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
Hi Takeshi
Your website is extreme helpful!
My itinerary is Kansai > 3 nights in Osaka > 3 nights > Kyoto > 7 nights in Tokyo
After reading this page, I want to use “ICOCA & HARUKA” ticket and I know I can reserve it on the JR-West website but still require to collect rail pass from the JR-West ticket office.
My family (3 adults and a 2 year old child) will be arriving at Kansai International Airport on a Monday night around 2225hours but I am worried that after customs and immigration that I will not make it in time to the JR-WEST Ticket office (I believe it closes 11pm) to collect my “ICOCA & HARUKA” rail pass.
So my question is
a) Can I please confirm that the JR-WEST ticket office at Kansai Airport closes at 11pm?
b) Can I purchase the ICOCA & HARUKA rail pass from a ticket-vending machine?
c) If the ticket office is closed, what other options do I have to get to Osaka at 11pm?
Thank you very much!
Hi Limu,
I’m very happy to hear that my website is helping you to plan your trip to Japan.
a) Yes. It close at 23:00.
b) No.
c) After 23:00, there are still some trains available. Please see the timetable below:
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/jr_time.html
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/nankai_time.html
You can purchase single ticket at vending machine.
You have one hour to get the last train to Osaka. It will be okay.
If you miss the train, there are some night bus available.
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_osaka_sta_tt.html#from
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Sir,
I will stay in Namba Osaka for 2 days and then in Kyoto for 4 days. After that, we plan to travel by Haruka Express from Kyoto directly to Kansai Airport. However, it seems that the one-way discounted set “ICOCA and Haruka” cannot be used from Kyoto to Kansai Airport. Am I correct? If the discounted ticket cannot be used, should we buy the one-day JR-West Railpass (2,000 yen) and save 890 yen? I look forward to your advice, thank you.
Best, JP
Hi JP,
You are right. You cannot use it for Haruka to KIX from Kyoto. JR Kansai Area Pass is the best choice as you think.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for your prompt advice, JP Rail.
Hi Takeshi,
I would like some advice please. Our trip to Japan will be as follows:
– Arv in KIX
– Osaka 5 days
– Tokyo 6 days
– Dep from KIX
Since we’ll be in Osaka first, my plan is to purchase return trip Haruka+Icoca (saving the 7-day JR Pass for later). We’re travelling with a 4 year old child, so should we purchase Haruka+Icoca for our child? Or just the Icoca pre-paid car for the child?
Do we have to pay any fares for 4 year old child when travelling on all public transportation (subways/metro/buses) in Osaka and Tokyo?
Regards,
Allan
Hi Allan,
Child under 6 years old is free of charge for most of public transportation, subway, bus, metro and other commute trains in throughout Japan. I think you don’t need to purchase ICOCA and Haruka for your kid. But Japan Rail Pass may be required for your child. I had same questions before. Please click the following link and see the comments. You will find my comment about my 4 years old girl.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
You don’t have to purchase JR pass. But Haruka is very short transfer and most of local trains as well. But trip time of Shinkansen to Tokyo is 2.5hr+. If you use only two seats for 3 of you, it will be very tight.
But this is my opinion. The choice is yours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Ok thanks Takeshi. Since we’ll be travelling off-peak I think we won’t bother with JR Pass for the child…..we’ll just travel on unreserved cabin in Shinkansen.
Hi Allan,
Even if you travel in off peak season, sometimes Shinkansen is full. Because there are lots of business user’s demands. Please keep it in your mind. But as long as you find lots of empty seats, of course you can use three seats. This is technically against the rules. If conductor tell you to use only two seats, please follow the direction.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
Your article is really helpful!
I will be arriving at Kansai Airport and staying at Osaka for 3 nights, Kyoto for 2 nights, and Tokyo for 6 nights. I will be staying near Shinosaka station at Osaka and near Kyoto station at Kyoto.
I am planning to take the express Haruka from Kansai Airport to Shinosaka, then the express Haruka from Shinosaka to Kyoto and the Shinkansen from Kyoto station to Tokyo. Just wondering if this is the best way to get from one place to another? Also, is there any pass that is suitable in my case?
Thank you (:
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for your comment about my website, JPRail.com.
Single fare from KIX to Shin-Osaka is 2260 yen (basic fare + Haruka surcharge). You can get this fare at Hyperdia.
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
By the way, if you want to take Haruka, ICOCA and Haruka is much better deal.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
One way type is 3000 yen. This includes Haruka ticket and 1500 e-money. So it has 3740 yen value at 3000 yen.
