How to Ride the Nankai Rapit from Kansai Airport
If you’re heading into Osaka from Kansai Airport and your destination is Namba or southern Osaka, Nankai’s Rapit train is one of the best options.
Here’s everything you need to know about riding the Rapit in 2025, including ticket types, how to board, and whether it’s worth it compared to other trains.
For more general guide of how to get from Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka / USJ / Kyoto, please see here.
What Is the Rapit?
The Rapit (ラピート) is a limited express train operated by Nankai Railway, running between Kansai Airport and Namba Station. It’s fast, fully reserved, and designed for travelers with luggage.
- Travel time: Around 38–44 minutes
- All seats are reserved
- Luggage space available
- Free Wi-Fi
- Stylish blue train with a retro-futuristic design
There are two types:
- Rapit β (Beta): Stops at all major stations
- Rapit α (Alpha): Skips a few stops, slightly faster
Rapit vs Local Train
| Rapit | Local Nankai Train | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Namba | 38–44 min | Around 45 min |
| Seating | Reserved only | Non-reserved |
| Comfort | Spacious & quiet | Basic commuter train |
| Price | ¥1,300–¥1,490 | ¥1,000 (approx) |
| Luggage Space | Yes | Limited |
| Crowd Level | Less crowded | Often crowded |
If you’re a first-time visitor with luggage, Rapit is the better experience.
If you’re traveling light and want to save a few hundred yen, local is fine.
How to Buy Tickets
You must book online or use your smartphone. There are two seat types:
- Regular seat: ¥1,300 (One-way)
- Super seat: ¥1,490 (Wider seat)
You will receive a QR code by email. Scan it at the pink gate marked for Nankai Rapit (shown in the image above). No physical tickets required.
[Book Nankai Rapit Ticket Online on Klook]
What About IC Cards (ICOCA, Suica, etc.)?
Do You Still Need an IC Card (ICOCA, Suica, etc.)?
Yes. Whether you ride Haruka or Rapit, the discounted ticket only covers the express portion between Kansai Airport and your main destination (Kyoto, Osaka, Namba, etc.).
If you plan to:
- Take local trains afterward
- Use subways in Osaka, Kyoto, or other cities
- Ride buses or shop at convenience stores
You will still need an IC card like ICOCA (or Suica, PASMO, etc.).
Where to buy an IC card:
- Kansai Airport Station (JR side): Blue vending machines sell adult ICOCA.
- Ticket counters: Required if buying child ICOCA (under 12).
- Downtown Osaka: You can also buy at major stations like Umeda or Namba, but it’s best to get it at the airport if you’re heading straight into the city.
If you’re using Apple Wallet, you can add Suica or ICOCA digitally.
Schedule – When Is the Last Rapit?
Rapit runs from early morning to around 10:35 PM (weekdays) and 10:55 PM (weekends).
There are 2–3 trains per hour during most of the day.
If you miss the last Rapit, take a local train instead (runs until 23:55).
Last Rapit trains : 10:35 PM (weekdays) and 10:55 PM (weekends)
Which Is Better: Haruka or Rapit?
It depends on your destination. Namba is a major transportation hub with direct subway access to Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Umeda, and Tennoji. If your hotel is in south Osaka or near Dotonbori, Rapit gets you closest.
| Haruka (JR) | Rapit (Nankai) | |
|---|---|---|
| Destination | Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji | Namba (southern Osaka) |
| Time to City | 30–50 min (varies by stop) | 38–44 min |
| Price (Discounted) | From ¥1,800 (requires booking) | From ¥1,300 |
| Seat Type | Reserved (with ticket) | Reserved only |
| Ticket Type | Physical paper ticket only | QR code on smartphone |
| Ticket Pickup | Must be exchanged at machine | No exchange needed (Klook etc.) |
| IC Card Use | Requires separate ticket | IC cards not accepted for Rapit |
Station Location & Boarding Flow
Both JR and Nankai stations are located on the same floor of Kansai Airport Terminal 1.
When you exit customs:
- Follow signs to “Railway”
- Go up one level
- You’ll see JR on the right and Nankai on the left
- If you’re taking Rapit, just scan your QR code at the pink gate (no need to pick up a paper ticket).
- If you’re taking Haruka, you must go to the JR ticket counter or machine and show your passport to receive a paper ticket before boarding.
If you’re in a rush or arriving late at night, Rapit’s smoother QR boarding system might be easier.
Taking Haruka from Kansai Airport to Osaka / Kyoto