoto|2.59km from downtown
I stayed here for about 70,000 yen per night (room only, parking not included). It wasn't a luxurious hotel room, but I was generally satisfied. I enjoyed grilled mochi in Kyoto!FromSGD 583
Great112 Reviews
Higashiyama Kyoto|0.74km from downtown
I happened to make a reservation here for a quick trip to Osaka.
I really liked that it had a Japanese feel ^^
It was great that the toilet and shower room (bathtub/bathroom style) were separate!!
It's not a kimono, but a long dress-like(?) nightgown is prepared haha.
I was very satisfied with my one night stay in Kyoto!
Breakfast is served as a full Japanese meal, but I came to find out that you have to make a reservation 3 days in advance. It's a shame I didn't get to experience it.
I definitely have to come back here on my next trip to Kyoto^^ The kids also say they like it a lot~~~FromSGD 214
Popular Attraction: Fukuoka Tower
Travel Guide
Kyoto: Heart of Traditional Japan
Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is famous for its timeless temples, traditional streets, and cultural heritage. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the scenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the historic geisha district of Gion. Visitors can explore centuries-old shrines, stroll through charming alleys lined with wooden machiya houses, and experience authentic Japanese cuisine and tea culture. With its rich history and beautifully preserved traditions, Kyoto offers one of the most memorable cultural experiences in Japan.
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FAQs About Osaka Station to Kyoto Station
How far is Osaka Station from Kyoto Station?
Osaka Station and Kyoto Station are about 43 km apart. The journey is short and convenient, making Kyoto a popular day trip from Osaka.How much does the train from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station cost?
A one-way ticket on the JR Special Rapid train costs around ¥580 (about S$6–7). Prices may vary depending on the train type or seat reservation.Is the JR Pass valid for travel between Osaka and Kyoto?
Yes. The JR Pass covers the JR Special Rapid Service on the JR Kyoto Line, making it a convenient option for travelers using the pass.Is Kyoto a good day trip from Osaka?
Yes. Because the journey only takes about 30 minutes by train, many travelers visit Kyoto from Osaka for a day to explore temples, shrines, and historic districts.What is the major highway connecting Osaka Station to Kyoto Station?
The major highway connecting Osaka Station to Kyoto Station is the Meishin Expressway. This is the main route for cars or buses traveling between Osaka and Kyoto.