Ticket - Train - Shin-Osaka - Kyoto

Q: How to get to Kyoto from Shin-Osaka?

To travel from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto, two main options are available: the Shinkansen and JR local trains. The Shinkansen is the fastest and most comfortable option. We recommend taking trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama services all stop at Kyoto Station. Nozomi and Hikari trains are the most direct. For bulky luggage, spaces are available at the end of the cars or behind the last seats. For very large luggage, a specific seat reservation may sometimes be required on certain Shinkansen services. Local and rapid trains on the JR Kyoto Line (which is part of the Tokaido Main Line) offer a more economical alternative. The "Special Rapid" (Shin-kaisoku) service is the fastest among local trains, making fewer stops.

Q: Train ticket prices?

The costs vary depending on the type of train and the class of seat chosen. For the Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto, an unreserved seat (jiyūseki) ticket costs approximately 1,420 JPY. For a reserved seat (shiteiseki), the price is around 2,900 JPY. Japan Rail Pass holders can use Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen services at no additional charge for either a reserved or unreserved seat. Nozomi trains are generally not included in the standard JR Pass without an additional fare. For JR Kyoto Line local trains, the cost is approximately 580 JPY, regardless of the train type (local or Special Rapid).

Q: Travel time?

Travel time is a distinguishing factor between the different options. By Shinkansen, the journey from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto takes approximately 13 to 15 minutes with Nozomi or Hikari services. Kodama trains, which stop at more stations, take slightly longer, around 20 minutes. The punctuality of these services is remarkable, with delays being very rare and typically measured in seconds. With JR local trains, the "Special Rapid" (Shin-kaisoku) takes about 25 to 30 minutes to reach Kyoto. Regular local trains can take 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the number of stops.

Q: Is the Shinkansen included in the JR Pass?

Yes, the majority of Shinkansen services are included with the Japan Rail Pass. The Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen on the Tokaido line are covered by the JR Pass. However, it is important to note that the Nozomi Shinkansen, which is the fastest service, is not covered by the standard Japan Rail Pass. To ride it, JR Pass holders must purchase an additional special express fee ticket. For this short connection, the time difference between a Nozomi and a Hikari is often negligible.

Adults (+12yo)

Children* (< 12yo)

*the price displayed is for dedicated seats; children under 6 and babies can be seated on adults'lap free of charge.

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Our next departures

Itinerary Osaka › Kyoto

Lowest price

Fastest option

0h15

First/last departure

06:00 / 23:24

Distance

999.00 km

See all schedules

The Shinkansen journey between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto, while one of the shortest on the network, is a key segment of the Tokaido Shinkansen line, the world's first high-speed rail line, inaugurated in 1964. This short segment connects two of Japan's most contrasting cities: Osaka, a modern economic hub and Shin-Osaka, a station specifically built for the Shinkansen, with Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital rich with a thousand-year-old cultural heritage. The Shinkansen allows covering this distance in record time, symbolizing Japan's efficiency and the seamless connection of its diverse facets.

Frequently asked questions

To travel from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto, two main options are available: the Shinkansen and JR local trains.

The Shinkansen is the fastest and most comfortable option. We recommend taking trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama services all stop at Kyoto Station. Nozomi and Hikari trains are the most direct. For bulky luggage, spaces are available at the end of the cars or behind the last seats. For very large luggage, a specific seat reservation may sometimes be required on certain Shinkansen services.

Local and rapid trains on the JR Kyoto Line (which is part of the Tokaido Main Line) offer a more economical alternative. The "Special Rapid" (Shin-kaisoku) service is the fastest among local trains, making fewer stops.

The costs vary depending on the type of train and the class of seat chosen.

For the Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto, an unreserved seat (jiyūseki) ticket costs approximately 1,420 JPY. For a reserved seat (shiteiseki), the price is around 2,900 JPY. Japan Rail Pass holders can use Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen services at no additional charge for either a reserved or unreserved seat. Nozomi trains are generally not included in the standard JR Pass without an additional fare.

For JR Kyoto Line local trains, the cost is approximately 580 JPY, regardless of the train type (local or Special Rapid).

Travel time is a distinguishing factor between the different options.

By Shinkansen, the journey from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto takes approximately 13 to 15 minutes with Nozomi or Hikari services. Kodama trains, which stop at more stations, take slightly longer, around 20 minutes. The punctuality of these services is remarkable, with delays being very rare and typically measured in seconds.

With JR local trains, the "Special Rapid" (Shin-kaisoku) takes about 25 to 30 minutes to reach Kyoto. Regular local trains can take 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the number of stops.

Yes, the majority of Shinkansen services are included with the Japan Rail Pass. The Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen on the Tokaido line are covered by the JR Pass. However, it is important to note that the Nozomi Shinkansen, which is the fastest service, is not covered by the standard Japan Rail Pass. To ride it, JR Pass holders must purchase an additional special express fee ticket. For this short connection, the time difference between a Nozomi and a Hikari is often negligible.