With your Japan Rail Pass, it’s easy to visit both Tokyo and Kyoto and make the most of your trip. Regular bullet trains connect the 2 cities, meaning you can make the journey in just a few hours.
This guide explains how to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, including bullet train services and journey times. You’ll also find details on alternative ways to make the trip, including daytime coach services and night buses.
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Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen bullet train
The Tokyo-Kyoto route has a fast and convenient Shinkansen connection, with almost 150 departures covering the 280 mile journey every day.
The Tokaido Shinkansen allows you to make the journey in just over 2 hours. It’s Japan’s most popular high-speed rail line, and makes it possible to visit both cities, even on shorter stays.
You can board a high-speed train to Kyoto at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, both located in the city center.
At the end of your journey, you’ll arrive at Kyoto Station, which is centrally located and well connected to other parts of the city.
Each train takes a slightly different route, meaning the journey and departure times are different. You can find more information on planning your journey further on in this post.
Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen schedules and fares
Shinkansen bullet trains run very frequently between Tokyo and Kyoto, with several services an hour during the day. The following train services take you to Kyoto:
| Train type | Journey length | Stops on route | Standard fare | Fare with seat reservation | Fare with JRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hikari | 2 hrs 30 min | 5-9 | ¥13,320 | ¥13,850 | Included |
| Kodama | 3 hrs 40 min | 16 | ¥13,320 | ¥13,850 | Included |
| Nozomi | 2 hrs 15 min | 3-4 | ¥13,970 | ¥14,170 | ¥4960 |
Hikari and Kodama trains are fully covered by your Japan Rail Pass, but to take the Nozomi, you need an additional ticket.
Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen timetable
Here’s a look at the earliest and latest departure times for Tokaido Shinkansen services from Tokyo to Kyoto:
| Shinkansen type |
First train departure |
Last train departure |
|---|---|---|
| Hikari |
06:00 |
21:24 |
| Kodama |
06:27 |
21:30 |
| Nozomi |
06:57 |
21:57 |
Make sure to check the timetable for your day of travel, as departure times can vary from season to season. The return trip from Kyoto to Tokyo follows the same route, with similar travel times and train options.
Shinkansen Tokyo to Kyoto using JR Pass
The JR Pass is the only multi-trip ticket that covers your entire journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, including Hikari and Kodama services.
Both run high-speed Shinkansen trains but take slightly different routes to Kyoto:
- Hikari: Runs between major cities
- Kodama: Stops at small towns along the route
When you take the Hikari or Kodama, there’s no need to pick up any extra tickets. Simply present your JR Pass.
The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to transportation all around Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days, including Shinkansen.
A single ticket, huge savings.
If you’re short of time, there’s another service you can take by purchasing a supplementary ticket. The Nozomi Shinkansen gets you to Kyoto the fastest, but you must pick up a “[ONLY WITH JAPAN RAIL PASS] Nozomi Mizuho Ticket” and show this along with your JR Pass.
To learn about the different Shinkansen lines, or to get guidance on using different train services with your Japan Rail Pass, read our post on how to use Japanese trains.
Next stop: Osaka
After Kyoto Station, the next stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line from Tokyo is Shin-Osaka, the bullet train station for Osaka.
It’s only another 15 minutes on the high-speed train from Kyoto, making it easy to add another top destination to your itinerary for Japan.
Find out more about traveling from Osaka to Kyoto in our trip planner article.
Whether you’re traveling directly from Tokyo to Osaka, or making a stop in Kyoto, your JR Pass covers all bullet trains, apart from the Nozomi, which requires a supplementary ticket.
Tokyo to Kyoto by bus
The Shinkansen is the fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, but there are alternative means of making the journey which are not included in the JR Pass.
Several companies operate long-distance buses between Tokyo and Kyoto, including daytime and overnight services.
Willer Express
Willer Express runs multiple buses daily between Tokyo and Kyoto. Ticket prices range depending on when you book, and which comfort class you choose. Reclining seats and power outlets are available on most buses.
- Departing from: Shinjuku and Tokyo Station
- Arriving at: Kyoto Station
- Duration: 7 to 9 hours
- Price: From ¥3,500 to ¥7,000
JR Bus Kanto
Japan Railways operates the JR Bus Kanto, with day and nighttime services direct to Kyoto. The Midnight Express usually departs around 11 p.m. and arrives in Kyoto in the early morning. The Gran Daytime Express has various departure times.
- Departing from: Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station
- Arriving at: Kyoto Station
- Duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Price: From ¥5,000 to ¥8,000
Keio Bus
The Keio Bus runs both day and night services between Tokyo and Kyoto. Overnight buses typically set off around 11 p.m. and reach Kyoto early the next morning. Depending on season and demand, Keio also offers various daytime departures.
- Departing from: Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
- Arriving at: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit
- Duration: 7.5 to 9 hours
- Price: From ¥4,500 to ¥7,500
Note: These bus services are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Only JR trains and select local JR buses are included in the pass.
Airport transfers for Kyoto and Tokyo
If you’re traveling from Tokyo’s main airports, you can ride the following trains for free with the JR Pass to get to Tokyo Station before changing to the Tokaido Shinkansen:
- Narita Express from Narita International Airport
- Haneda Airport to Tokyo: Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line
Japan Rail Pass holders can also get to Kyoto Station from Kansai International Airport by taking the Haruka Express for no extra cost. The airport to Kyoto journey time is around 1 hour.
The standard price for a one-way ticket is approximately ¥2200 to Kyoto. With your active JR Pass, your journey price is included, and there’s no need to pick up extra tickets to and from the airport.