By ITSUKA JAPAN
The Nankai Rapi:t airport express train is a unique and futuristic mode of transportation connecting Osaka with Kansai International Airport. The name 'Rapi:t' comes from the German word for 'fast' and was chosen from over 32,000 public submissions. This video provides a detailed experience of traveling on this remarkable train, including the special Osaka Expo 2025-themed wrapping it currently features.
The luxurious interiors of the Rapi:t train include 252 seats, out of which 54 are 'Super Seats.' These feature a spacious three-seat row layout, a generous seat pitch of 1200mm, and a seat width of 485mm. Regular seats provide comfort with a four-seat row arrangement, a 1030mm seat pitch, and a 460mm width. Additional onboard amenities include multilingual guidance, vending machines, luggage storage, wheelchair-accessible spaces, and restrooms.
Designed with a 'retro-futuristic' concept, the train incorporates oval windows and curved exteriors, creating a powerful yet nostalgic aesthetic. The maximum speed reaches 120 km/h, ensuring a smooth ride between central Osaka and the airport.
The Rapi:t service has two variations:
- Rapi:t α (Limited Stops): Namba, Shin-Imamiya, Tengachaya, Izumisano, Rinku Town, Kansai Airport
- Rapi:t β (Additional Stops): Namba, Shin-Imamiya, Tengachaya, Sakai, Kishiwada, Izumisano, Rinku Town, Kansai Airport
Pricing:
- Regular Seats: Adults – 520 JPY (
3.50 USD), Children – 260 JPY (1.75 USD) - Super Seats: Adults – 730 JPY (
5.00 USD), Children – 470 JPY (3.25 USD)
The video showcases the ticket purchase process at Namba Station, the Expo 2025-wrapped train, the sleek 'Super Seat' interior, and the arrival at Kansai Airport, which is famously built on a fully artificial island. A comparison between Nankai and JR services is also included, along with an in-depth look at the 'Regular Seat' experience and onboard vending machines.