How Much Is the Shinkansen From Tokyo to Kyoto
A comparison of Different Modes of Transportation from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. By bullet train, bus, and airplane
Last update: March 22, 2021
* This article was published on July 20, 2020. The contents may differ from the latest information.
If you go to Kyoto Station from Tokyo Station, which transportation do you think is the best? This article summarizes bullet trains (Shinkansen), regular trains, flights, and highway buses in terms of travel times, fees, and advantages and disadvantages. The article also introduces ideas for traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto at a great price.
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- A quick reference table of transportation from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
- [Bullet train] Fares, Times, and benefits from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
- [Train (conventional line)] Fares, Times, and benefits from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
- [Flight] Fares, Times, and benefits from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
- [Highway Bus (Night Bus)] Fares, Times, and Benefits from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
- [Car] Costs, Times, and benefits from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
- How to make the trip from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station more reasonable
- Highway bus is recommended for those who want to move from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station at a reasonable price
A quick reference table of transportation from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
| Transportation | Estimated price | Required time |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet train | 13,320 yen - 19,040 yen | About 2 hours and 10 minutes to 3 hours and 40 minutes |
| Train (conventional lines) | From 8,360 yen | About 9 hours to 15 hours |
| Flight | About from 10,000 yen to 36,000 yen * | From around 1 hour |
| Highway bus (night bus) | From around 4,000 yen | About 7 hours to 9 hours |
| Car | From around 7,000 yen ** | From around 6 hours |
- * Flight fare only. Additional transportation costs from the airport are required
- ** Expressway charges only. The gas fee is required
There are Shinkansen, regular trains, cars, night buses, and planes to get from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station.
However, there are no airports in Kyoto city so that you need to go to Itami Airport (Osaka International Airport) in Toyonaka city of Osaka first if you are going to take an airplane.
[Bullet train] Fares, Times, and benefits from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
You can go to Kyoto Station from Tokyo Station directly by bullet train. There are no exchanges once you get on it. In addition. Traveling time is much shorter so it is recommended if you are in a hurry.
Fares and Times
In the case of Nozomi
| Non-reserved seat | Reserved seat | Green car | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13,320 yen | 14,170 yen | 19,040 yen | About 2 hours and 10 minutes |
In the case of Hikari
| Non-reserved seat | Reserved seat | Green car | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13,320 yen | 13,850 yen | 18,720 yen | About 2 hours and 40 minutes |
In the case of Kodama
| Non-reserved seat | Reserved seat | Green car | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13,320 yen | 13,850 yen | 18,720 yen | About 3 hours and 40 minutes |
Although fares for non-reserved seats are the same, only the fare for reserved seats of Nozomi is different. It takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by Nozomi. However, it takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes if you take Kodama. If you want to save time, Nozomi is recommended. If you want to save money and take a reserved seat at a cheaper price rather than save time, Hikari is recommended.
Benefits
- A large number of operations
- Bullet trains from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station departs every 3 minutes in the shortest. Even if you miss one, you can take it soon.
- Comfortable travel
- You can get to Kyoto Station on a comfortable seat. A Green car with only 4 seats per row makes your trip more comfortable.
- 1-day trip is possible
- Traveling time by Nozomi is around 2 hours. You can go back to Tokyo with time to spare.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Because this is the most accessible way, the fare is most expensive compared to other transportation.
- Sometimes a bit noisy
- Bullet trains are often taken by groups. It could be noisy if you encounter them.
[Local train] Fares, Times, and Benefits from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
It is possible to go to Tokyo Station from Kyoto Station by local train. Since any limited express fares will not be charged, you can travel at a cheaper fare compared to bullet trains.
Fares and Times
| Fare | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| The cheapest / The fastest | About 8,360 yen | About 9 hours |
It takes around 9 hours and costs 8,360 yen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by Tokaido Main Line. Trains are out of service late at night. It is recommended to depart in the morning.
Benefits
- You can save money
- Since no limited express fares will be charged,
- Easy to change the itinerary.
- Because there are various routes and stations to exchange, it is easy to plan your trip.
Disadvantages
- It takes too much time.
- It takes around 9 hours even by Tokaido Main Line which is the fastest route. p
- There are often no vacant seats.
- There are no seat selection services for conventional lines. You may not be able to take a seat during the commuting time and high seasons.
- The amount of money saved is often not worth the effort
- Although there are many transfers and it takes too much time, the fare is more expensive compared to the highway buses.
[Flight] Fares, Times and Benefits from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
You can fly to Itami Airport from Haneda Airport or Narita Airport. Please be noted that it takes extra traveling time to an airport and you need to arrive there at least 30 minutes prior to departure time.
