Kansai Airport can be extremely crowded, and it may take some time to exit. The key to avoiding crowds is to either skip purchasing a ticket or exchanging a pass, or to opt for less commonly used transportation options from the airport. This is because the usual travel methods are often crowded.

Skip the line by using contactless payment on the Nankai train

Nankai Railway, one of the two rail companies serving Kansai Airport, introduced contactless payment a few years ago. This advancement eliminates the need to purchase a ticket or an IC card prior to boarding. Instead, simply tap your credit or debit card or on the reader at the turnstile to access the platform, bypassing the queue at Kansai Airport Station. As of November 2023, MasterCard is not accepted; only Visa, Amex, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover cards are compatible with Nankai’s contactless payment system. For those preferring the Rapi:t train, which is faster and offers guaranteed seating, you can reserve online and use the QR code for platform entry and train boarding. Note that Nankai trains only go as far as Namba in Osaka; if your destination is elsewhere, a transfer is necessary.

Take the bus

Some destinations, including Uehommachi in Osaka, Kobe, Kaiyukan, Universal Studios, Himeji, and Nara (service suspended as of November 2023), are more conveniently accessed by airport bus. The airport bus also offers more frequent service to Osaka Station and Kyoto compared to JR trains. One advantage of the bus is the quick departure from the airport, as buses leave from the same floor as Terminal 1’s international arrivals. Numerous ticket vending machines and booths are located just outside each terminal exit door. The ratio of passengers to bus ticket sales points is generally lower than that for train tickets, leading to shorter wait times for bus ticket purchases. It’s advisable not to use the ticket booth inside the arrival hall due to crowds. Instead, opt for the ticket vending machines or booths outside the exits on the 1st floor (arrival hall). Personally, I prefer the airport bus as it avoids the hassle of carrying luggage on crowded commuter trains.

For traveling to Fushimi Inari, Pontocho, and Gion in Kyoto, taking the airport bus to Neyagawashi Station and then transferring to a Keihan train can be a good alternative if the timing aligns. As of November 2023, the airport bus to Kyoto Station does not extend beyond Kyoto Station. Consequently, reaching these destinations via the airport bus or JR train to Kyoto Station would require multiple transfers at Kyoto’s busiest station. In contrast, Neyagawashi Station is much smaller and easier to navigate.

Another option is to utilize Terminal 2, as buses initially depart from there before stopping at Terminal 1 on their way off the airport island. Terminal 2 is primarily used by a few low-cost carriers, such as Peach, Jeju Air, and Spring Airlines, so it tends to be less crowded than Terminal 1.

Take the Taxi

Taxis, though not the most affordable option for traveling to and from Kansai Airport, can be a convenient choice depending on your situation, especially if you wish to avoid crowds at the train station. Taxis offer the flexibility of being booked in advance or hailed on the spot, if available at the stand. You have three types of taxis to choose from.

The first is the regular metered taxi, available at the taxi stand without a reservation. This is the most convenient option; you simply hop in and out, with no booking needed. However, be aware that the fare increases in traffic, and during peak times or after the last train, it can be challenging to find a taxi due to high demand.

The second option is the fixed-price taxi, ideal if you prefer knowing the fare in advance. This service requires a reservation, and the driver will meet you at the arrival area. Note that the price varies by vehicle type, and tolls are added to the fare, so the final price will be higher than the advertised rate. An added bonus is the option to request a car seat.

The third and most economical option is the shared airport shuttle. As this service is shared, you might be grouped with other travelers going in the same direction. The journey might take longer than public transportation, and the shuttle’s departure times may not align with your schedule.