Limited Express "Haruka" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR West Limited Express Haruka, an airport access train connecting Kansai Airport Station to Kyoto Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative routes, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, whether physical tickets are required, and IC card and credit card contactless payment options. Since the train offers unreserved, reserved, and Green Car seating, and ticket purchasing methods vary depending on the seat type, this article highlights key points to check before your trip.
*The timetable is based on information as of 2026.
The "Haruka" express train is a JR West airport access express train connecting Kansai Airport Station to Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, and Osaka stations. Some trains extend to Yasu and Kusatsu stations, making it convenient for travel from Kansai Airport to Kyoto, Osaka, and even Shiga prefectures. It offers unreserved seats, reserved seats, and Green Car seats, and a key feature is that unreserved seats can be used without prior reservation. Please check the official website for the latest information as operating information and fares may change.
| item | Content |
|---|---|
| train name | "Limited Express Haruka" |
| Operating company | JR West (West Japan Railway Company) |
| Main operating sections | Kansai Airport Station to Kyoto Station, Kansai Airport Station to Yasu Station/Kusatsu Station |
| Main starting and ending stations | Kansai Airport Station / Kyoto Station |
| Number of trains running | 30 round trips per day (approximately every 30 minutes) |
| Estimated time required | Approximately 80 minutes between Kansai Airport Station and Kyoto Station. |
| seat | Unreserved seats, reserved seats in ordinary cars, Green Cars |
| Availability of unreserved seating | Yes (e.g., car 4, car 5) |
| Is a reservation required? | Reserved seats and Green Car seats are mandatory; unreserved seats are not required. |
| Reservation start date | Tickets can be purchased from one month before the date of travel (ticketless tickets can also be purchased the day before or on the day of travel). |
| Main purchase methods | e5489, station ticket windows, green ticket vending machines |
| Representative section fare | Kansai Airport Station to Kyoto Station: 3,060 yen (standard class, unreserved seat, adult) |
table of contents
- What is "Limited Express Haruka"?
- Timetable for the "Haruka" Limited Express train
- Operating section of the "Haruka" limited express train
- Stations where the "Haruka" Limited Express train stops
- Fares for the "Haruka" Limited Express train
- How to buy tickets for the "Haruka" limited express train.
- Do I need to get a physical ticket?
- Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
- Seat information for the "Haruka" limited express train.
- Station bento boxes and in-train gourmet food to enjoy on the "Haruka" limited express train.
- Points to note when riding the "Haruka" limited express train
- summary
What is "Limited Express Haruka"?
The "Haruka" express train is a JR West airport access express train that directly connects Kansai International Airport with Kyoto and Osaka. After departing Kansai Airport Station, it travels via Hineno, Izumi-Fuchu, Tennoji, Osaka, and Shin-Osaka stations to Kyoto Station, and some trains extend further to Yamashina and Otsu stations, reaching Yasu and Kusatsu stations. There are three types of seats: unreserved seats, reserved seats in ordinary cars, and Green Car seats. Unreserved seats can be used without prior seat reservation, making it a convenient option for those who want to ride on short notice.
Train features and popular points
The "Haruka" limited express train features the "Hello Kitty Haruka," a collaboration between Kansai International Airport and Hello Kitty, characterized by Hello Kitty designs on the train's exterior and seat headrests. The Green Car offers spacious seating with a 1+2 configuration and a comfortable seat pitch of 1,160mm. Both the ordinary and Green Cars are entirely non-smoking, and there is space near the entrances to accommodate multiple suitcases, making it a thoughtful design for travelers with large luggage.
Timetable for the "Haruka" Limited Express train
*The "Haruka" limited express train operates 30 round trips per day, approximately every 30 minutes. The destination (Kyoto Station, Yasu Station, or Kusatsu Station) varies depending on the train.
