Kansai International Airport, Japan - Updated information and flight schedules 2025

Built on an artificial island offshore, Kansai International Airport (KIX) is not only an important international gateway connecting the Kansai region with the world, but also impresses with its unique architectural design and world-class service system. As the first destination for millions of visitors each year, Kansai International Airport offers a convenient, comfortable experience steeped in Japanese culture from the very first steps.

1. General information about Kansai International Airport

  • Full name: Kansai International Airport
  • IATA code: KIX
  • ICAO code: RJBB
  • Address: 1 Senshūkūkōkita, Izumisano, Osaka 549-0001, Japan
  • Distance to Osaka city center: Approximately 50km
  • Local time: GMT+9
  • Number of terminals: 2 (Terminal 1 for international and domestic flights, Terminal 2 for low-cost carriers)

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is one of Japan's most important aviation gateways, located on an artificial island off Osaka Bay. Operational since 1994, the airport stands out not only for its unique architecture designed by architect Renzo Piano, but also for its efficient operations under harsh natural conditions.

With modern infrastructure systems, Kansai International Airport serves tens of millions of passengers annually, connecting the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe with more than 80 major cities worldwide. Beyond passenger transport, the airport also serves as a major cargo transportation hub, contributing to trade and tourism development throughout the region.

Sân bay quốc tế Kansai

Kansai International Airport consists of 2 terminals, with Terminal 1 for international and domestic flights, Terminal 2 mainly for low-cost carriers (Source: Internet)

2. Airport scale

2.1. Runways and parking areas

Kansai International Airport is equipped with modern technical infrastructure systems, including two runways measuring 3,500m and 4,000m respectively, adequately meeting the takeoff and landing needs of wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 777 or Airbus A380. The runways are built solidly, ensuring flight safety even in harsh weather conditions.

With 104 parking positions, KIX simultaneously accommodates numerous domestic, international and cargo flights, helping optimize operational flow and increase service capacity, especially during peak seasons or major international events.

2.2. Terminals

Kansai International Airport currently has two main passenger terminals - Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with a total usable area of over 174,500m².

  • Terminal 1: The main terminal, serving international and domestic flights of traditional airlines. Terminal 1 has a 4-floor structure including domestic arrivals (1st floor), international arrivals and baggage claim (2nd floor), dining and shopping services (3rd floor) and check-in areas for both international and domestic flights (4th floor).
  • Terminal 2: Designed more minimally, dedicated to low-cost carriers (LCC) such as Peach Aviation and short regional flights.

With professional service and convenience standards, Kansai International Airport offers many modern services and amenities, helping passengers feel comfortable at all times:

  • Self check-in counters and boarding pass printing kiosks to reduce check-in time.
  • Baggage storage services before flight time, overnight baggage storage or transportation to hotels.
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport via #AirportFreeWiFi-Kansai or #AirportFreeWiFi-Kansai2.4G. Wi-Fi requires no password access.
  • Public shower rooms with fees, convenient for passengers with long layovers or just finished flights.
  • Currency exchange counters, multilingual ATMs, tax refund services.
  • Tourist information counters with staff speaking English, Chinese, Korean.
  • Hotel right in the airport - Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, directly connected to Terminal 1.
  • Other special amenities such as baby care rooms, children's play areas, and services supporting disabled passengers, wheelchairs, specialized elevators.

Sân bay quốc tế Kansai cung cấp nhiều tiện ích cho khách hàng dừng chân

Kansai International Airport provides many amenities for stopping passengers (Source: Internet)

3. Flight route listings

3.1. Domestic flights

Kansai International Airport currently operates domestic flights to and from Tokyo, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Okinawa, Sendai, Kagoshima, Ishigaki, Nagasaki and Miyazaki. These flights are operated by airlines including Peach Aviation, ANA, JAL and Jetstar Japan.

