- Must visit
Kyoto National Museum
Major national museum with important Japanese art, archaeology, and rotating special exhibitions near Higashiyama.

Save money with the JR Pass, and enjoy unlimited train travel for 7 to 21 days.
Discover the Japan Rail PassCheapest price
$49
Average price
$57
Fastest journey
7 h 45 m
Average duration
7 h 59 m
Buses per day
14
Distance
371 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 14 buses that leave Tokyo for Kyoto on Mon, Jun 08, 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 08 the direct buses cover the 371 km distance in an average of 7 h 59 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 45 m .
On Mon, Jun 08 the slowest buses will take 8 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
102002
96605
96601
96601
96615
102002
96601
102001
96608
96615Pick a season and we'll build your itinerary in under 2 minutes
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Tokyo to Kyoto among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, and a flight costs an average of $52.
Distance: 230 miles (371 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $99 Average price | $103 Average price |
3h 52m Average total duration 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Tokyo to Kyoto:
A bus is $27 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Tokyo to Kyoto costing on average $99 (€81).
A bus is $31 (€25) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Tokyo to Kyoto costing on average $103 (€84).
Other travel options to Kyoto take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 22m.
Train takes on average 3h 24m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
The table below shows live departures for Tokyo to Kyoto buses for today, Sunday, June 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
96615 | 9:50 PM Tokyo, DisneySea Bus Terminal South | 9h25 | 7:15 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit East | 0 transfersDirect | |
96611 | 9:55 PM Tokyo, Otemachi (Grand Cube) | 7h55 | 5:50 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit East | 0 transfersDirect | |
102002 | 10:00 PM Tokyo, DisneySea Bus Terminal South | 8h45 | 6:45 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit G2 Platform | 0 transfersDirect | |
96605 | 10:35 PM Tokyo, Busta Shinjuku | 8h25 | 7:00 AM Gion Shijo Eki | 0 transfersDirect | |
96615 | 10:50 PM Tokyo, Ikebukuro Station West Exit Platform 4 | 8h25 | 7:15 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit East | 0 transfersDirect | |
102002 | 11:00 PM Tokyo, Busta Shinjuku | 7h45 | 6:45 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit G2 Platform | 0 transfersDirect | |
96613 | 11:05 PM Tokyo, Busta Shinjuku | 8h45 | 7:50 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit East | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Tokyo to Kyoto run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) if you book in advance.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 230 miles (371 km) distance in 7h 45m.
Distance 230 miles (371 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 7h 45m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Kyoto — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kyoto trip today.
Major national museum with important Japanese art, archaeology, and rotating special exhibitions near Higashiyama.
Kyoto’s flagship art museum, known for modern and contemporary exhibitions in a restored historic building.
Compact but respected national museum featuring modern Japanese art, crafts, and design beside Okazaki Park.
One of Kyoto’s most photographed walking spots, with towering bamboo paths near major temples and river scenery.
Kyoto’s famous geisha district with traditional streetscapes, teahouse architecture, and atmospheric evening walks.
Historic sloping lanes lined with preserved wooden buildings, popular for classic Kyoto streetscape photos.
A Traditional Multi-Course Kyoto Meal Showcasing Seasonal Ingredients, Refined Techniques, And Elegant Presentation Rooted In Tea Culture.
A Simple Kyoto Specialty Of Simmered Tofu, Often Served Near Temple Districts. It Highlights Kyoto's Soft Water And Tofu-Making Tradition.
Home-Style Kyoto Cooking Featuring Small Dishes Made With Seasonal Vegetables, Tofu, And Preserved Ingredients From Local Households.
A Celebrated Kyoto Kaiseki Restaurant Known For Seasonal Tasting Menus, Formal Hospitality, And A Classic Fine-Dining Setting.
One Of Kyoto's Most Famous Traditional Sushi Restaurants, Best Known For Historic Saba Sushi Served In A Refined Old-Style Setting.
A Historic Restaurant Renowned For Sukiyaki And Shabu-Shabu Using High-Quality Beef In A Classic Japanese Interior.
Kyoto is moderate for Japan: temples and local meals are affordable, but hotels and seasonal dining rise in peak travel periods.
Tipping is not expected in Japan and can feel awkward. Service is included. Do not leave cash on tables; taxis and cafes do not require tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Kyoto, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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