Timetable for departures from Kyoto (towards Kansai Airport)
| Departure station | Departure time | Arrival station | Arrival time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto | Departure at 5:45 | Kansai Airport | Arrive at 7:10 | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Kyoto | Departure at 8:22 | Kansai Airport | Arrived at 9:36 | 1 hour 14 minutes |
| Kyoto | Departure at 12:21 | Kansai Airport | Arrive at 13:36 | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Kyoto | Departure at 16:22 | Kansai Airport | Arrive at 17:36 | 1 hour 14 minutes |
| Kyoto | Departure at 20:30 | Kansai Airport | Arrive at 21:59 | 1 hour 29 minutes |
Timetable for departures from Kansai Airport (towards Kyoto)
| Departure station | Departure time | Arrival station | Arrival time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansai Airport | Departure at 6:30 | Kyoto | Arrive at 7:52 | 1 hour 22 minutes |
| Kansai Airport | Departure at 9:14 | Kyoto | Arrive at 10:30 | 1 hour 16 minutes |
| Kansai Airport | Departure at 13:14 | Kyoto | Arrive at 14:30 | 1 hour 16 minutes |
| Kansai Airport | Departure at 17:14 | Kyoto | Arrive at 18:33 | 1 hour 19 minutes |
| Kansai Airport | Departure at 21:14 | Kyoto | Arrive at 22:39 | 1 hour 25 minutes |
Depending on the train, some trains terminate at Kyoto Station, while others continue to Yasu Station or Kusatsu Station. The above is a selection of major time slots between Kyoto Station and Kansai Airport Station; the complete timetable can be found on Ekitan's "Limited Express Haruka (HARUKA)" timetable.
Important information regarding operating days and days when the service is suspended.
The "Haruka" limited express train operates daily from early morning until night, and is not a train with limited operating days. However, there may be timetable revisions or seasonal changes.
Operating section of the "Haruka" limited express train
Main sections
- Kansai Airport Station to Kyoto Station
- Kansai Airport Station to Yasu Station/Kusatsu Station
Kyoto Station is a hub for sightseeing in Kyoto, including Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. You can transfer to the Shinkansen at Shin-Osaka Station, and to Osaka sightseeing at Osaka Station and Tennoji Station, making it a convenient option for travel from Kansai Airport to Osaka and Kyoto. Please check the train number and destination before traveling, as destinations vary depending on the train.
Stations where the "Haruka" Limited Express train stops
Main stops
- Kansai Airport Station
- Hineno Station
- Izumi-Fuchu Station
- Tennoji Station
- Shin-Osaka Station
- Osaka Station (Umeda area)
- Takatsuki Station
- Kyoto Station
- Yamashina Station (for some trains only)
- Otsu Station (for some trains only)
- Ishiyama Station (for some trains only)
- Minami-Kusatsu Station (for some trains only)
- Kusatsu Station (for some trains only)
- Moriyama Station (for some trains only)
- Yasu Station (for some trains only)
*The number of stops may vary depending on the train. Please check the latest list of stops on the JR West official website.
Fares for the "Haruka" Limited Express train
Representative section fare
| Route/Seat Type | Total price (adult) | train ticket | Express train fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport Station (unreserved seats) | 3,060 yen | 1,860 yen | 1,200 yen |
| Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport Station (reserved seat, regular season) | 3,590 yen | 1,860 yen | 1,730 yen |
| Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport Station (Green Car, regular season) | 4,360 yen | 1,860 yen | 2,500 yen |
| Tennoji Station to Kansai Airport Station (unreserved seats) | 1,820 yen | 1,060 yen | 760 yen |
*Reserved seat and Green Car express train fares vary depending on the season. During peak season, fares are 200 yen higher than during normal seasons, 400 yen higher during peak seasons, and 200 yen lower during off-peak seasons. Unreserved seat express train fares remain the same throughout the year. For the most up-to-date information, please check the official JR West website or the fare search on Ekitan.
Breakdown of train ticket and express train ticket
The fare for the "Haruka Limited Express" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge (unreserved seat limited express surcharge, reserved seat limited express surcharge, or Green Car surcharge) depending on the type of seat. Unreserved seats are cheaper than reserved seats because there is no seat reservation.
