Kansai Airport Limited Express Haruka may be your first train if you arrive in Kansai airport. It is operated between Kansai (Osaka) airport, Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Kusatsu and Maibara. But please be careful that Haruka does not stop at Osaka station. It stop at Tennoji and Shin-Osaka. If you want to go to Osaka station, you have to transfer to the local train at Shin-Osaka. This express train has 30 round trips a day and are operated mostly every 30 minutes.
After you arrive Kansai airport, you can exchange your JR Pass and take this train to Osaka. JR Pass cover fully this train. Haruka takes you to Shin-Osaka station for about 1 hour. It is fast and convenient. But this train does not take you to Osaka station and does not drop you off at the door of Hotel either. We have an Airport limousine bus to many place in Greater Osaka and Hi-speed ferry service to Kobe. So if you go to Greater Osaka area, I recommend you to take other transportation.
And also if you stay several days in downtown Osaka, please think about saving your rail pass days. Please refer this tips.
Route and stations
Haruka runs between Kansai airport and Kyoto, Kusatsu, Maibara. But most of trips run between Kansai airport and Kyoto. Train to/from Kusatsu and Maibara run in early morning and late evening only as a commute express train.
Please see the operation route in the map below:
If you are looking for the timetable of Haruka, you can find it in my PDF timetable in the link below:
Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
Special tickets and passes to cover Haruka
There are some deals available to cover this train.
JR West Kansai Area Pass
This pass is designed for unlimited JR train ride in Kansai area. But you can use one day pass to get on Haruka. This pass covers non reserved seat on Haruka. The online price of one day pass is 2,200 yen. You can purchase this online or Kansai airport station on the spot. The online price is slightly cheaper than a regular ticket (basic fare + non reserved seat fee = 2,330 yen) from Kansai airport to Shin-Osaka. If you go to Shin-Osaka or Kyoto and make some trips on JR lines, this pass gives you a great deal. Please see the link below to find the details:
how to use JR Kansai Area Pass. Compare this pass and regular fare
ICOCA and Haruka, Kansai One Pass and Haruka, Haruka discount ticket
If you take some local trains after arrival by Haruka, this special combination deal offers you a good deal and convenience. This is a discount price ticket to take non reserved seat on Haruka and IC card which covers most transportation. Please see the post below to find more information:
Other rail passes to cover Haruka
The following deals cover this train, Haruka:
- Japan Rail Pass, a,k,a, JR Pass
- Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Kansai Kanazawa Area Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Kansai Wide Area Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Sanyo Sanin Area Pass
- Sanyo-Sanin Northern Kyushu Pass
- Setouchi Area Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Hokuriku Arch Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass (Non reserved seat only)
- Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass (Non reserved seat only)
Accommodation
Hotels in Kansai International Airport
Hotels in Kyoto
Hotels in Nara
Hotels in Kobe
Hotels in Osaka
JR West 281 series and 271 series are used for Haruka. 281 series was introduced at the same time of Kansai airport opened in 1994. 271 series was introduced in July, 2019 because of increasing demand. But both series look almost same.
*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.
Green seat
The seat configuration is 2+1. It is a big seat, but the headrest is quite small.
Ordinary seat
The seat configuration is 2+2. The table is so small and the size is not enough for eat and using a laptop.
Washroom and other facilities
Baggage storage area
This storage does not have any lock and security.
Haruka train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
G | R | R | R | NR | NR |
Some trains are operated by 9 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
G | R | R | R | NR | NR | R | R | R |
*G=Green seat R=Reserved seat NR=Non reserved seat
Comments
Dear Takeshi,
Need advise on best ticket type for our upcoming trip to Tokyo/Osaka.
Travelling pax: 2 Adults + 2 Kids (age 12&14)
1 20-Dec-17 Tokyo (Haneda Airport)
2 21-Dec-17 Tokyo
3 22-Dec-17 Tokyo
4 23-Dec-17 Tokyo
5 24-Dec-17 Tokyo
6 25-Dec-17 Tokyo – Takayama (via Nagoya)
7 26-Dec-17 Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa
8 27-Dec-17 Kanazawa
9 28-Dec-17 Kanazawa – Kyoto
10 29-Dec-17 Kyoto
11 30-Dec-17 Kyoto
12 31-Dec-17 Kyoto – Osaka
13 1-Jan-18 Osaka
14 2-Jan-18 Osaka (Kansai Airport)
Thank you. 🙂
Cheers,
Elaine
Hi Elaine,
The following deals are recommended.
Haneda-Tokyo and sightseeing in Tokyo
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Single ticket or Platt Kodama for Tokyo to Nagoya
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Takayama Hokuriku area pass for Nagoya-Takayama-Shirakawago-Kanazawa-Kyoto
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
Single ticket for Kyoto to Osaka
Kyoto city deal
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Osaka city deal
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Osaka to KIX
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you so much for the advice.
Much appreciated. 🙂
Cheers,
Elaine
No worries, Elaine.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I’ll be staying in Shin-Osaka on April 6 to 7 and my planned itinerary for these two days are as follows:
Day 1 (April 6) – Tour Osaka (like Namba, Dotobori, etc).
Day 2 (April 7) – Tour Osaka, visit Osaka Castle, and then go to Kansai Airport for my return home.
Do you think getting Osaka Day Pass (2 for two days) would cover the subways and trains from Shin-Osaka to downtown Osaka and within Osaka? More importantly, will the Osaka Day Pass cover the train from Namba to Kansai Airport ? The Osaka Day Pass is about 800 yens. Thank you for answering my questions!
Hi Katrina,
I think you mean Eco card at 800 yen. If so, it covers all part of downtown Osaka. But there are some more deals available in Osaka. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Any deals for sightseeing in Osaka does not cover trip to KIX from Namba. You have to pay single fare at 920 yen or use other deal if you want to take limited express train.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/webtoku.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We will travel in Kyoto and Osaka next week. This is our first trip in Japan. Could you give us suggestions on what kind of tickets we should purchase? Below is our itinerary.
Day1, from KIX to Kyoto
Day2 – Day4, sightseeing Kyoto
Day5, heading for Arashiyama, staying in Arashiyama
Day6, sightseeing Arashiyama, and heading to Osaka
Day7 – Day8, sightseeing Osaka, to KIX on Day8 night
Thank you for answering my questions.
Elaine
Hi Elaine,
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Please remove “trip to Nara” portion from the itinerary in the link above. You can use same way as this sample itinerary in the link.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Need advise on best ticket type for my upcoming trip to Osaka and Kyoto:
Day 1: arrive KIX (evening), stay at Osaka. May tour around Osaka
Day 2: visit Osaka and may go Osaka castle, floating garden and etc.. Stay at Osaka
Day 3: Haruka train to Osaka, visit Kyoto
Day 4: visit Kyoto
Day 5: visit Kyoto, Haruka train back to Osaka
Day 6: visit Osaka, Haruka train to KIX
Shall I get Osaka amazing pass for day 2?
Any good day pass to cover Kyoto?
Is ICOCA+Haruka card a good choice for the rest of the days?
Thanks
Hi James,
I cannot say ICOCA and Haruka is the best choice or not for day 1 and 6. It depends on your place to stay in Osaka. Please see the link below to find it.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Amazing pass is okay for day 2 and Kansai thru pass is the best choice for day 3 to 5.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
You cannot take Haruka by this pass but you can take either Hankyu railway or Keihan railway to get Kyoto from Osaka and this pass covers subway in Osaka and Kyoto, city bus and many other Non JR trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello!
First time travelling to Japan. We’ll land at KIX Airport then head straight to Kyoto, so naturally, the Haruka is perhaps the best solution. We don’t plan on buying ICOCA and HARUKA nor JAPAN RAIL PASS, but plenty of sites seem to say that these tickets “covers” the limited express train, so I’m not sure if it’s possible to buy a regular ticket from KIX to Kyoto using Haruka.
According to the first video here:
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/howto/ticket_02.html#fqtop
“If you wish to get on a Limited Express Train, you will need to purchase a Limited Express ticket IN ADDITION to the fare.”
This is also what confuses me. Will we need to purchase tickets two times or go to two different vendors? Thank you so much for the clarification. 🙂
Hi Paul,
You can purchase Haruka discount ticket which is like ICOCA and Haruka without ICOCA version.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
If you buy this, this ticket covers both base fare ticket and limited express.
If you buy a regular ticket, you have to purchase two tickets, base fare ticket and limited express seat ticket. You can purchase these tickets at same time and at same window.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
This is my first time to Osaka and need some advice. I will be arriving on 26 jan late morning and need to travel from KIX to Osaka – Nipponbashi and staying for 4 days.
Please advise (1) what’s the best cost saving pass I should buy for the whole journey and (2) can I purchase all the passes from the airport ?
Thank you.
Benedict Ng
Hi Benedic,
Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Most of deals can be purchased in airport.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, Can I ask how to buy Haruka ticket and icoca card in going to Kyoto from Kansai airport?
