The Nankai Rapi:t Airport Express is a rapid transit service in Osaka, Japan, operated by Nankai Electric Railway. It is a limited express train service that connects Kansai International Airport and Namba Station in central Osaka, with stops at Osaka International Airport, Rinku Town, and Izumisano along the way.
The Nankai Rapi:t Airport Express is known for its fast and convenient service, with a one-way trip from Kansai International Airport to Namba Station taking about 45 minutes. The train is equipped with comfortable seating, luggage storage space, and amenities such as restrooms and vending machines.
About the Nankai Rapi:t Airport Express
Named after its meaning, “rapido” or rapid in English, the Rapi:t is a limited express service between Kansai Airport Station and Namba Station. It has fewer stops than the Airport Express which makes it faster; all seats are reserved so you don’t have to worry about crowds.
An extra fee for riding this train does mean that fares from Kansai Airport to Namba are more expensive than those of the regular line though. The Rapi:t offers two classes of seating – Regular Seats and Super Seats – with the latter being more spacious having double seats on one side and single ones on the other while Regular carriages feature two rows of doubles each.
Known for its award-winning “retro-futuristic” design, the train designed by Hiroyuki Wakabayashi has an exterior that evokes power and speed with it’s front looking almost like a giant mask from StarWars.
Inside you will find spacious seating with plenty of legroom and designated luggage space, making it a very enjoyable travel experience. The elegant interior ensures your ride is comfortable as well!
Timetable
Trains depart from Kansai International Airport every 30-60 minutes, depending on the time of day. The first train departs at around 6:00 AM and the last train departs at around 10:00 PM. The one-way trip from Kansai International Airport to Namba Station takes about 45 minutes.
Fare
The one-way fare from Kansai International Airport to Namba Station is JPY 1,430 (about USD 13). There are discounts available for round-trip tickets, children, and groups. You can purchase tickets at the airport or at Namba Station, or you can use a prepaid IC card such as the Nankai-Koyasan World Heritage Ticket or the Kansai Thru Pass.
Luggage
The Nankai Rapi:t Airport Express has ample luggage storage space, including racks above the seats and compartments near the doors. There are also luggage handling services available at Kansai International Airport and Namba Station.
Amenities
The Nankai Rapi:t Airport Express is equipped with a range of amenities to make your trip comfortable and convenient. There are restrooms on board, as well as vending machines for drinks and snacks. The trains also have comfortable seating, with both standard and first-class cars available.
Connections
The Nankai Rapi:t Airport Express terminates at Namba Station, which is a major transportation hub in Osaka. From Namba Station, you can transfer to other modes of transportation, including the subway, local trains, and buses. Namba Station is also located in the heart of Osaka, with easy access to popular attractions such as Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, and Universal Studios Japan.
Other services
In addition to the Nankai Rapi:t Airport Express, Nankai Electric Railway also operates a number of other train and bus services in the Osaka area. These include local trains, limited express trains, and sightseeing buses. You can find more information about these services on the Nankai Electric Railway website.
Accessibility
The Nankai Rapi:t Airport Express is wheelchair-accessible, with designated seating areas and ramps for boarding and exiting the train. There are also staff members on hand to assist passengers with disabilities.