3.2. International flights to Vietnam

Below is a list of popular flight routes from Kansai International Airport to Vietnam operated by Vietnam Airlines:

Flight Route

Flight Type

Round-trip Fare Reference

Osaka ↔ Ho Chi Minh City (KIX ↔ SGN)

Direct flight

~10,500,000 VND/person

Osaka ↔ Hanoi (KIX ↔ HAN)

Direct flight

~10,025,000-12,431,000 VND/person

Osaka ↔ Da Nang (KIX ↔ DAD)

Direct flight

~14,774,000-20,991,000 VND/person

Note: Flight information is updated as of July 2025. Travelers should visit the Vietnam Airlines website to update the latest flight route listings.

3.3. Other popular international flights

Kansai International Airport operates many international flight routes to various continents. Below are some popular destinations:

Asia

  • South Korea: Seoul (Hàn Quốc), Busan, Daegu, Jeju, Cheongju
  • China: Beijing (Trung Quốc), Shanghai (Thượng Hải), Guangzhou (Quảng Châu), Shenzhen (Thâm Quyến), Chengdu (Thành Đô), Chongqing (Trùng Khánh), Nanjing (Nam Kinh), Wuhan (Vũ Hán), Dalian (Đại Liên), Qingdao (Thanh Đảo), Shenyang (Thẩm Dương), Xiamen (Hạ Môn), Changsha (Trường Sa), Haikou (Hạ Khẩu), Wuxi (Vô Tích)
  • Taiwan: Taipei (Đài Bắc), Kaohsiung (Cao Hùng)
  • Hong Kong and Macau: Hong Kong, Macau
  • Philippines: Manila, Cebu
  • Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
  • Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
  • Singapore: Singapore
  • Cambodia: Phnom Penh
  • Indonesia: Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar) - seasonal

Europe

  • France: Paris
  • Netherlands: Amsterdam
  • Germany: Munich
  • Finland: Helsinki
  • Turkey: Istanbul

Americas

  • United States: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu
  • Canada: Vancouver, Toronto - seasonal

Middle East & Oceania

  • Qatar: Doha
  • United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai
  • Australia: Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns
  • Guam and Saipan: US territories in the Pacific

Sân bay khai thác nhiều chuyến bay nội địa và ngoài nước

The airport operates many domestic and international flights (Source: Internet)

4. Transportation guide to and from the airport

4.1. Transportation to the airport

Transportation - Time

Booking Guide

Reference Cost

JR Kansai Airport Rapid (65 minutes)

Buy tickets at ticket machines at Osaka Station or via JR website.

~1,210 JPY (~205,000 VND)

Nankai Rapi:t train (40 minutes)

Book tickets at Nankai counter or online.

~1,450 JPY (~247,000 VND)

Bus/Limousine (60-75 minutes)

Book tickets at Umeda bus terminal or on carrier website.

~1,600 JPY (~272,000 VND)

Taxi (50-70 minutes)

Call directly or via apps like JapanTaxi, DiDi.

~18,000 JPY (~3,060,000 VND)

Ride-sharing (50-70 minutes)

Book via app.

~15,000-20,000 JPY (~2,500,000-3,400,000 VND)

Car rental (60 minutes)

Book via Toyota/Nissan Rent-a-Car.

~6,000 JPY/day (~1,020,000 VND) + gas

4.2. Transportation from the airport to city locations

Transportation

Booking Guide

Reference Cost

JR Kansai Airport Rapid (65 minutes)

Buy tickets at 2nd floor - JR West Kansai Airport Station, adjacent to Terminal 1.

~1,210 JPY (~205,000 VND)

Nankai Rapi:t train (40 minutes)

Buy tickets at 2nd floor - Nankai Airport Station, next to JR station, in Aeroplaza complex.

~1,450 JPY (~247,000 VND)

Bus/Limousine (60-75 minutes)

Buy tickets at limousine bus ticket counter on 1st floor - exits 6 and 7 (Terminal 1).

~1,600 JPY (~272,000 VND)

Taxi (50-70 minutes)

Board at taxi pickup area 1st floor - outside international arrivals hall, Terminal 1.

