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Kyoto to Matsumoto train with JR East

Tue, Jun 23
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Travel Information

Compare train and flight for Kyoto to Matsumoto

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Kyoto to Matsumoto among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $107. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $107, and a flight costs an average of $105.

Distance: 149 miles (241 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight

$113

Average price

Cheapest

$155

Average price

6h 13m

Average total duration

5h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 0m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Kyoto to Matsumoto is a train with an average price of $113 (€92).

This is compared to other travel options from Kyoto to Matsumoto:

A train is $43 (€35) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kyoto to Matsumoto costing on average $155 (€127).

The fastest way to travel from Kyoto to Matsumoto is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 0m.

Other travel options to Matsumoto take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 43m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Kyoto and Matsumoto including taking a train and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Kyoto to Matsumoto among Omio's users.

Compare prices and tickets Kyoto to Matsumoto by train or flight

Compare 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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Jun 21
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Kyoto to Matsumoto

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Trains from Kyoto to Matsumoto run on average 21 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $107 (€87) but you can travel from only $105 (€86) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 06:06, the last at 08:33. The fastest train covers the 149 miles (241 km) distance in 5h 23m.

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 $105 (€86)
Distance
149 miles (241 km)
Average train duration
5h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
$107 (€87)
Trains per day
21
Fastest train
5h 23m
First train
6:06 AM
Last train
8:33 AM
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sep
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 $105 (€86)

Train companies: JR East from Kyoto to Matsumoto trainsJR East trains will get you between Kyoto and Matsumoto from $105 (€86). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

JR East

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 23m
Cheapest Price
$111 (€91)

