These trains connect downtown Osaka (=大阪) with Kansai airport (=関西空港) and Wakayama (=和歌山). Both Kansai Airport and Kishuji Rapid Services are combined to operate between Tennoji (=天王寺) and Hineno (=日根野). Those trains are uncoupled at Hineno, then each trains go to Kansai Airport or Wakayama. If you arrive at Kansai airport, you can take Kansai Airport Rapid Service instead of airport access express “Haruka“. Of course both Limited Express Haruka and this rapid train are fully covered by Japan Rail Pass. But if you buy a single ticket, you may consider to take this train.
Route, schedule and trip time
View Kansai Airport Rapid Service / Kishuji Rapid Service in a larger map
Route
Most of Kansai Airport Rapid Service and Kishuji Rapid Service trains are operated between Kyobashi (=京橋) and Kansai Airport or Wakayama. As you mentioned, these trains are combined to operate. But some of these trains are operated as uncombined. These trains depart from Kyobashi station and go through Osaka Kanjo line (=大阪環状線) to Osaka. And then the trains still go on Osaka Kanjo line via Nishikujo (=西九条) and Bentencho (=弁天町) to Tennoji. Some of these trains depart from Tennoji and go through Osaka Kanjo line via Tsuruhashi (=鶴橋) and Kyobashi. thi types of trains stop at Tennoji station twice. After stopping at Tennoji station, these trains head to south on Hanwa line to Hineno. Hineno is the junction of Kansai airport and Wakayama. These two trains are coupled or uncoupled at this station.
Most of Kishuju Rapid ServiceThis train is operated every 15-20 minutes between Kyobashi-Osaka-Tennoji-Hineno-Kansai airport/Wakayama most of time. In peak hours, more trains are operated.
Hotels in Kansai International Airport
Hotels in Kyoto
Hotels in Wakayama
Hotels in Nara
Hotels in Kobe
Hotels in Osaka
Stations
Kansai Airport Rapid Service stop at these following stations:
Tennoji-(stop at all stations in this setion)-Osaka-Nishikujo-bentencho-Taisho-Shinimamiya-Tennoji-Sakaishi-Mikunigaoka-Otori-Izumifuchu-Higashikishiwada-Kumatori-Hineno-Rinku Town-Kansai Airport
Kishuji Rapid Service stop at these following stations:
Tennoji-(same as Kansai Airport Rapid Service)-Hineno-Nagataki-Shinge-Izumisunagawa-Izumitottori-Yamanakadani-Kii-Musota-Kiinakanoshima-Wakayama
*A few trains skip at Nagataki, Shinge, Izumitottori, Yamanakadani and Kiinakanoshima.
Travel time
Travel time among the major sections are as follows:
Kyobashi – Kansai airport 72-74 minutes
Osaka – Kansai airport 65-67 minutes (*Limited express Haruka 47-50 minutes from Shin-Osaka)
Tennoji – Kansai airport 49-51 minutes (*Limited express Haruka 35 minutes)
Kyobashi – Wakayama 85-92 minutes
Osaka – Wakayama 81-89 minutes (*Limited express Ocean Arrow/Super Kuroshio/Kuroshio 58-62 minutes from Shin-Osaka)
Tennoji – Wakayama 64-70 minutes (*Limited express Ocean Arrow/Super Kuroshio/Kuroshio 42-44 minutes)
Kansai Airport Rapid Service can be used as airport access train instead of Limited Express “Haruka”. The differences between Haruka and Rapid service are cost, speed and route. Japan Rail Pass and JR West pass users do not need to think about the cost. Because the fare and surcharge of Limited express Haruka are included. But if you pay single fare, you need to pay surcharge to take Haruka. It is 1660yen to Shin-Osaka or Kyoto, 1240yen to Tennoji. If you save your budget, Rapid Service may be your choice. Of course Haruka is faster than Rapid Service. I put the time required of Haruka above too. You can find the difference. But Haruka take special route. It does not stop at Osaka. If you go to Osaka by Haruka, change to local train to Osaka at Shin-Osaka. You may spend 5 minutes to change the train and another 5 minutes to get Osaka. So total time is very close in case of going to Osaka station.
If you go to Wakayama, Limited express Ocean Arrow/Kuroshio are much faster. You face same situation about the cost and “Going to Osaka station”. If you want to save your budget, take Rapid Service. If you go to Osaka, Limited express Ocean Arrow/Kuroshio do not stop at Osaka station. You need to expect to spend another 10 minutes to get Osaka from Shin-Osaka.