Fares and Times
| Fare | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic fare | About 36,000 yen * | Around 1 hour |
| Early bird discount | About 10,000 yen * | Around 1 hour |
* Extra travel costs from an airport is required only for flights.
The fares of flights vary depending on the time and situation. Check the booking sites of airlines often and get a ticket at a best price.
Benefits
- Various ways to enjoy free time
- You can enjoy movies, music and inflight shopping.
- It sometimes is available at a surprising price.
- You may find such a cheap ticket when LCC airlines hold a promotion.
Disadvantages
- You have to fly to Osaka first so that the way is not much common.
- Since there are no airports in Kyoto, you need to go to Osaka first. If you have nothing to do in Osaka, this is not much recommended.
- It may take more time
- Although the traveling time is about 1 hour, you have to go to an airport first and it takes time to check-in. It takes more time compared to bullet trains.
[Highway bus (Night bus)] Fares, Times and Benefits from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
You can go to Kyoto Station directly from Tokyo Station without transfers by highway bus. There are 2 kinds of bus services: A daytime bus departing in the morning and arriving in the night. A nighttime bus departing in the evening and arriving in the early morning.
Fares and Times
| Fare | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| High travel season | From 6,000 yen | From 7 hours to 9 hours |
| Low travel season | From 4,000 yen | From 7 hours to 9 hours |
It will be a little expensive during consecutive holidays, Saturdays, Sundays, and summer vacation. There are buses that depart in the morning and arrive at night, and buses that depart at midnight and arrive in the early morning, so please choose according to your schedule.
Benefits
- You can save money
- The fares are more reasonable compared to other transportation costs even during high seasons.
- Lounge services sometimes available
- The lounge with free Wi-Fi, electric outlets, a powder room is sometimes available. It is recommended before getting on the night bus.
- You can take advantage of times in the morning in the case of taking a highway bus.
- The night bus arrives at Kyoto station in the early morning. You can stay there longer.
Disadvantages
- Difficult to change posture
- Because you wear a seatbelt, you will spend a long time in the same position. However, if you choose a plan that allows one person to use two seats, you can stretch and relax.
- Bathroom problems
- Although some buses are equipped with a bathroom, you cannot use a bathroom if the bus you take is not equipped with one. If you are worried, please go to a bathroom at a rest area during a break.
Search a highway bus from Tokyo to Kyoto
[Car] Costs, Times, and benefits from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
You can drive to Kyoto Station from Tokyo Station. For safe driving, take a break often and try to switch driving with two or more people if possible.
Fares and Times
| Fare | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| The shortest route | From 7,000 yen * | Around 5 hours |
* Expressway charges only. Gas fee is required
The shortest route is from the Metropolitan Expressway to the Tomei Expressway → Shin-Tomei Expressway → Isewangan Expressway → Shin-Meishin Expressway → Meishin Expressway. However, if you get in a traffic jam, you may be able to save time by taking a different route.
Benefits
- If you drive in large numbers, the cost per person will be cheaper.
- In addition to the highway tolls mentioned above, you will have to pay for gas, but if you are traveling with a large group, the price per person will be cheaper.
- You can travel in a private space
- Not like public transport, you can travel in a private space.
Disadvantages
- Driving for a long time
- If there is only one driver, driving for a long time may cause physical and mental fatigue.
- Parking fee is expensive
- Parking fees in Kyoto are very expensive. It can cost a lot of money during your stay.
- Traffic rules are difficult.
- Most of roads are one-way streets in Kyoto city. It is not recommended for those who are not familiar with them.
Search a highway bus from Tokyo to Kyoto
How to make traveling from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station at a cheaper price
If you choose the means of transportation by price, we recommend the highway bus. WILLER has many plans to move between Tokyo Station and Kyoto Station at a great price.
Select a plan that includes a hotel and a transportation ticket
You can buy a highway bus ticket only, but there is also a plan that includes hotel stay. If you want to enjoy Kyoto longer at a great price, please consider a hotel set plan.
Search a set plan from Tokyo to Kyoto
Highway bus is recommended for those who want to move from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station at a reasonable price
If you choose a means of transportation that is as cheap as possible, we recommend the highway bus.
Another advantage is that you can go directly without transfers.
You can make a trip to Kyoto more fulfilling with a hotel stay and options. Reserve a bus seat in advance once you decide to travel to Kyoto.
Search a highway bus from Tokyo to Kyoto
How Much Is the Shinkansen From Tokyo to Kyoto
Source: https://willerexpress.com/japantravellog/en/post/20210223/