Kochi City Center to Kochi Ryoma Airport: Easy Transport Options to The Airport in Kochi, Japan

Hello, Everyone!

For overseas travelers, the end of their journey in Kochi typically involves Kochi Ryoma Airport or JR Kochi Station. In this article, we’re focusing on Kochi Ryoma Airport, a common endpoint for many visitors. We’ll provide detailed information on how to smoothly transition from the center of Kochi city to Kochi Ryoma Airport. As you leave the vibrant and culturally rich Kochi, we hope it has gifted you with unforgettable memories. May your journey home or to your next destination be filled with the peace and beauty you experienced here in Kochi. We wish you safe travels, and may the spirit of Kochi stay with you always!

About Kochi Ryoma Airport

Kochi Ryoma Airport, located in Nankoku City, is almost 20 km from the central part of Kochi City. Its small size is complemented by excellent accessibility. It is directly connected to major highways, ensuring a convenient and quick journey to and from the city center.

<Kochi Airpot >

Transportation to City Center

There are 2 options for traveling to the city center:

Airport Bus:

The Airport Bus service is operated by two companies: Tosaden Kotsu and Kochi Ekimae Kanko. The buses are scheduled according to flight arrivals, so you won’t have to wait long. The fare is affordable at 900 yen for adults and 450 yen for children. With free luggage storage in the trunk room, handling large suitcases is hassle-free. All buses stop at convenient locations like Harimayabashi and Kochi Station, close to various tourist spots and hotels.

Detail info

• TimeTable

For the timetable, please refer to the links below

Kochi Ekimae Kanko: https://kochiekimaekanko.jp/wp-content/uploads/kochist_next-90.pdf

Tosaden Kotsu: https://www.tosaden.co.jp/multilingual/en/bus/airport/img/20231029/time.pdf

• BUSSTOP(all bus stop all busstops):

Kochi Station – Kochi Ekimae – Kochi Bashi – Hasuikemachidori – Kita Harimayabashi – Harimaya Bashi – Saenba – Hoeicho – Chiyori cho 2 chome – Kochi Ryoma Airtport

• Fare

Please note: You should purchase a round-trip ticket in advance before boarding the outbound journey.

• Payment Method: Acceptable payments are either cash or PayPay.

Notice: Credit cards are not accepted. If you need cash, please use the ATM available in the terminal building.

How to get on the Airport Bus?

I will guide you through the entire process of boarding a bus, accompanied by photographs, to ensure a smooth journey until you reach Kochi Ryoma Airport.

Passenger from Kochi Station or Harimayabashi

Most passengers will likely board the airport bus from Kochi Station or Harimayabashi, as these locations are conveniently near major hotels and tourist spots.

If you are boarding the airport bus from Harimayabashi or Kochi Station, be sure to purchase your ticket in advance from the ticket machines located in the bus waiting area. There are two bus companies operating this service, but the tickets and ticket machines are common for both.

A Guide to Using Bus Services at Kochi Station 

When you exit the north side of Kochi Station, you will see a building like the one in the photo. It’s a bus waiting room where they sell bus tickets.

Using the ticket machine is straightforward. Simply insert cash and press the button to select your ticket. select number of the ticket you want to buy any select ticket.

After buying your ticket from the machine inside, wait at bus stop number 6. Generally, the bus arrives about 10 minutes before its scheduled departure time.

A Guide to Using Bus Services at Hariyamabash bus stop

The Harimayabashi bus stop for the airport bus is located about a 2-3 minute walk from Harimayabashi.

In front of the bus stop, there is a bus waiting room like the one in the photo, where they sell tickets.

Using the ticket machine is straightforward. Simply insert cash and press the button to select your ticket. select number of the ticket you want to buy any select ticket.

After purchasing your ticket, wait at the bus stop.Generally, the bus will arrive 2 to 3 minutes before its scheduled departure time

How to buy the ticket

Using the ticket machine is straightforward. Simply insert cash and press the button to select your ticket.

After the bus arrives and the driver steps out, remember to inform the driver if you have luggage to store. Also, make sure to hand over your bus ticket when boarding.

Board the bus and take any available seat, as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The bus ride to the Kochi Ryoma Airport is about 30 minutes.
All passengers on this bus are headed towards Kochi Ryoma Airport, the final destination of this service, so there’s no worry about missing your stop.

When the bus stops and the door opens, it’s your time to get off. Remember to collect your luggage from the bus’s trunk room before you get off.

Second Option: Taxi

Taking a taxi is the easiest way to travel to city hotels or tourist destinations.It takes you directly to destinations like hotels or tourist spots without the need to follow timetables. This freedom to move at your own pace is a major benefit, especially for travelers seeking convenience.

Summary of Standard Taxi Services:

Capacity: up to 4 passengers (excluding the driver).

Price: Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 JPY from any place  within Kochi city center.

Duration: Travel time ranges from 30 to 40 minutes to reach Kochi Ryoma Airport
Note: Please be aware that fares may vary depending on traffic conditions.

How to ride a Taxi to Kochi city central

Finding a Taxi:

Taxi stands in front of Kochi Station and throughout the city, or most hotels and restaurants, will call a taxi for you if you ask the staff.
You can also find a taxi on the road and raise your hand to get into it, but this is not recommended as it is difficult to know if the taxi is empty.

When you get in a taxi, just tell it to Kochi Ryoma Airport.

Laggage:

If you have luggage, the driver can store it in the trunk.

Payment:
Payment is made at the end of your trip. While all taxis accept cash, the acceptance of credit cards varies by company. Sometimes, even if a taxi has a credit card machine, it might be out of order, so it’s better to confirm with the driver beforehand if you plan to use a card.
Remember, tipping is not a common practice in Japan.

After arriving at The Airport:

After reaching your destination,simply disembark and collect your luggage from the trunk.

Additional Tips for Taking a Taxi in Japan:

• Have your destination address written in Japanese, as this can help overcome any language barriers.
• Most Japanese taxis have automatic doors controlled by the driver, so there’s no need to open or close the door yourself.
• It’s helpful to have smaller denominations of cash for payment, as drivers may not always have change for large bills.