Accommodation
Both Rapid Services are operated by 223 or 225 series. 225 is newer. But the seat configuration is same and it is not much difference. These Rapid Service trains are operated 8 cars formation. The first 4 cars go to Kansai airport and another 4 cars to Wakayama. The standard seat configuration of Rapid Service trains in Kansai is 2+2. But Kansai Airport and Kishuji Rapid Service give you 2+1. This seat configuration makes the extra space for isle. The passengers who go to Kansai airport can bring the luggage easily.
Images
Photo credit
223 series images by R3’s web site
Logo image by Daigo35 (日本語 / 利用者:Daigo35) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons, via Wikimedia Commons
225 series Interior image1 by w0746203-1 (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
225 series display image by W0746203-1 (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Wheelchair accessible washroom image by 32602Fand3060F (Own work) [see page for license], via Wikimedia Commons
Comments
Hi Takeshi-san,
Would you let me know if there are any times that the JR Kansai Airport rapid will be very crowded? I’m considering taking that train from Osaka station to Kansai airport at 7:05 AM. Thanks
Hi Marty san,
It’s not such a busy at that time and the direction. Peak hour starts around 7:00 but direction to Osaka is busy. You will go out from Osaka. You will be okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks, Takeshi-san.
Also, I’d like to ask if the JR Kansai Aiport rapid train will be very crowded at around 8 am in the opposite direction, as I am considering going from the airport to JR Fukushima station by the one that departs at 8:11 am. Thanks.
Marty
Hi Marty san,
I think you will be okay. When you will take this train at Kansai airport, train will not be crowded. But it will be getting busier. But you will get a seat when train departs from the airport station, so you will be okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
はじめまして, Takeshiさん
I’m travelling with my grandmother who is unable to stand for long periods of time. I intend to travel to Tennoji station or Shin-Imamiya station using the Kansai Airport Rapid Service. Is it ok for wheelchairs to be used on this train?
Just to check, can I use the Suica pass on this train? Can I purchase the Suica pass at the airport, or at the station for the Kansai Airport Rapid Service?
ありがとうございます！
Phyllis
Hi Phyllis san,
You can use Suica to take this train. And you may bring wheelchair. But I recommend you to avoid this train in peak hours, 7:00 to 9:00 and 17:00 to 20:00.
Train is packed and very hard to bring wheelchair.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
From Kansai International Airport to Osaka, what is the latest price of the ticket? Thanks
Hi Crista,
It depends on which station you go and which train you take. Please see the following links to get more details:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san,
Thank you for your valuable assistance. Just wanted to be certain that I can use Icoca card on Kansai Airport Rapid Service?
Regards,
KJ
Hi KJ san,
Yes, you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Since the ICOCA has interoperability with SUICA card, does it mean it is also possible to use the SUICA card for the Kansai Airport Rapid Service?
Thanks
Hi Raffa,
Yes. It’s completely no problem to use Suica to take this train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Im staying in Hotel Keihan Kyobashi Osaka.
I will be departing from Kyobashi station to Kansai airport and i would like to know Rapid Limited Express or JR line is the best train to reach KIX at the fastest speed? Also, pls advise me is there any stop in between?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Cynthia,
You can take airport rapid at Kyobashi to KIX directly. But if you take Osaka loop line to Tennoji via Morinomiya (outer loop line) and transfer to rapid at Tennoji, it’s faster. This is loop line but if you take direct rapid, train goes to other way via Osaka, Nishikujo. It takes time more.
You may find which station this train at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-get-kansai-airport-and-wakayama-kansai-airport-rapid-service-and-kishuji-rapid-service.html#Stations
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your quick response.
May i know do i need to make seat reservation in advance?
Thanks
Hi Cynthia,
You cannot book for this train. This is an ordinary commute train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I will use Kansai Airport Rapid Service form airport to Osaka City. May I know the train timetable ?
Also, I will like to know how to deal with my luggage? I just worried the train is too pack. I will arrive on Saturday morning of 26/12/2015.
Hi PB san,
Please find the timetable at hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
I think it’s okay to take this train in Saturday morning.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have to get to Kansai Airport from Osaka station and wonder if I can buy JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service for Kansai Airport ticket from the machine or it only available at JR ticket office?.And can I reserve the ticket in advance?
(My JR Pass will be expired the day before the date I leave Osaka,soooo bad )
Regards,
C.B.Charlie
Hi Charlie,
This rapid service is a sort of commute train. So you can purchase a ticket at vending machine on the spot. You cannot purchase a ticket in advance. Because it’s a commute train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very much for your fast response
with appreciated.
Regards,
C.B.Charlie
No problem, Charlie.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m in the same situation as Cholkorn with a train to be taken from Shinimamiya around 8 o’clock in a Sunday. The fact I can’t book in advance makes me a little be nervous. Can I book instead with the Hakura line?
