Your driver will meet you at your address in Osaka.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
Youâll travel in comfort for 1 hour.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Kyoto.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
56 km1 hour
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Osaka to Kyoto
What is the easiest way to get from Osaka to Kyoto?
The easiest way to get from Osaka to Kyoto is by taking the Shinkansen bullet train. Itâs fast, efficient, and takes about 15 minutes. Daytripâs private car transfer is another easy option, offering comfort and personalized stops along the way.
Is Kyoto a day trip from Osaka?
Kyoto is not far from Osaka, so it makes a great day trip. The short travel distance and fast train choicesâlike the Shinkansenâmake it easy to visit Kyoto's main attractions and get back to Osaka that same day if you donât choose to stay the night.
How much is a bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto?
Depending on the type and seat class, a Shinkansen bullet train ticket from Osaka to Kyoto runs between $15 to $25.
Is it better to go to Osaka or Kyoto first?
It depends on your interests and your travel schedule. If you like energetic city life, shopping, and nightlife, start with Osaka. Start with Kyoto if your interests lie more in historical landmarks, classic culture, and peaceful settings.
What is the fastest way to get from Osaka to Kyoto?
Traveling from Osaka to Kyoto via the Shinkansen bullet train is the most efficient and quickest method. The journey is approximately 15 minutes long and is both fast and comfortable.
How do I get from Osaka to Kyoto?
The Shinkansen bullet train takes just 15 minutes to travel, a train takes 30 minutes, a bus takes 1 to 1.5 hours, and a private car service takes an hour to get from Osaka to Kyoto. Each option has benefits; hence, choose what fits your taste and schedule most.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries theyâre visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Set off on a car trip from Osaka to Kyoto, one that guarantees fun and picturesque scenery. This 38-mile (56 km) distance drive typically takes about an hour, but who's in a rush? Soon after leaving the busy city of Osaka, you will be whirling past Kurondo Nature Park and its scenic views. Imagine yourself meandering through the little city of Uji, where you can visit local tea houses and old temples.
A private car transfer with Daytrip guarantees a comfortable, stress-free experience where you are free to add optional site-seeing packages. Whether your path is straightforward or cruising through backroads, you can customize your trip to include unique stops, transforming this short transfer into an adventure. Get ready, let your professional driver take the wheel, and get ready for the road from Osaka to Kyoto to be as unforgettable as the destination itself.
About Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan's cultural center, is a city that deftly combines modern appeal with old customs. Kyoto presents a fascinating range of experiences tucked among calm temples and busy markets. Imagine strolling across the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its seemingly endless path of vivid torii gates. Alternatively, you can lose yourself in the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), where the shimmering gold leaf reflects in a calm pond.
From the classic tea houses in Gion, where geishas still perform their art, to the ancient Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kyoto's rich history is evident everywhere. Seasonal celebrations like the amazing cherry blossoms in spring or the vibrant autumn foliage enhance the charm of the city.
Foodies will equally find Kyoto's culinary scene to be very appealing. At Nishiki Market, sometimes referred to as "Kyoto's Kitchen, savor regional cuisine, including yudofu (hot water tofu) and kaiseki, a multi-course meal. The busy market environment and range of fresh produce and snacks provide a sensory feast.
Kyoto offers an enchanted experience whether your interests are in visiting the historic temples, strolling through Zen gardens, or savoring a traditional tea ceremony. Any visitor should make sure to visit this destination as it combines vibrant culture with historical appeal.
From Osaka to Kyoto: travel tips
Planning your Osaka to Kyoto transfer? Here are some handy tips to make your journey seamless and enjoyable.
Explore scenic stops by car
If you prefer a leisurely pace, consider a private car transfer. This allows you to fully enjoy the journey between these two cities, stop at scenic sites like the city of Nara, and have your heart captured by the free-roaming deer in Nara Park. Enjoy the flexibility and picturesque views along the way.
Don't underestimate travel time
Although Osaka and Kyoto are not far apart, budget extra time for holidays or busy periods. Booking beforehand is smart since trains and buses can get packed.
Use a JR Rail Pass
If you are using the train, think about getting a JR Rail Pass. If you intend to visit other locations as well, it is a reasonably priced choice since JR trainsâincluding the Shinkansen bullet train offer unlimited travel.
How to get from Osaka to Kyoto
Getting from Osaka to Kyoto is a breeze, with various transportation options that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Train from Osaka to Kyoto
The Shinkansen bullet train is the most popular mode of transportation between Shin-Osaka Station and Kyoto Station, taking 15 minutes to complete the journey. Train tickets range from $15 to $25, depending on the type of train and class. The JR Special Rapid Service is an alternative option that takes 30 minutes and costs approximately $3.50.
Price: $3.50 to $25 depending on train service
Duration: 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the train service
Private car transfer from Osaka to Kyoto
Daytrip's private car transfers give the most flexibility. The 38-mile (56 km) drive takes around an hour and allows you to add sightseeing stops at intriguing places along the way. Add packages to your transfer to stop at locations like the thousand-year-old shrine Iwashimizu Hachimangu and see the cherry blossoms at Akutagawa Sakurazutsumi Park.