FAQs: Trains from Kyoto to Matsumoto

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kyoto to Matsumoto by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Matsumoto, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Yes. You can buy tickets online for trains from Kyoto to Matsumoto, but the exact process depends on the operator and ticket type. In general, you select your date and time, choose seat options, pay, and receive either an e-ticket/QR code or details for ticket pickup.
The cheapest way to travel by train from Kyoto to Matsumoto is usually to choose slower services or less in-demand departure times, and book in advance when possible. If both reserved and non-reserved seating is available, non-reserved options can sometimes be cheaper. To save money, compare different times and services and book earlier when you can.
Child ticket rules depend on the operator, but in Japan a child ticket generally applies to ages 6–11, and age 12 and over is an adult ticket. Age is usually based on the child’s age on the day of travel.
Children can sometimes travel for free, but it depends on age and whether they need their own seat. In Japan, children under 6 can travel free if they don’t occupy a separate seat, and each paying adult can typically accompany up to two children under 6 for free.
Yes, most children need a ticket when traveling by train from Kyoto to Matsumoto. In Japan, ages 6–11 typically need a child ticket (often about half the adult fare), while children under 6 may travel free if they don’t occupy a separate seat.
A day trip from Kyoto to Matsumoto isn’t possible by train, as the round trip travel time is too long to fit comfortably into a single day. Plan an overnight stay instead to make the trip worthwhile.
The average train journey from Kyoto to Matsumoto takes around 5h 23m. Travel times can be longer on slower services or at busy times, so it’s worth checking options for your travel date.
Trains from Kyoto to Matsumoto usually run frequently throughout the day, with regular departures on most dates. Check the schedule for your travel date to see the exact departure times.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Kyoto to Matsumoto. On this route, the Shinkansen offers the fastest and most frequent connections.
High-speed train tickets from Kyoto to Matsumoto are typically priced higher than slower services. Costs can vary by seat type (reserved vs non-reserved), class, and the specific service you choose.
Most travelers need at least three days in Matsumoto to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.
You can bring luggage on the train from Kyoto to Matsumoto, but size rules may apply. On Japan’s Shinkansen, luggage up to 160 cm total dimensions (length + width + height) can be taken onboard without a reservation, while larger items may require a reservation for designated luggage space.
Japan is generally very safe, but it’s still best not to leave luggage unattended. If you need to step away briefly, keep valuables with you and leave only low-value items behind, and place bags where you can keep an eye on them when possible.
Standard-sized luggage can usually go in the overhead racks or near your seat. On Shinkansen services, oversized baggage is stored in designated areas (often behind the last row), which are typically available only when you reserve the appropriate seat/space.
There isn’t a night train on this route. Most travelers take daytime services, including high-speed trains like the Shinkansen, which make the journey fast and convenient.
Non-reserved seats are first-come, first-served seating in designated cars on services that offer them. You don’t get a seat number, so you line up at the platform markings and take any open seat once you board; if it’s busy, you may need to stand until a seat frees up.
On Japan’s Shinkansen routes, luggage is considered oversized if total dimensions (length + width + height) are 160–250 cm. Oversized items usually require a seat reservation with designated luggage space, and items over 250 cm are not allowed onboard.
Train tickets from Kyoto to Matsumoto can cost as little as $107 (€87) when booked in advance. The average ticket price is around $113 (€92), but prices vary depending on the type of train, the time of day, and whether you choose a reserved seat or a higher class.
Train services from Kyoto to Matsumoto are operated by JR East. On this route, high-speed services are part of Japan Railways’ network.
Whether a rail pass is valid from Kyoto to Matsumoto depends on the operator and service type. In Japan, the JR Pass can be used on some Shinkansen services (such as Hikari and Kodama) but not on certain fastest services (such as Nozomi).
A rail pass can be worth it if you plan to take several long-distance train journeys during your trip. For a single journey, a normal ticket is often more cost-effective, especially if the pass doesn’t cover the fastest services you want to take.
Trains from Kyoto to Matsumoto typically depart from Kyoto Station and arrive at Matsumoto Station. In larger cities, there may be more than one station, so double-check the station name before you travel.
Suica is useful for local trains and subways, but it usually isn’t enough by itself for long-distance Shinkansen travel from Kyoto to Matsumoto. You can use Suica for local segments to and from the stations, while the Shinkansen portion typically needs its own ticket and (if you want a specific seat) a seat reservation.
You don’t always need to reserve a seat, but it’s often a good idea on busy routes or at peak times. Some services offer non-reserved seating (first-come, first-served), while reserved seats give you a specific seat number and more certainty.
Yes. Trains on this route typically have onboard toilets, including Western-style toilets on many services. Facilities are usually clean and easy to use, which helps on longer travel days or when traveling with children.
If you’re traveling at peak times, want a specific departure, want seats together, or prefer extra certainty, book in advance. If you’re flexible and traveling off-peak, you can often buy tickets closer to departure, but you’ll have fewer choices for times and seats.
Many services offer onboard Wi-Fi, but coverage and reliability can vary, especially in tunnels or at high speed. It’s usually fine for messaging and light browsing, but may not be stable enough for video calls or heavy work.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Kyoto to Matsumoto

Most Kyoto to Matsumoto trains use the Kyoto Station to Matsumoto Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Kyoto and Matsumoto train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Kyoto
Arrival train stations in Matsumoto

Which Kyoto station do trains to Matsumoto leave from?

Trains from Kyoto to Matsumoto leave from Kyoto Station. The station is 2 miles (4 km) from Kyoto city centre at Karasuma-dōri, Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
Kyoto StationKarasuma-dōri, Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto, JapanWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Kyoto Station from Kyoto city centre

Kyoto Station is 3 km from Kyoto city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainJR Sagano Line Rapid Service, Sagano Line Local, Hashidate, Kinosaki, [188384] Ltd. Exp Maizuru 4, [188391] Ltd. Exp Maizuru 2 · 6m · $1 · every ~19 min
Bus205 · 7m · $1 · every ~34 min
28m
SubwayK: Karasuma · 7m · $1 · every ~16 min

Kyoto Station train station facilities and services

Kyoto Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: A wide variety of dining options are available, including The Cube Gourmet Street on the 11th floor and Kyoto Ramen Koji on the 10th floor.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi is available in the JR areas of the station. ATMs are aTMs are available throughout the station, including a 24-hour ATM at the Post Office.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Kyoto Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Kyoto Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Kyoto Station: The station is equipped with elevators, escalators, and accessible restrooms to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

More options for your journey from Kyoto to Matsumoto

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Matsumoto

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