Hi Ernie,
Please refer the link below:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I need a one-way Haruka ticket from Shin-Osaka to Kansai airport. Where do I go to purchase this?
Is the one-way Haruka ticket valid only on the day of purchase? My flight is in the early morning and I would prefer not to rush if I can buy it the night before.
Thanks!
Hi Dave,
Please see the link below and you will find the location of ticket office (“Collection and purchase of rail pass”).
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/timetable/pdf/station_shin-osaka.pdf
I have never done but I think you can purchase it on the day before. By the way, the first Haruka depart from Shin-Osaka at 6:17 and arrive at KIX at 7:11. Is this okay for your flight? If it’s not early enough, you have to take bus from Umeda. Haruka ticket is not suitable.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/UM
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I will arrive Kansai Airport on 24/12 at 9.30pm. I planning to go to Shiragawa-go on the next day early morning. Shall I take Haruka to Shin Osaka for the next early morning train or I should go to Osaka? May I know what is the last train to go to Shin Osaka and Osaka station?
Thanks!
Hi Nicol,
The last Haruka is 22:16 departure. I don’t think you can take it. There are many more trains until around 23:30. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Can I use Surutto Kansai pass to ride Limited Express Haruka from Kansai airport to Tennoji without additional charges??
http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html
Hi Jay,
No, you can’t. This deals does not cover any JR trains at all. If you want to take Haruka, ICOCA and Haruka, or Haruka discount ticket is your choice:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
After reading the articles about transportation and some of the comments on your site, I had summarised my itinerary as follows:
Day 1 (SUN) KIX to Kyoto (using Haruka – one way 1600yen + Kyoto day1 pass – 1200yen)
My ETA is at 11.00am.
So after reaching Kyoto, I will explore southern and central part of Kyoto
Day 2 (MON) Kyoto (Kyoto day2 pass – 1200yen)
I will explore western part of Kyoto and free & easy
Day 3 (TUE) Kyoto to Namba to Nara (Kansai Thru Pass)
I will depart from Kyoto to Namba station (check in luggage to hotel) then proceed to Nara
Nightlife at Namba areas
Day 4 (WED) Namba to Kobe (Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 5 (THU) Umeda + Osaka area (Amazing Osaka Pass 2300yen or ICOCA2000yen or Eco card 800yen)
I will be using Amazing Osaka for transportation and sightseeing and Umeda areas
Day 6 (FRI) Osaka area (ICOCA-2000yen or Eco card 800yen)
Free and Easy or maybe will go Tennoji area
Day 7 (SAT) Namba to KIX (namkai railway 920yen)
Would you comment on my itinerary? TQ
Hi GAL,
You have chosen right deals. I have only one thing to mention to you. You may use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day. You can get ICOCA on same day.
Even if you will use Eco Card on day 6, you still can use it on day 7 to take Nankai train. When you explore Kyoto, you can use ICOCA if you need to take other than city bus and subway. ICOCA will useful in your trip anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
TQ Takeshi
Adding…
Can I amend little bit my itinenary as per below? And which one you feel better n safe cost?
Day 1 (SUN) KIX to Kyoto (buy Haruka – one way 1600yen + ICOCA+ day1 pass – 1200yen)
My ETA is at 11.00am.
So after reaching Kyoto, I will explore southern and central part of Kyoto
Day 2 (MON) Kyoto to Nara(return)
(Kansai Thru Pass-2000yen)
used as un-conservative for (mon&wed)
Day 3 (TUE) Kyoto to Namba(ICOCA)
Day 4 (WED) Namba to Kobe (Kansai Thru Pass)
Day 5 (THU) Umeda + Osaka area (Amazing Osaka Pass 2300yen)
Day 6 (FRI) Osaka area (ICOCA-2000yen or Eco card 800yen)
Day 7 (SAT) Namba to KIX (namkai railway 920yen
Hi GAL,
This one is cheaper but you don’t have enough time to see Kyoto. If you mean that you will arrive in KIX at 11:00, you may be Kyoto around 14:00 or later. You will spend one hour to clear custom and immigration. And you probably spend at least 30 minutes to get a ticket. And then you can leave for Kyoto.
I don’t think you can see both central and southern Kyoto on arrival day. But the choice is yours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
TQ Takeshi for good comment.
Actually I reach KIX airport at 8:25am, plus n minus estimate reach Kyoto at 11:00am. 😉
Okay, I got it, GAL.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com