Thanks
Hi Raffa,
Rapid train is a commuter’s train, like subway trains. You cannot book and you don’t need to book. There are lots of standing passengers. If you use Suica, just tap your card to enter the station and hop on the train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san
I will be travelling to Osaka on 1 April 2016 and have booked hotel accommodation at Hotel Granvia Osaka.
I would like to know what is the best to travel from Kansai International Airport to hotel Granvia Osaka. Are there also airport limousine coach service that I can use as well.
I would like to know how to book the rail or coach tickets. Can I buy the tickets on the day of arrival and also can I buy the return ticket ? I leave Osaka on 7 April 2016.
Look forward to your favourable reply.
thank you
REgards
Jenny Chow – Singapore
Hi Jenny san,
I have a post that tells you about access to JR Osaka station and many deals from KIX to Osaka. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Sorry to bother you again. I have little change for my itinerary in Japan.
I change my hotel in Osaka from Shinsaibashi area to Sheraton Miyako Hotel.
Could you advise me :
1. How transfer from Kansai to Sheraton Miyako. I read the note, the closest station is Osaka -Uehonmachi ?
2. And what is the different between Osaka-Uehonmachi and Stasiun Subway Tanimachi Kyu-chome ? What is the best for me?
3. Is it the good area for holiday?
Thanks.
Hope you can answer my questions due to I am still confuse about transportation in Japan.
Thanks once again.
regards,
Regina
Hi Regina,
Osaka-Uehonmachi and Tanimachi-Kyuchome is completely same location. You can take Kintetsu railway at Osaka-Namba. Kintetsu’s station is Osaka-Namba but it’s same as Namba.
Uenhonmachi has Kintetsu department store and also only a few stations away from Namba. Shinsaibashi is better but not bad.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your quick reply.
Noted.
But, how about from Kansai to Osaka-Uehonmachi? What ticket I have to use.
Thanks,
regards,
Regina
Hi Regina,
It depends on your plan. Please find the info at the links below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to ask regarding JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service. Could you give me information about Kansai Airport – where the train station located? where I can buy the ticket? or if you have map, please advise me. I try to find on their website, but nothing I get. For info, I will use international flight from KL.
I will arrive Kansai Airport around 9.00 am. And will go to Shinsaibashi area.
I will use JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service, via Tennoji.
Thanks,
regards,
Regina
Hi Regina,
It’s located just in front of terminal building. It takes just one minute to get there. It’s just cross the road.
You can purchase a ticket at vending machine. But if you go to Shinsaibashi, Nankai railway and subway is much more convenient. Kansai Chikatoku Ticket is most affordable deal.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
I’m writing Kansai airport transportation guide now. It will show you lots of photo of Kansai airport. I will post it in a week.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi,
Thanks for your explanation. Please advise me your Kansai guide as soon as you finished.
By the way, why I have to use Nankai railway instead of JR Rapid. Whats the different? Actually, It same for me.
Thanks,
regards,
Regina
Hi Regina,
You don’t have to. But if you take Kansai Airport Rapid, you have to pay single fare for both Kansai Airport Rapid and subway. It costs 1060 yen + 240 yen. But if you take Nankai and subway, you can use Kansai chikatoku ticket at 1000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your explanation.
Please kindly advise your web about Kansai guide as soon as you finished.
Regarding Kansai to Shinsaibashi, I read your link above “Kanku Chikatoku Ticket”.
1. Is it still valid until June 2015? I visit Japan by June 2015
2. This ticket valid from Kansai to Namba and also Namba to Shinsaibashi (by Osaka Subway) only JPY 1,000? Because If I read at hyperdia the cost is JPY 1,670.. Please advise.
Thanks,
regards,
Regina
Hi Regina,
1. Yes.
2. The base fare is 1100 yen (920+180), not 1670 yen, I think you include Rapi:t Limited Express surcharge. Kansai Chikatoku Ticket at 1000 yen does not cover it. It covers only airport express train or local train and Osaka subway. Anyway this is the cheapest option.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Really thanks for your reply. It really help me a lot.
Noted your info. I know the base fare 920+180. But, about 1,670 include “Rapi:t Limited Express surcharge” what is the meaning?
Therefore I only need buy Kansai Chikatoku Ticket at 1000 yen from Kansai Airport to Shinsaibashi.
Thanks,
regards,
Regina
Hi Regina,
Rapi:t is a limited express train that has reserved seat. You have to pay extra 510 yen surcharge on top of Kanku chikatoku because this ticket because this deal cover s only base fare. You can find more about rapi:t at the link below:
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/railway/kix/fromkix/rapit.html#kix
Otherwise regular train (airport express) is your choice. it’s similar to JR trains.
I’ve just updated KIX transportation guide. You can find it at top page.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail