After searching for many ways to transfer from the KIX airport to Kyoto, I have decided that the best option is the Haruka and ICOCA – a special combo deal that gives a steep discount off the regular prices for foreign travelers!
While there are other cheaper options, the difference is minimal. Therefore, I’d save the hassles and take the more comfortable choice.
What is Haruka and ICOCA?
The combo includes an ICOCA card and the ticket for JR Haruka Limited Express which provides transportation between the KIX airport and Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe or Nara.
ICOCA Card
Travelers have to either already own an ICOCA card, or purchase one in order to profit from the discount offer. A new ICOCA card has an initial value of ¥2000, including a refundable deposit of ¥500 and ¥1500. You can utilise the card on most JR+non-JR trains and buses in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe (and many other cities in Japan). You can recharge the card value at the ticket machines in all stations. The card’s ¥500 deposit and the remaining balance can be refunded at any JR ticket counter in the Greater Osaka region (including the stations and KIX airport). They will also deduct a ¥220 handling fee for the return of each card. If you’d like to keep the cute cards, or you are sure that you’ll return to this amazing country, the inactive balance remains valid for ten years.
JR Haruka Limited Express
The ticket allows you to travel between KIX Airport and any station in the designated area. The popular areas are: Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe or Nara.
You can purchase the one-way tickets for travel to or from the KIX airport. These tickets are only valid on the date of purchase.
Round-trip tickets are valid for up to 14 days, meaning you’ll need to return within these 14 days.
| Destination | One-way | Round-trip | ICOCA (Optional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka - Umeda | ¥1100 | ¥2200 | ¥2000 |
| Osaka - Namba | ¥1300 | ¥2600 | ¥2000 |
| Kyoto | ¥1600 | ¥3200 | ¥2000 |
| Kobe | ¥1500 | ¥3000 | ¥2000 |
| Nara | ¥1400 | ¥2800 | ¥2000 |
Purchasing the Tickets
Haruka and ICOCA are only for non-residents and temporary visitors to Japan. Therefore, you need to present your passport and return air ticket at the time of purchase. There is a limit of one purchase per person and stay. They can only be purchased from the JR ticket offices.
These offices are at:
- KIX Airport
- Osaka Station
- Shin-Osaka Station
- Tennoji Station
- JR Namba Station
- Kyoto Station
- Nara Station
- Kobe Sannomiya Station
You can purchase the round trip tickets at the KIX Airport only (you will probably arrive here anyway).
Important Things To Note
You should reserve the tickets online prior to your arrival. Since no payment is required, you will pay upon collection at the JR ticket offices. You can still amend your bookings upon arrival at the ticket office.
To make reservation for Haruka and ICOCA, you can visit here.
How was your experience with airport transfers to Kyoto or Osaka? Let me know in the comment section below!
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