Online-only product (ticketless express train ticket)
Using the "ticketless limited express ticket" available through JR West's internet reservation service "e5489," you can reserve seats at a lower price than regular reserved seats. For example, the total cost for a combined train ticket and ticketless limited express ticket between Kansai Airport and Kyoto is 3,390 yen. Using "J-WEST Ticketless," which can only be purchased the day before or on the day of travel, may result in an even lower price. In all cases, a separate train ticket is required.
*The fares are based on information as of April 2026. Fares may change depending on the date of use, purchase method, fare revisions, etc. For the most up-to-date information, please check the official JR West website or the fare search on Ekitan.
How to buy tickets for the "Haruka" limited express train.
e5489 (Internet reservation)
JR West's internet reservation service, "e5489," allows you to reserve seats from your smartphone or computer. You can check seat availability in real time and complete your reservation from home or while traveling, making it a convenient way to purchase tickets for travelers who don't have time to go to a station ticket counter. With the ticketless service, you can board the train simply by showing your reservation details on your smartphone, eliminating the need to receive a paper ticket. Reserved seats and Green Car seats can be reserved up to one month in advance of the travel date, while ticketless express tickets can be reserved from the day before.
Station ticket office (Midori no Madoguchi)
You can purchase both your train ticket and express train ticket together at JR West's "Midori no Madoguchi" (ticket offices). If you are unsure about communicating in Japanese or if this is your first time using the service, purchasing your tickets while consulting with staff at the counter is a safe option.
Green ticket vending machine
You can also purchase train tickets and express train tickets at the ticket vending machines located at stations. You can purchase tickets for unreserved seats, reserved seats, and Green Car seats, and you can also specify your seat location.
How to buy for foreign tourists
The "Haruka" limited express train is operated by JR West on conventional lines, and may be usable with the JAPAN RAIL PASS or other Kansai area travel passes issued by JR West (such as the Kansai Wide Area Pass). Even when using a pass, you will still need to make a separate seat reservation if you wish to ride in a reserved seat or Green Car. Please note that this does not mean that reservations are unnecessary if you have a pass.
*The types of passes eligible and their terms of use may change. Please check the official JR West website for the latest information.
Do I need to get a physical ticket?
If you use the ticketless service through e5489, you can board the train without receiving a paper ticket by showing your reservation details on your smartphone screen. The ticket portion can also be a transportation IC card such as ICOCA or a commuter pass. On the other hand, with regular e5489 reservations (without using the ticketless service) or purchases at ticket counters or vending machines, you will need to receive a paper limited express ticket before boarding. Since the need for ticket issuance differs depending on the reservation method, be sure to check which method you are using when purchasing.
*The requirement for ticket issuance and the method of receiving the ticket may vary depending on the reservation service and ticket type. Please check the latest information in the instructions provided at the time of purchase or on the JR West official website.
Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
When riding a limited express train, a limited express surcharge is required in addition to the regular train ticket, regardless of whether you choose a non-reserved seat, reserved seat, or Green Car seat. While the transportation IC card "ICOCA" can be used as the train ticket within its area, if you use the "Haruka" limited express train, you will need to purchase a separate limited express ticket according to your seat type.
When using the ticketless service in combination with ICOCA, the basic fare portion is handled by touching the ICOCA card, while the limited express ticket portion is displayed on the smartphone screen. Regarding the contactless payment service for entering and exiting ticket gates using credit cards, we were unable to confirm compatibility with the "Haruka" limited express train at this time.
*ICOCA is only valid for the basic fare portion of the ticket; reserved seats and Green Car express train fares must be purchased separately. It is not the case that you can ride in reserved seats or Green Cars with just an ICOCA card. Availability may change. Please check the JR West official website for the latest information.
Seat information for the "Haruka" limited express train.
