First Helicopter Service Links Kansai Airport and Kyoto in 25 Minutes

Sep 15, 2026 | News On Japan

OSAKA - A new helicopter service linking Kansai International Airport with central Kyoto in about 25 minutes each way will begin operations on September 15, offering travelers a faster alternative to rail and bus connections that take at least 75 minutes.

An inauguration ceremony for the service was held at Kansai International Airport on September 14.

The route is the first regular helicopter service between Kansai Airport, a major international gateway to western Japan, and Kyoto, excluding privately chartered flights.

The new service is intended to improve access between the airport and the popular tourist destination by adding another transportation option alongside existing rail and bus services.

Traveling between Kansai Airport and Kyoto by land takes 75 minutes or longer, while the helicopter service is expected to complete the journey in about 25 minutes each way.

関空―京都を25分で結ぶ初のヘリ便

関西国際空港と京都市中心部を片道約25分で結ぶ新たなヘリコプター便が9月15日に運航を開始し、75分以上かかる鉄道やバスに比べて大幅に移動時間を短縮する新たな選択肢となる。

关西机场至京都首开25分钟直升机航线

连接关西国际机场与京都市中心的新直升机航线将于9月15日开始运营，单程约25分钟，相比需要75分钟以上的铁路和巴士交通，大幅缩短了出行时间。

Source: Kyodo

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