Rapi:t Limited Express, From Namba to Kansai Airport

Kansai Airport is the largest international airport in West Japan, and although it’s a bit outside the center of Osaka, getting there is easy. The best way to reach the airport is by train. The fastest and most comfortable ride into the city is the Nankai Rapi:t limited express train. It whisks you away from Namba to Kansai Airport in no time, making your travel a breeze! 

What is the Rapi:t? 

Rapi:t is a train connecting Osaka Namba and Kansai Airport.

Traveling from Namba to Kansai Airport takes 40 minutes, and the basic fare is 970 yen. In addition to this fare, you must purchase an express ticket (reserved seat ticket) to board the train. Regular seat tickets cost 500 yen, while super seat tickets are 700 yen. You can buy these tickets either at the ticket counter or at the express ticket vending machine located on the platform.

There are two types of trains: Rapi:t α and Rapi:t β. The main difference between them is the stations they stop at. Rapi:t α stops at Rinku Town and Izumisano after departing from Kansai Airport, while Rapi:t β makes additional stops at Kishiwada and Sakai. Both trains take about 40 minutes to reach Namba from the airport. 

During the daytime, most of the trains service the β route, but recently, the frequency of α trains has been increasing.

An Iconic Design

“Rapi:t” means “fast” in German, and its design concept is described as “retro-futuristic.” However, I don’t feel it has a retro vibe; it feels entirely futuristic to me. The Rapi:t has been in operation since Kansai Airport was constructed, which means it has been around for about 30 years.

Once you catch a glimpse of this train, you’ll see just how unique it is, with its vibrant navy color and charming oval windows! It’s the kind of train that everyone should try riding at least once, even if you’re not a big fan of trains!

When Kansai Airport first opened, the train was often empty, but things have certainly changed! Now, with so many visitors eager to explore Japan, you’ll find this train bustling with people in the mornings and evenings. It’s quite a sight!

Ticketing

While the price is quite reasonable, there may be discounts available, such as the Kanku Special Discount Rapi:t Ticket. Additionally, Nankai’s Ticketless Service is currently running a campaign that allows you to upgrade from regular seats to super seats for free. I’m not sure when this campaign will end, but it has been ongoing since 2018, and the offer is a great deal.

As a ticketless website member, I was able to secure the super seats. These seats are very spacious, measuring 485mm wide. In comparison, even the Nozomi’s seats are only 480mm wide, making these seats larger than those on the Shinkansen.

The legroom is also quite generous, and the high ceiling makes the space feel very open.