Next, when you transfer to Kyoto from Shin-Osaka, take Special Rapid train. It is fast, convenient and frequent.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/rapid-service/special-rapid-service.html
You don’t need to pay any surcharge because this is a sort of commute train. But it is as fast as Haruka. And also ICOCA card fully cover this rapid train. You also can use ICOCA for subways in both Kyoto and Osaka. It is very useful for sightseeing.
At last, Shinkansen is the best choice from Kyoto to Tokyo. As long as you have one way trip to Tokyo from Kyoto, there is no discount deals. Simply purchase single ticket at the station. You can book and purchase it at Shin-Osaka in advance.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
How much does it cost for an adult to take the Haruka train from Kansai airport to Shinosaka? I tried viewing the Fare calculation but it does not have the information I need. Thank you (:
I was on the Haruka Limited Express from Kyoto to Kansai International Airport last night. The train arrived more than 30 minutes later than scheduled to the airport, causing me to miss my flight. Where should I file a complaint?
Hi Alex,
I’m sorry to hear that.
If you want to complain, you have to call to JR West customer service at 078-382-8686. They have online contact form, but unfortunately they have only Japanese one.
https://voc.westjr.co.jp/voice/InputForm.php
In case of delay, usually railway company issue late arrival form. As far as I know, passenger show it to flight company and they rebook a seat without extra charge. Usually that’s all they do.
I checked several website, most of them says it is exemption from responsibility. Train company do not take a responsibility for miss connection due to delay of service. I’m not a lawyer. So I’m not 100% sure. I just want to let you know it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you in advance for travel advice.
We arrive in Kansai Airport and have one night in Swissotel Nankai Osaka, a hotel abov Nankai Station. We then travel to Kyoto for 3 nights, Nara for 2 nights and finally, Osaka for 4 nights.
Which train or bus passes would be most economical for a group of 5 adults? Please inform us of ticket cost and travel time, where possible.
Advice much appreciated.
Hi K Kong,
I don’t think you need to purchase the pass. You will stay for multiple nights in each cities. So you can simple purchase a single ticket for inter city transfer, like Osaka to Kyoto.
When you stay in Kyoto and Osaka, you may purchase city pass. See the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
As you see, there are Kansai Thru Pass and JR West Kansai Area Pass. If you go around whole Kansai area in 3 or 4 days, these pass will be suitable. But obviously it is not your choice.
Your choice may be Kyoto city day pass or Osaka Unlimited Pass or Eco card. But you need to take a train or bus approximately 5 times a day at least. Otherwise single fare will be cheaper.
When you stay in Nara, most of spots can be accessed on foot.
Cheers,
Hello,
I will be arriving to Kansai airport and spending time in Kyoto and Osaka. I will be going to Kyoto first, directly from Kansai. 2 days in Kyoto and 3 days in Osaka.
Which rail pass(es) do you recommend? I’m not sure whether the Kansai Thru Pass is better, or a combination of that and the Haruka or???
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Tyco T,
ICOCA and Haruka is the best for day 1.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
You can use ICOCA e-money 1500 yen for Kyoto subway, transfer to Osaka or Osaka subway. If you visit many places in Kyoto, purchase Kyoto city pass and save e-money for Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Your article is very helpful. May I ask you about the 4day Kansai Area pass on JR trains.
We will be arriving in Osaka Kansai International airport and staying at Shin-Osaka Station Hotel for 3 nights.
Can we buy the 4-day JR train Kansai pass and use it for travel from airport; and go to kyoto everyday for 3 days and use the JR Trains in Kyoto, and finally return to airport on the last day?
Thank you.
Ling.
Hi Ling,
Yes, you can. But JR line is not useful in Kyoto. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-kyoto.html
You might need to purchase Kyoto city pass. But JR West Kansai pass still give you a great deal.
As far as you stay in Shin Osaka, this pass is most suitable for you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Sir,
I would like to refer to one of your comments on ways to visit Mt. Fuji
“And also Japan Railway operates some Rapid trains to Kawaguchiko directly from Tokyo via Shinjuku. When you take this train, you don’t need to transfer the trains at Otsuki. But you still need to pay for Otsuki to Kawaguchiko. They have 2 round trips (to Kawaguchiko in the morning) between Tokyo/Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko. It takes 2 hours and 45 minutes from Shinjuku and 3 hours from Tokyo.”
what train is that ? may I have the timetable for this train?
warmest regards,
Hi GL Tan,
You can find it at JR East trains at the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/seasonal-trains-schedule/schedule-of-2012-summer-seasonal-trains-of-japan-railways.html
PS. Would you please leave your comment on the related post next time? Otherwise please use Forum page.
https://jprail.com/forums-about-japan-rail-pass-and-rail-travel-in-japan
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail