The journey from Kyoto to Tokyo is one of Japan’s busiest travel routes. With your JR Pass, it’s easy to make the trip in just a few hours on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
In this guide, you’ll find details to help you plan your journey from Kyoto to Tokyo, including Shinkansen bullet train services and schedules, and information about bus routes between the two cities.
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Kyoto to Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train
Bullet trains are the fastest and most popular way to travel to Tokyo from Kyoto using the Tokaido Shinkansen line. You’ll start your journey at Kyoto Station, located in the Shimogyo Ward in the city center.
Depending on which type of train you take, you’ll arrive at Tokyo Station, or at Shinagawa Station, to the south of the city’s central district.
Read more: Tokyo to Kyoto: Best way to travel
Bullet train costs from Kyoto to Tokyo
Three bullet train services operate journeys from Kyoto to Tokyo. Hikari and Kodama services are included in your JR Pass. Nozomi trains require an add-on ticket.
| Train type | Standard ticket price without JRP | Included with JRP? |
| Hikari | ¥13,320 | ✅
No extra fee |
| Kodama | ¥13,320 | ✅
No extra fee |
| Nozomi | ¥13,970 | ❌
Add-on ticket required: ¥4960 |
Kyoto to Tokyo Shinkansen schedule
The Tokaido Shinkansen route has more than 130 daily departures which make the high-speed route to Tokyo from Kyoto. Here are the key details about each of the bullet train services available:
| Train type | Approximate journey time | Number of stops on route | First departure | Last departure |
| Hikari | 2 hrs 40 min | 5-9 | 06:14 | 21:32 |
| Kodama | 3 hrs 50 min | 16 | 06:34 | 21:34 |
| Nozomi | 2 hrs 20 min | 3-4 | 06:00 | 21:30 |
Routes and schedules can vary according to the season. Make sure to check the schedule for your day’s travel.
If you’re making the reverse journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, the journey times are roughly 10 minutes shorter.
Kyoto to Tokyo with your JR Pass
Most travelers choose to get to Tokyo from Kyoto using the Japan Rail Pass. It offers access to bullet trains — the fastest way to travel. It’s also the only multi-use ticket that covers the entire journey.
- Choose a Hikari or Kodama service, and simply present your activated JR Pass. There’s no need to buy add on tickets.
- To take a Nozomi service, pick up an additional Mizuho “ONLY WITH JRP” ticket. Its price is subsidized for JR Pass holders. Present it with your Japan Rail Pass.
It’s possible to save hundreds of dollars by buying a Japan Rail Pass instead of individual tickets. If you’re planning on continuing on your journey from Tokyo to Osaka, the national pass also covers your route.
Kyoto to Tokyo by bus
While the Shinkansen is the fastest way to travel from Kyoto to Tokyo, several long-distance buses also make the journey.
Note: The following bus services are not included in the Japan Rail Pass.
Willer Express
Willer Express offers multiple daily departures from Kyoto to Tokyo. Most buses have reclining seats and power outlets.
| Departs from | Kyoto Station |
| Arrives at | Tokyo Station or Shinjuku |
| Average journey length | 7–9 hours |
| Approximate ticket price | 3,500 to 7,000 JPY |
JR Bus Kanto
JR Bus Kanto is operated by Japan Railways. It offers nighttime services (The Midnight Express) as well as daytime routes (The Gran Daytime Express).
| Departs from | Kyoto Station |
| Arrives at | Tokyo Station, Shibuya, or Shinjuku |
| Average journey length | 8–9 hours |
| Approximate ticket price | 5,000 to 8,000 JPY |
Kintetsu Bus
The Kintetsu Bus offers both daytime and overnight services to Tokyo from Kyoto. All buses have a restroom for your comfort during the journey.
| Departs from | Kyoto Station |
| Arrives at | Shinjuku Station |
| Average journey length | 7–8 hours |
| Approximate ticket price | From 4,000 JPY |
Airport transfers in Kyoto and Tokyo
To get to Kyoto from Kansai International Airport, take the Haruka Express. It’s a direct service and only takes around 1 hour to get to Kyoto’s city center. The standard fare is 2,200 JPY, but the journey is free with the JR Pass
Take the Narita Express if you’re traveling from Narita Airport to Tokyo.
From Haneda Airport, take the the Tokyo Monorail, then, trasnfer to JR Yamanote in Hamamatsucho Station.