How to Take JR Haruka Express – from Kansai Airport to Kyoto and Osaka

If you’re landing at Kansai International Airport (KIX) and heading to Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, or Tennoji, the JR Haruka Express is one of the most efficient and comfortable ways to get there. It’s fast, direct, and popular among international travelers.

This article explains how the system works in 2025, what tickets you need, how to buy them, and important updates travelers need to know before arrival.

What is the Haruka Express?

Haruka is a limited express train operated by JR West that connects Kansai Airport with major destinations in Kansai, including Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, and Tennoji. All seats are reserved, and the train is equipped with luggage storage areas.

Travel time to Kyoto: around 80 minutes
Travel time to Shin-Osaka: around 50 minutes
All seats are reserved
Runs approximately 2 to 3 times per hour
Comfortable seating and large luggage allowed without extra charges

How to Get on Haruka

There are mainly 3 ways to get on Haruka. Buying a regular ticket at the station, or using a Japan Rail Pass, or using Haruka One-Way Ticket discount.

1. Purchasing Regular Ticket

If you’re purchasing a regular ticket at the station, you’ll need to buy two parts: the base fare and the limited express surcharge. This can be done at any ticket machine or JR counter after arriving at Kansai Airport. You can also use an IC card like ICOCA or Suica for the base fare, but you still need to buy the express ticket separately to board the Haruka. Reserved seating is standard, so it’s recommended to secure a seat before boarding, especially during busy travel seasons.

2. Japan Rail Pass / JR West Passes

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, the Haruka Express is fully covered. After arriving at the airport, simply go to the JR ticket office or a reserved seat machine, show your JR Pass, and reserve a seat. There’s no need to pay anything extra. Just make sure your JR Pass is already activated and in physical card form—the digital version isn’t accepted for this purpose yet.

3. Haruka One-way Ticket

Haruka one way ticket allows you to get on Haruka with discounted fare. You can purchase online before getting on board either from JR West site or Klook site. It’s much easier to purhase from Klook site.

The ICOCA & Haruka Set Has Ended Until September 2023, JR West offered a discounted package called “ICOCA & Haruka,” which included an IC card and a reduced-fare Haruka ticket. This offer was discontinued at the end of September 2023. Instead, the discount is now provided through the Haruka One-way Ticket. This is a separate paper ticket, not linked to any IC card, and must be purchased before entering Japan.

Get Discount Ticket ” Haruka One-way Ticket “

The Haruka One-way Ticket is a discounted reserved-seat ticket available to foreign travelers who are visiting Japan under a Temporary Visitor visa status. It allows you to board the Haruka Express from Kansai Airport to Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Tennoji, Nara (via transfer), or Kobe (via transfer).

This ticket is significantly cheaper than the regular limited express fare. For example:

Kansai Airport to Kyoto: 2,200 yen (regular price: 3,640 yen)
Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka or Osaka: 1,800 yen
Kansai Airport to Tennoji: 1,300 yen
Child fare is always half the adult fare

Note that this ticket is valid only for foreign passport holders entering Japan on a Temporary Visitor visa. You must present your passport when exchanging or collecting the ticket.

Where and How to Buy the Haruka One-way Ticket

You cannot buy this ticket at a JR station after arrival. It must be purchased in advance. There are two main options:

Travel agency platforms such as Klook or KKday
JR West Online Train Reservation system

➡︎ Purchase Haruka One Way Ticket on Klook

In both cases, you will receive a confirmation or QR code which you must exchange for a physical paper ticket at Kansai Airport (or other designated stations). The ticket machine or counter staff will check your passport.

Payment must be completed online with a credit card. Tickets are not sold at the station unless you have pre-booked.

Can You Use IC Cards (ICOCA, Suica, etc.) for Haruka?

Yes, but only at full fare. You can tap in using an IC card like ICOCA or Suica, including on Apple Wallet, but it will charge you the regular price for both base fare and express fee. You will not receive the discounted rate.

If you want to ride Haruka at a discount, you must purchase and use the Haruka One-way Ticket separately. IC cards cannot be used to obtain the discount.

How to Enter the Gate with a Haruka Discount Ticket

The Haruka One-way Ticket is a paper ticket. You must insert it into the automatic gate. Do not use your IC card to tap in. Even if you own an ICOCA card or have Suica on your phone, you need to use the paper ticket to enter the platform.

Child Tickets and ICOCA

The Haruka One-way Ticket has a child option, which is available through both Klook and the JR West reservation system. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 pay half fare. Children under 6 travel free if they do not occupy a seat.

If you also want an ICOCA card for your child, you must go to the JR ticket office. Child ICOCA cards cannot be purchased from vending machines. You will need to bring the child and show their passport to confirm their age.

Final Haruka Train Schedule

The first Haruka train from Kansai Airport departs around 6:30 AM. The last train to Kyoto departs at 22:16. After that, only local or rapid trains are available.

Make sure your flight lands early enough to catch the Haruka, especially if you’re heading to Kyoto on your first night.