A comparison of Different Modes of Transportation from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. By bullet train, bus, and airplane

Fares and Times

In the case of Nozomi

In the case of Hikari

In the case of Kodama

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.

Fares and Times

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.

Fares and Times

* 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.

Fares and Times

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.

Fares and Times

* 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.

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