~18,000 JPY (~3,060,000 VND)

Ride-sharing (50-70 minutes)

Book via app in arrivals hall 1st floor, select pickup at private car pick-up area.

~15,000-20,000 JPY (~2,500,000-3,400,000 VND)

Car rental (60 minutes)

Book online in advance, pick up car at rental counter 1st floor - near exit 1, then complete procedures at Aeroplaza.

~6,000 JPY/day (~1,020,000 VND) + gas

Sơ đồ tuyến đường tàu chạy

Railway route map (Source: Internet)

5. Important notes at Kansai International Airport

Here are some important notes to help passengers have a better experience at Kansai International Airport:

  • Moving between Terminal 1 and 2: These two terminals are about 4km apart, connected by free internal buses operating continuously every 10 minutes. Therefore, passengers should carefully check their airline's terminal information before arriving at the airport to avoid confusion or delays.
  • Arrive at the airport early: For international flights, passengers should arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours in advance to have time for check-in procedures, security checks and moving between areas within the airport. For domestic flights, the recommended time is 90 minutes. Note that some low-cost carriers have strict policies and do not accept late check-in even by a few minutes. Therefore, arriving early will help you avoid the risk of being denied boarding.
  • Baggage regulations and security procedures: Depending on each airline, regulations on carry-on baggage size and weight can vary greatly. Passengers should check in advance on the airline's website to prepare according to regulations.

Di chuyển giữa hai nhà ga bằng xe buýt sân bay

Moving between the two terminals by airport bus (Source: Internet)

6. Frequently asked questions about Kansai International Airport

1. Where is Kansai International Airport located? Is it far from the city center?

Kansai International Airport is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, about 50km from central Osaka. Travel time from the airport to the city center ranges from 40-70 minutes depending on transportation.

2. How early should I arrive at the airport for international/domestic flights?

You should arrive 2-3 hours early for check-in procedures (for international flights) and arrive 90 minutes early (for domestic flights).

3. Is there free Wi-Fi at Kansai International Airport?

Yes. Kansai International Airport provides unlimited free Wi-Fi at both terminals (T1 and T2). You can access Wi-Fi #AirportFreeWiFi-Kansai or #AirportFreeWiFi-Kansai2.4G without entering a password.

4. Can I exchange money or withdraw cash at the airport?

Yes. The airport has many foreign currency exchange counters, ATMs accepting international cards and banks operating 24/7 at both Terminal T1 and T2.

5. Does the airport operate at night?

Kansai International Airport operates 24/7, however many services such as shops, food courts, buses, trains will stop operating after 22:00-23:00. If arriving late at night, you should book a taxi or private shuttle service in advance.

6. Can I store luggage at the airport?

Yes. The airport has short-term luggage storage services and automatic lockers at both Terminal T1 and T2. Prices range from 300-800 yen/day depending on luggage size.

7. What should I note if arriving with a low-cost carrier?

Most low-cost carriers (LCC) use Terminal T2, which is far from T1 and not connected by train. You need to use the free internal bus to move, and should arrive early as T2 has fewer check-in counters.

8. Are there SIM card purchasing services at the airport?

Yes. You can buy tourist SIM cards at service counters in the airport or pre-order online.

9. Are there support counters with English-speaking staff?

Yes. The airport has a Tourist Information Center with staff speaking Japanese, English and several other languages, ready to assist you with itineraries, transportation and other issues.

10. Are there any flights from Kansai International Airport to Vietnam?

Yes. Kansai International Airport has direct flight routes to Ho Chi Minh City (Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh), Hanoi (Hà Nội) and Da Nang (Đà Nẵng), operated by Vietnam Airlines and several other carriers.

Quầy thông tin đa ngôn ngữ dành cho du khách

Multilingual information counter for tourists (Source: Internet)

Having a thorough understanding of terminal information, transportation options, amenities and necessary precautions will help make your journey at Kansai International Airport smoother and easier. Wishing you meaningful and complete experiences in the land of the rising sun!