- Must visit
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Kyoto’s leading art museum, with major Japanese and international exhibitions. A top stop for modern and classic art near Okazaki’s cultural zone.
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Discover the Japan Rail PassThe cheapest and fastest buses from Tokyo to Kyoto
Showing times and prices for Jul 27
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$47
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
8 h 8 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
371 km
Cheap tickets
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 $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Fast buses
Of the 9 buses that leave Tokyo for Kyoto on Mon, Jul 27, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 27 the direct buses cover the 371 km distance in an average of 8 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
On Mon, Jul 27 the slowest buses will take 8 h 30 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.
9660510:35 PM8h25Tokyo, Busta Shinjuku7:00 AMGion Shijo Eki$391One-way0 transfers- 9660810:40 PM8h00Tokyo, Yaesu bus terminal6:40 AMKyoto, Station Hachijo Exit East$421One-way0 transfers
- 10298710:00 PM9h20Tokyo, Busta Shinjuku7:20 AMKyoto, Station Hachijo Exit G2 Platform$421One-way0 transfers
- 966019:40 PM7h50Tokyo, Yaesu bus terminal5:30 AMKyoto, Station Hachijo Exit G2 Platform$421One-way0 transfers
- 966019:00 PM8h30Tokyo, Shinkiba Station (2 stops to Maihama Station)5:30 AMKyoto, Station Hachijo Exit G2 Platform$421One-way0 transfers
- 966019:40 PM7h50Tokyo, Yaesu bus terminal5:30 AMKyoto, Station Hachijo Exit G2 Platform$421One-way0 transfers
- 10200110:30 PM7h55Tokyo, Yaesu bus terminal6:25 AMKyoto, Station Hachijo Exit G2 Platform$591One-way0 transfers
- 9660810:40 PM8h00Tokyo, Yaesu bus terminal6:40 AMKyoto, Station Hachijo Exit East$421One-way0 transfers
- 9660510:35 PM8h25Tokyo, Busta Shinjuku7:00 AMGion Shijo Eki$391One-way0 transfers
- 966019:00 PM8h30Tokyo, Shinkiba Station (2 stops to Maihama Station)5:30 AMKyoto, Station Hachijo Exit G2 Platform$421One-way0 transfers
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Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Tokyo to Kyoto
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 $35. 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 $35, and a flight costs an average of $34.
Distance: 230 miles (371 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $80 Average price | $82 Average price |
3h 51m Average total duration 3h 21m 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto is a bus with an average price of $51 (€51).
This is compared to other travel options from Tokyo to Kyoto:
A bus is $28 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Tokyo to Kyoto costing on average $80 (€80).
A bus is $30 (€30) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Tokyo to Kyoto costing on average $82 (€82).
The fastest way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 39m.
Other travel options to Kyoto take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 21m.
Train takes on average 3h 24m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto among Omio's users.
Tokyo to Kyoto Bus Timetables
| 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, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Willer Express | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Live departures
Tokyo to Kyoto bus times
The table below shows live departures for Tokyo to Kyoto buses for today, Sunday, July 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96611 | 9:10 PM Tokyo, Disneyland Bus Terminal West | 8h40 | 5:50 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit East | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 96608 | 9:20 PM Tokyo, Disneyland Bus Terminal West | 9h20 | 6:40 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit East | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 102001 | 9:30 PM Tokyo, Disneyland Bus Terminal West | 8h55 | 6:25 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit G2 Platform | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 96608 | 9:40 PM Tokyo, DisneySea Bus Terminal South | 9h00 | 6:40 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 | |
| 102987 | 10:00 PM Tokyo, Busta Shinjuku | 9h20 | 7:20 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit G2 Platform | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 102001 | 10:30 PM Tokyo, Yaesu bus terminal | 7h55 | 6:25 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit G2 Platform | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 96608 | 10:40 PM Tokyo, Yaesu bus terminal | 8h00 | 6:40 AM Kyoto, Station Hachijo Exit East | 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 prices and tickets Tokyo to Kyoto by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Tokyo to Kyoto
JapanJapan
Buses from Tokyo to Kyoto run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 (€35) but you can travel from only $34 (€34) by flight.