Seat types (unreserved seats, reserved seats, Green Car)
The "Haruka" limited express train has three types of seats: unreserved seats, reserved seats, and Green Car seats. In the case of a 9-car train, car 1 is the Green Car, cars 2-4 and 7-9 are reserved seats, and cars 5-6 are unreserved seats. In the case of a 6-car train, car 1 is the Green Car, cars 2-4 are reserved seats, and cars 5-6 are unreserved seats.
| Seat type | Unreserved seats, reserved seats in ordinary cars, Green Cars |
|---|---|
| Unreserved seat | Yes (Varies depending on the train set, such as car 5 or car 6) |
| reservation | Unreserved seats are not necessary; reserved seats and Green Car seats are mandatory. |
| Large luggage storage area | Luggage storage is available at the front and rear of the vehicle (some areas are subject to a fee). |
| Barrier-free facilities | Wheelchair accessible spaces, wheelchair-accessible seating, a multipurpose room, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available. |
Distinctive seating
Green Cars feature spacious 1+2 seating with a generous 1,160mm seat pitch and distinctive Hello Kitty-designed headrests. Standard cars have a 2+2 seating arrangement and are more compact than Green Cars, but they offer separate luggage storage for a comfortable ride. While the "Haruka" limited express train does not have power outlets, free Wi-Fi is available.
Large luggage storage area
Luggage racks are provided at the front and rear of the train, allowing you to store large items such as suitcases. Some luggage racks are subject to a fee. There is also space near the entrances to accommodate multiple suitcases, a design befitting an airport access express train.
Barrier-free facilities
The train is equipped with wheelchair spaces, wheelchair-accessible seating, a multi-purpose room (with changing area), wheelchair-accessible toilets, and diaper changing stations. Women-only seating and women-only toilets are also available on some train sets.
*Seat types and onboard amenities vary depending on the train and train configuration. Please check the latest vehicle information on the JR West official website.
Station bento boxes and in-train gourmet food to enjoy on the "Haruka" limited express train.
Some "Haruka" express trains have vending machines, allowing passengers to purchase drinks on board. However, the availability of full-service in-train sales varies by train, so if you want to enjoy food and drinks on board, it's best to purchase them at a shop or cafe in the station or airport before boarding. Convenience stores, cafes, and bento box vendors are located within Kansai Airport Station, Shin-Osaka Station, and Kyoto Station, making it easy to shop even in the short time before departure.
*Please note that the availability of vending machines and onboard sales services may change. For the latest information, please check the official JR West website.
Points to note when riding the "Haruka" limited express train
If you plan to use reserved seats or Green Car seats on the "Haruka" limited express train, it is recommended to book your seats in advance if you have a specific date and time in mind. While unreserved seats can be used without prior reservation, they can be crowded during peak seasons and rush hours, and you may not be able to find a seat. Please check the destination (Kyoto Station, Yasu Station, Kusatsu Station, etc.) and stops before boarding, as they vary depending on the train.
If you use the ticketless service, you don't need to pick up your ticket at the station, but if you purchase it at a ticket counter or vending machine, you will need to pick up a paper express ticket. IC cards such as ICOCA cannot process the express fare for reserved seats and Green Car seats, so please purchase an express ticket separately. If you have a large suitcase, please use the luggage racks at the front or back of the train car.
summary
The "Haruka" limited express train is a convenient airport access limited express operated by JR West, providing travel from Kansai Airport Station to Kyoto Station and Osaka Station. It operates 30 round trips per day. There are unreserved seats, reserved seats, and Green Car seats, and a limited express ticket is required in addition to the basic fare ticket for all seats. Unreserved seats can be used without seat reservation, while reserved seats and Green Car seats must be reserved in advance. Tickets can be purchased at e5489, station ticket counters, and Midori no Madoguchi (ticket vending machines). Using the e5489 ticketless service allows for smooth boarding by simply showing your smartphone. It can also be used with travel passes such as the JAPAN RAIL PASS, but seat reservations for reserved seats and Green Car seats require separate procedures.
Please note that timetables, fares, and seating arrangements are subject to change. Check the latest information before departure to enjoy a comfortable journey on the "Haruka" limited express train.
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