Airport Heli Shuttle Connects Kansai International Airport and Kyoto in About 25 Minutes, Launching September 15, 2026; Eight Daily Flight Slots, Shared Seats From ¥20,000
Airport Heli Shuttle, a helicopter service connecting Kansai International Airport and Kyoto, begins operations on September 15, 2026. The operator is Kyoto-based Space Aviation. The flight from Kansai International Airport to JPD Kyoto Heliport takes about 25 minutes. The company has established eight daily flight slots, or four round trips. Shared-flight seats start at ¥20,000, adding another airport transport option for leisure and business travelers.
About 25 Minutes by Air From Kansai International Airport to Kyoto
Airport Heli Shuttle connects a helicopter landing area at Kansai International Airport with JPD Kyoto Heliport in Kyoto’s Fushimi Ward. The journey between the airport and Kyoto takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes by car or public transportation, compared with about 25 minutes by air. Eight flight slots, or four round trips, are available each day, with flights operated according to reservations.
The service offers shared flights and charters of an entire helicopter. Shared flights operate with at least four passengers. To mark the launch, seats are being sold from ¥20,000 for a limited period.
After Arrival, Passengers Transfer to the Helicopter Landing Area in a Company Vehicle
Space Aviation has obtained business registration and permission to operate within the restricted area of Kansai International Airport. After arriving at the airport, passengers travel from the arrival gate to the helicopter landing area in a company vehicle. A revised vehicle route within the airport has reduced the transfer time from about 25 minutes to about 10 minutes. The arrangement provides a continuous transfer from within the airport for international arrivals traveling on to Kyoto.
Airbus Helicopters H130
Six-Passenger H130 Aircraft and Four Round Trips per Day
The service uses an Airbus Helicopters H130 with a capacity of six passengers. It has large panoramic windows and a Fenestron tail rotor, and is designed to reduce cabin noise. Flights may be changed or canceled depending on weather and operating conditions.
Charter Flights Also Available to Destinations Beyond Kyoto
Charter flights can operate beyond the route between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto, departing from the airport for destinations across Japan. Routes are set according to the destination, and direct helicopter travel from the airport to a chosen destination is also envisioned.
Reservations are accepted through a dedicated website, by phone, email and LINE. On the website, customers can select their departure point, destination, travel date and number of passengers.
Overview of Flight Schedule
Flights may be changed or canceled depending on weather and operating conditions.
Fares and Reservations
Prices shown include tax. Shared-flight fares are per person, while charter fares are per flight. These introductory fares are available for a limited period and may change without notice.
Charter flights
The routes shown are examples. Routes can be arranged according to the requested destination. Contact the booking office indicated above for details. Prices shown include tax and are indicative one-way fares.
Travel Between the Airport and Kyoto Poses Challenges for Visitors and Business Travelers
Travel between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto can involve road congestion, crowded trains, transfers and the need to carry large luggage. Airport Heli Shuttle connects the airport and Kyoto directly by air, using a route separate from ground transportation. It is intended for visitors to Japan as well as business travelers who place a priority on travel time.
Airport Access for MICE Participants and Business Travelers
Kyoto hosts international conferences, academic meetings and corporate events, and some overseas participants use Kansai International Airport. The service is not dedicated to MICE, but it is available for both leisure and business travel as one way to reach Kyoto from the airport. Charter flights can also operate to destinations selected for groups and companies.
From Helicopters to Next-Generation Air Mobility
Space Aviation operates from nine bases across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and has built a network that includes off-airport landing sites. In May 2026, it signed a basic agreement toward the purchase of the SKYDRIVE flying car.
The company also envisions linking Airport Heli Shuttle with next-generation mobility, including flying cars, in the future. With regular flight slots established for the approximately 25-minute route between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto, operations begin on September 15. Attention is also turning to how visitors to Japan and business travelers will use this air connection between the airport and the city.
