Instructions on how to go from Kansai airport to Kobe city
On the Kansai region, in addition to Osaka and Kyoto, the city of Kobe also attracts a lot of tourists. From Kansai International Airport, there are many ways to get to Kobe city such as train, bus and ferry.
1. By train
Japan Railways (JR) Trains: JR operates 2 services from Kansai Airport to Tennoji, and then to Osaka or Shin-Osaka. Both of these services can use the JR Pass or the JR West Kansai Rail Pass. The first service is the Haruka train, which runs from the airport to Shin-Osaka, but operates only in the middle of the day.
From Shin-Osaka, you can transfer to a bullet train to Shin-Kobe or a fast train to Sannomiya. The second service is the Kansai Airport Express, which runs to Tennoji, then continues to Osaka (Umeda) in 70 minutes. You need to change trains at Osaka (Umeda) to get on the express train to Sannomiya. Although this train is not as fast as the Haruka train, it has a more frequent schedule, every 20 minutes. If you don't have a JR Pass, the train ticket costs 2,880 yen and takes less than 90 minutes.
Trains on Nankai Railway: You can also combine the Nankai and Hanshin lines for a cheaper ride (1,330 yen, total travel time is about 2 hours). However, you will have to change trains at Namba Station in Osaka before arriving at Kobe's Sannomiya Station. This method is suitable for passengers who want to move quickly and without too much luggage.
2. Going by bus
Bus: Airport buses also provide transfers between Kansai Airport and Sannomiya Station in Kobe. Since buses travel on highways through Osaka city, travel times are shorter and faster than trains. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, a one-way ticket costs 1,950 yen for adults and 980 yen for children. The return ticket costs 3,080 yen and you must use it within 30 days of the trip.
At the ticket counter, you can pay by cash or use most credit cards like American Express, JCB, Mastercard, Union Pay and Visa. Buses depart from the 4th floor of T1 terminal or the 1st floor of T2 terminal. If you have a lot of luggage, traveling by bus will be more convenient.
3. Traveling by ferry
Ferry: The fastest and most enjoyable way to travel between Kansai and Kobe airports is by ferry, which takes only about 30 minutes. You can enjoy the beautiful sea view during the journey. Ferry tickets can be purchased at Kansai Airport Bus Terminal 12.
If you buy a ticket (one way or round trip) on the day to Kansai airport, you can get half the price of the regular price (900 yen, instead of 1,800 yen one way or 3,000 yen round trip). It will take you about 10 minutes to reach the ferry terminal of Kansai airport, then another 30 minutes to reach the ferry terminal of Kobe airport. You can then transfer to a train to Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe.
