How to Travel from Osaka to Kyoto: Fast, Cheap and Easy Options

If you’re planning a trip from Singapore to Japan, you’ll likely want to visit some of the country’s most popular cities, including Osaka and Kyoto.¹ Because the distance is short and Japanese transport is efficient, moving between these two well-known cities is quick, affordable and easy to plan. This guide explains how to travel from Osaka to Kyoto by answering questions like: How far is Kyoto from Osaka by train? How much is the bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto? And, how many days are there in Osaka and Kyoto?

We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

How far is Kyoto from Osaka by train?

If you’re wondering how long from Osaka to Kyoto the distance is, it’s approximately 55 km. So, how far is Kyoto from Osaka by train? Well, that depends on the route you take, as there are multiple lines depending on your budget, schedule and starting location.

That being said, you can get to Kyoto from Osaka in as little as 13 minutes² on a Shinkansen, which is a Japanese bullet train.³ There are also cheaper, local trains that can take you from Osaka to Kyoto in 45 minutes to 1.5 hours,⁴ but you may have to switch trains.

Best ways to travel from Osaka to Kyoto

Want to know how to get to Kyoto from Osaka? There are plenty of ways, including the bullet train, JR Line and private railway companies like Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway. To compare your options and answer the popular question of how much is the bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto, here's a breakdown of the travel time⁶ and cost⁵ of each type of transport.

Shinkansen (Bullet train): Fastest option

Best if you have the JR Pass or are short on time.

• Departure station: Shin-Osaka Station⁵
• Arrival station: Kyoto Station
• Travel time: 13 minutes
• Cost: 1,450–3,440 JPY (11.90–28.24 SGD)⁷, depending on the seat type
• When it’s worth it: If you have the JR Pass or are in a rush

JR Special Rapid Service: Best value

The most popular choice because it’s JR Pass–covered, much cheaper than the Shinkansen, and still fast.

• Departure station: Osaka Station⁵
• Arrival station: Kyoto Station
• Travel time: 24–29 minutes
• Cost: 580 JPY (4.76 SGD, making it 7.14 SGD cheaper than the Shinkansen)

Hankyu and Keihan lines: Cheapest option

Best if you’re travelling on a budget, want to avoid Kyoto Station crowds, or need a stop closer to your final destination.

• Departure station (Hankyu Line): Osaka-Umeda Station⁵
• Arrival station (Hankyu Line): Karasuma Station or Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station
• Departure station (Keihan Line): Yodoyabashi Station
• Arrival Station (Keihan Line): Sanjo Station

How many days in Osaka and Kyoto?

Once you’ve got your transport down, the next question to consider is: How many days in Osaka and Kyoto? The answer depends on your interests, but we suggest spending 3 to 4 days in Kyoto and 2 to 3 days in Osaka.

Kyoto has a higher concentration of historical sites, which take time to explore properly. Osaka can be covered more quickly unless you’re adding day trips like Nara, Kobe or Universal Studios Japan, which are all easily accessible by the Shinkansen or JR lines.

Since travel between Osaka and Kyoto is so quick, you could even stay in Osaka and just make day trips to Kyoto or vice versa.

How to pay for transport in Japan?

Japan’s transport system is efficient, but payment options can be confusing at first. Many travellers opt for the JR Pass as it offers unlimited rides on most trains operated by Japan Railways (JR). It costs 50,000–100,000 JPY (410–820 SGD), depending on the duration you choose.⁸

If you don’t get the pass, you can buy individual tickets with cash, card or IC cards online or at the station. IC cards, or integrated circuit cards, are rechargeable cards you can use to tap on and off of transport. Each region has its own IC card, so you’ll need an Icoca card for Osaka and Kyoto, which you can buy from JR-West ticket machines or offices.⁹

Cash is still widely accepted in Japan and often preferred, so please note that credit cards aren’t accepted on the Hankyu¹⁰ or Keihan¹¹ lines.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to get from Kyoto to Osaka?

The best way to get from Kyoto to Osaka is the JR Special Rapid Service, offering a less than 30-minute journey at a low cost. It also runs frequently and connects major stations in both cities.

Can you visit Kyoto and Osaka on day trips?

Yes, you can visit Kyoto and Osaka on day trips thanks to the short distance between the cities and excellent rail connections. You could base yourself in one city and explore the other without changing hotels. However, both cities have a lot of great food, sights and culture to offer, so we recommend staying a few days in each one if you can.

Is the bullet train worth it for this route?

For most travellers, the bullet train isn’t worth it when travelling between Osaka and Kyoto. Although the Shinkansen is the fastest option, it’s almost triple the cost of other trains connecting the two cities. Unless you’re already at Shin-Osaka Station or have the JR Pass, the JR Special Rapid Service is a better choice as it’s cheaper and takes only 10–15 minutes longer.

Sources last checked on 5-January 2026.