Haruka Express Train
The JR Haruka Express connects Kyoto Station with Kansai International Airport (KIX) with trains at busy times running through Shiga Prefecture to Maibara Station.
The Haruka is a Limited Express train operated by JR West that runs from Kyoto Station to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka Prefecture.
The Haruka also connects Maibara Station to KIX in peak periods.
The Haruka began service in 1994 and is the quickest way to reach Kansai International Airport from Kyoto Station with the journey time just 75 minutes.
JR Rail Passes are valid on the Haruka. JR-West free Wifi service is available on Haruka trains.
There are 60 Haruka trains a day with odd numbered trains beginning with 1 running south to KIX and even numbered trains running north from the airport. The Haruka does not stop at Osaka Station.
JR Haruka Stations
The JR Haruka running from Maibara to KIX calls at 16 stations between Maibara and KIX:
- Maibara
- Hikone
- Omi-Hachiman
- Yasu
- Moriyama
- Kusatsu
- Ishiyama
- Otsu
- Yamashina
- Kyoto Station
- Tatasuki
- Shin-Osaka
- Tennoji
- Izumi-Fuchu
- Hineno
- Kansai International Airport
Notable Stations
Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is the main point of access to the city by Tokaido shinkansen and highway bus, along with Kintetsu and JR trains from Nara (JR Nara Station & Kintetsu Nara Station), and JR trains from Osaka Station. Kyoto Station is also on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto subway.
Tennoji Station
Tennoji Station in Tennoji has connections to the Tanimachi Line, Kansai Main Line (Yamatoji Line), Osaka Loop Line, Hanwa Line, Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line and the Hankai Uemachi Line tram. The southern terminus at Nakamozu connects with the Nankai Koya Line to the monasteries and temples at Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture and the Semboku Rapid Railway to Izumi-Chuo. Nearby attractions include Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, Tennoji Park, Shitennoji Temple, Isshinji Temple, Tennoji Zoo, Tennoji shopping and entertainment area with the huge Abeno Harukas a new retail magnet.
Kansai Airport Station
Kansai Airport Station is the station serving Kansai International Airport (KIX). The Nankai Main Line connects Kansai Airport with Namba Station in 34 minutes on the express.
Accommodation near Kyoto Station in Kyoto
The area around Kyoto Station both around the north Central and south Hachijoguchi exits has a number of hotels, many of them catering to tour parties for schools. Our recommended hotels near Kyoto Station include: the New Miyako Hotel and the Hotel Keihan Kyoto at the Hachijoguchi exit and the Kyoto Century Hotel and the Hotel Hokke Club near Kyoto Tower. The Rihga Royal Hotel is a short walk west towards Umekoji.