There are 10 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.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $34 (€34)
Distance 230 miles (371 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€35) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 10 |
Fastest bus 7h 45m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $34 (€34)
Bus providers: Willer Express, JR Central, JR Bus Kanto from Tokyo to KyotoYou can travel by bus between Tokyo to Kyoto with Willer Express, JR Central, JR Bus Kanto for as low as $34 (€34). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
JR Central
About
Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is a leading railway operator in Japan's Chūbu region, established in 1987. Headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, JR Central is renowned for operating the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, the world's busiest high-speed rail line connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. The company manages approximately 1,970 kilometers of railway routes, including the Tōkaidō Main Line and several regional lines. Beyond transportation, JR Central engages in various businesses such as logistics, real estate, and retail, contributing significantly to the regional economy. With a commitment to safety, punctuality, and customer satisfaction, JR Central continues to play a pivotal role in Japan's transportation infrastructure.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Price
$76 (€76)
Luggage included
Two carry-on items that each have a total length, width, and height within 250 centimeters (length up to two meters) and are within 30 kilograms in weight are allowed on board.
Additional luggage
Oversized baggage compartments are available on a first-come, first-served basis without a prior seat reservation.
Luggage storage
Oversized baggage compartments are located in the connecting passageways of 16-car trains and are clearly marked.
Cancellation Policy
A full refund is made of fares and charges when a trip is canceled.
Refund
A full refund is made of fares and charges when a trip is canceled.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Seat reservations can be made without additional payment.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchairs with a length and height within 120 centimeters and a width within 70 centimeters are allowed on board.
Bikes
Bicycles used for cycling and sports tournaments must be disassembled and placed in bike travel bags.
Pets
Small dogs, cats, birds, or similar small animals are allowed if they are in a case within 120 cm and the combined weight of the case and animal is within 10 kilograms.
Willer Express
About
WILLER EXPRESS Co., Ltd. is a prominent Japanese bus company operating since 2005, offering extensive intercity bus services across Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. With approximately 22 routes and 352 daily departures, it serves over 2.65 million passengers annually. The company provides a range of seating options, including the "ReBorn" and "DOME" seats, designed for enhanced comfort and privacy. WILLER EXPRESS also emphasizes safety through strict compliance with regulations, regular vehicle inspections, and the use of IoT technology for real-time monitoring. Additionally, it has expanded its services internationally, operating intercity buses in Vietnam and Taiwan.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 45m
Cheapest Price
$35 (€35)
Willer Express frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Up to two pieces of luggage may be checked per passenger.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage beyond the standard allowance is not permitted.
Luggage storage
Luggage is stored in the bus trunk or overhead compartments, depending on bus type.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations may incur fees; specific terms depend on the fare type and timing of cancellation.
Refund
Refunds are provided for cancellations; specific terms depend on the fare type and timing of cancellation.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel on Willer Express buses.
Amenities on board the bus
Seat reservation
An arrangement fee of 330 yen is charged for each trip upon reservation of an intercity express bus with reserved seats.
Toilets
JR Bus Kanto
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 8m
Cheapest Price
$65 (€65)
JR Bus Kanto frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Kyoto
Things to do in Kyoto
Discover the best of Kyoto — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kyoto trip today.
- Must visit
Kyoto National Museum
National museum known for premodern Japanese art, Buddhist sculpture, and special exhibitions. A key institution for understanding Kyoto’s cultural heritage.
- Recommended
Kyoto Railway Museum
Large railway museum with steam locomotives, shinkansen, and interactive displays. Excellent for families and anyone interested in Japan’s transport history.
- Must visit
Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka
Atmospheric preserved lanes leading to Kiyomizu-dera, lined with traditional townhouses and stone paving. Ideal for classic Kyoto scenery and walking.
- Must visit
Gion
Kyoto’s famous geisha district of wooden machiya, teahouses, and lantern-lit alleys. Best visited in the evening for atmosphere and historic character.
- Must visit
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Scenic bamboo-lined path in Arashiyama that has become one of Kyoto’s signature modern photo spots. Go early for a calmer experience.
