Kansai Airport Car Rental for Kyoto and Osaka

Quick summary: Osaka Kansai International Airport is the main international gateway for Kyoto, and its rental cars are found in the Aeroplaza near Terminal 1. The airport sits on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, linked to the mainland by a tolled bridge. Central Osaka is around 50 km (about 30 miles) away via the Hanwa Expressway, and Kyoto lies roughly twice that distance, further north and east. Many visitors take the train into Kyoto and rent a car later, just for day trips.

At a glance
Airport	Osaka Kansai International
Terminals	Main terminal and a low-cost carrier terminal
Rental pickup	Aeroplaza near Terminal 1
To central Osaka	Around 50 km (30 miles)
Route	Toll bridge, then Hanwa Expressway
Tours	Transfers

Compare car rental at Osaka Kansai Airport

Where do you pick up a rental car at Kansai Airport?

At the Aeroplaza near Terminal 1. Passengers arriving at Terminal 2, the low-cost carrier terminal, should follow airport signs and their booking instructions.

How do you drive from Kansai Airport to Kyoto?

Cross the tolled bridge to the mainland, then follow signs for the expressways north through Osaka toward Kyoto. A GPS makes navigation much easier, especially if Japanese road signs and naming systems are unfamiliar.

Should you drive straight to Kyoto?

Only if your accommodation has parking. Kyoto’s center has limited parking, so many travelers take an airport transfer or the train and rent a car later.

What can you visit on the way?

Stop	Tours
Osaka’s neon districts	Osaka tours, Night tours
Osaka food markets	Market tours, Food tours
Nara	Nara tours

Frequently Asked Questions