Osaka and Kyoto are about 43 km (27 miles) apart as the crow flies. The best way to travel between them is usually a train, bus or short drive. Here are your options.
Distance
43 km
In miles
27 mi
Best way
train, bus or short drive
Ways to get from Osaka to Kyoto
Train or busRecommended
~1h if a direct line exists
Often the most scenic and city-centre-to-city-centre option.
DriveRecommended
~0.5h behind the wheel
Great for flexibility and stops, assumes a land route is available.
Times are estimates from straight-line distance to help you plan, always check live schedules and whether a land route exists before booking.
Planning this trip?
Get a free day-by-day plan for Kyoto, or a two-city itinerary.
Osaka to Kyoto: questions
How far is Kyoto from Osaka?+
Osaka and Kyoto are about 43 km (27 miles) apart in a straight line. The actual travel distance by road or air will be a little longer.
Can you travel overland from Osaka to Kyoto?+
Yes, at roughly 43 km apart, a train, bus or drive is realistic where a land route exists, and often more scenic than flying.