Costing $51 per seat, this option is ideal for travelers who prioritize comfort and prefer to explore at their own leisure. The closest airport to Kyoto is Osaka International Airport, and there are no direct trains traveling via this route, so a private car transfer is another good option instead of taking the Airport Limousine Bus.
Price: starting from $51 per seat
Duration: approximately 1 hour
Cycle from Osaka to Kyoto
Cycling between Osaka and Kyoto can be an enjoyable journey for the adventurous. Depending on your speed and the route you choose, the trip should take around 3 to 4 hours. Besides being a green mode of transportation, it also gives you a more immersive experience traveling through the gorgeous landscape.
Things to do when you get to Kyoto
Once you get there, you will find a wealth of historical and cultural treasures waiting for you in Kyoto. Here are some activities to help make your trip even more memorable.
Walk to Fushimi Inari Shrine
Renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which create a hypnotic trail up Mount Inari, Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-visit. Individuals or companies contribute each gate to symbolize their wishes for prosperity and good fortune. With small shrines and breathtaking views all along, the climb through these gates presents a calm and stunning experience.
Although the whole path takes 2 to 3 hours, you are free to tour smaller portions if you want. The spiritual ambiance and the striking contrast of red gates against lush greenery make it a perfect spot for both tranquility and photography.
Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
If you are searching for an enchanting spot to escape from the city, visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. As you make your way through the towering bamboo stalks, it's like you've stepped into another world. The grove is serene and tranquil, and it has stunning scenery. Photographers and anybody else seeking tranquility will find it particularly enticing.
Nearby, on the Hozu River, you can take a boat ride to the UNESCO World Heritage Tenryu-ji Temple. Arashiyama is a flexible location because of the mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Stroll around Nishiki Market
Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is bustling with activity. Covering five blocks, the market is packed with vendors of fresh vegetables, fish, and locally grown produce. Kyoto's unique food is best tasted here, from traditional sweets to savory nibbles like yubi (tofu skin) and tsukemono (pickles).
Foodies wishing to experience Kyoto's real flavors will find the market perfect since its energetic environment offers a window into local life. While you're there, be sure to sample some matcha treats!
When is the best time to visit Kyoto
While any time of year is great for a visit to Kyoto, the pleasant weather in the fall and spring makes these seasons most popular.
Kyoto in spring (March to May)
Cherry blossoms and comfortable temperatures make spring in Kyoto perfect. Some noteworthy events are the Aoi Matsuri festival and the Hanami cherry blossom viewing.
Average temperatures: 50° F to 70 °F (10-21° C)
Weather: mild and sunny with occasional showers
Kyoto in summer (June to August)
Summer in Kyoto is hot and humid, and the rainy season is from June to July. Events like Gion Matsuri and Daimonji Bonfire take place during summertime.
Average temperatures: 70°F to 90°F (21-32° C)
Weather: hot and humid with frequent rain
Kyoto in autumn (September to November)
Autumn in Kyoto brings lower temperatures and golden foliage. Enjoy the Jidai Matsuri festival and colorful leaves at temples.
Average temperatures: 50° F to 75 °F (10-24° C)
Weather: mild and sunny with occasional rain
Kyoto in winter (December to February)
Winter in Kyoto is cool and peaceful, and it is great for exploring without crowds. Experience the quiet beauty of snow-covered temples. Enjoy events like the Yamashina Gishi Festival and TĹka Ebisu.
Average temperatures: 30 °F to 50° F (-1-10°C)
Weather: cold and dry with occasional snowfall
Visit these sights on the way
Nara Park
Have your heart captured by the hundreds of freely roaming deer that have come to symbolize Nara, in this sprawling urban park. Deer DreamlandÂ
Nara
The capital city of Nara Prefecture in Japan offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Sanctuary of the DeerÂ
Akutagawa Sakurazutsumi Park
Located in the BunkyĹ ward, this park is renowned for its breathtaking cherry blossoms, making it a popular destination during springtime. Koinobori WonderlandÂ
Iwashimizu Hachimangu
This thousand-year-old shrine complex sits atop Mt. Otokoyama, surrounded by nature and history. Serenity Atop OtokoyamaÂ
Uji
This cityâs enchantment extends from its tea heritage to its riverside allure, ancient shrines, and historic treasures, capturing the essence of Japan's cultural tapestry. Tea TreasuresÂ
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
This captivating spectacle of bamboo trees offers a unique and immersive experience that transports visitors to another realm. Bamboo EuphoriaÂ
âI used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.â
âWe were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, weâd especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.â
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
âWe absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. Itâs worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. Itâs 5 star rating is well deserved.â
âWe traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortableâ
âGonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.â
âWe were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.â
âUsed the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.â
âUsed Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.â
âWe did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.â
âWe used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.â
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Omar
Good to know
Children
If youâre traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isnât included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If youâre traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Donât worry if you donât know your exact address at the time of booking - youâll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select âReturnâ when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select âOne Wayâ or âReturnâ to change the type of trip you need. Itâs a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you donât see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