Kaiseki Ryori
A refined multi-course meal rooted in Kyoto court and temple traditions, showcasing seasonal ingredients, delicate technique, and elegant presentation.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Shojin Ryori
Buddhist temple cuisine built around tofu, vegetables, and seasonal produce. It is central to Kyoto's Zen heritage and often served in temple districts.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Yudofu
Soft tofu made with Kyoto's clean water, prized for its silky texture and subtle soy flavor. Common in hot pots, set meals, and temple cuisine.
Gion Sasaki
Historic Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant in Gion, known for seasonal Kyoto cuisine and refined traditional service.
Shigetsu
Elegant temple-cuisine restaurant in Arashiyama offering seasonal shojin ryori in a peaceful garden atmosphere.
Junsei
Well-known tofu restaurant near Nanzen-ji, specializing in yudofu served in a serene traditional setting.
Japanese yen (¥)
Moderate for Japan: transit is efficient and affordable, casual meals are reasonable, but hotels in central Kyoto and temple-area dining can raise daily costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- ¥800-1,500 for ramen, curry, or set meals.
- Mid-range
- ¥2,000-4,500 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- ¥10,000+ per person for kaiseki or upscale dining.
- Coffee
- ¥400-700 for coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
No tipping is expected in Japan. Do not tip in restaurants, cafes, or taxis; excellent service is included by default.
FAQs: Bus from Tokyo to Kyoto
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto can start from as little as $35 (€35) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Tokyo to Kyoto is $51 (€51) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Tokyo to Kyoto is 7h 45m to travel the 230 miles (371 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Tokyo to Kyoto leaves at 12:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Tokyo to Kyoto leaves at 11:40 PM.
Yes, there are 10 direct buses a day from Tokyo to Kyoto with Willer Express, JR Central, JR Bus Kanto. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Tokyo to Kyoto, you can count on Willer Express, JR Central, JR Bus Kanto for the best way to get you to Kyoto. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Tokyo and Kyoto and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Kyoto from Tokyo is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Tokyo to Kyoto is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Tokyo to Kyoto for bus company Willer Express, JR Central.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Tokyo to Kyoto:
- JR Central
- Wheelchairs with a length and height within 120 centimeters and a width within 70 centimeters are allowed on board.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto depends on the bus companies:
- Willer Express
- Cancellations may incur fees
- specific terms depend on the fare type and timing of cancellation.
- JR Central
- A full refund is made of fares and charges when a trip is canceled.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company JR Central.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto:
- Willer Express
- Up to two pieces of luggage may be checked per passenger.
- JR Central
- Two carry-on items that each have a total length, width, and height within 250 centimeters (length up to two meters) and are within 30 kilograms in weight are allowed on board.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto:
- JR Central
- Oversized baggage compartments are available on a first-come, first-served basis without a prior seat reservation.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Tokyo to Kyoto. The following conditions apply:
- JR Central
- Small dogs, cats, birds, or similar small animals are allowed if they are in a case within 120 cm and the combined weight of the case and animal is within 10 kilograms.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Tokyo to Kyoto with the following bus company: Willer Express, JR Central
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Tokyo to Kyoto with the following bus company: JR Central.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Tokyo to Kyoto with the following bus company: JR Central.
Since neither Tokyo nor Kyoto are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Japan and Japan. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto among Omio's users.
Japan uses the Japanese yen (JPY) as its currency. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and large establishments, many smaller shops, restaurants, and rural areas prefer cash. Therefore, travelers are advised to carry cash for convenience and to ensure smooth transactions.
In Kyoto, main safety concerns for travelers include petty theft in crowded areas and pickpocketing near popular tourist spots. Travelers should be cautious of overcharging or unauthorized taxi drivers, especially around train stations. Scams are relatively rare, but visitors should beware of street vendors selling counterfeit goods or overpriced souvenirs. Staying alert and using official transportation helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from Tokyo
More options for your journey from Tokyo to Kyoto
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Kyoto and Tokyo
Most popular bus connections to Kyoto
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