- Must visit
Niigata City History Museum Minatopia
Niigata's main civic history museum in Minatopia. Exhibits cover the port, trade, daily life, and modernization in restored and modern waterfront buildings.
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Travellers trust Omio
35+ million travellers worldwide book with Omio every year.
Authorised distributor
Book bullet trains, limited express trains and bus tickets directly through Omio.
Omio Advance
With Omio Advance, reserve your Japan train ticket before sales open.
Multilingual support
Our team is available 24/7 in 21 languages – including support through WhatsApp.
Free cancellation
Cancel your Omio Advance booking for free up to 30 days before travel.
Taking multiple trains in Japan?
Save money with the JR Pass, and enjoy unlimited train travel for 7 to 21 days.
Discover the Japan Rail PassThe cheapest and fastest trains from Saitama to Niigata
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 21
Cheapest price on Sep 21
$78
Average ticket price on Sep 21
$78
Fastest journey on Sep 21
1 h 7 m
Average journey duration on Sep 21
1 h 21 m
Trains on Sep 21
28
Distance
229 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Saitama to Niigata is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Saitama to Niigata will cost around $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
Fast trains
On Mon, Sep 21, we found 28 trains from Saitama to Niigata, including 28 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 21 the direct trains cover the 229 km distance in an average of 1 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 7 m .
On Mon, Sep 21 the slowest trains will take 1 h 27 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.
Toki 771:41 PM1h35Saitama3:16 PMNiigata$781One-way0 transfers- Toki 3397:17 PM1h42Saitama8:59 PMNiigata$781One-way0 transfers
- Toki 3253:05 PM1h37Saitama4:42 PMNiigata$781One-way0 transfers
- Toki 3335:33 PM1h24Saitama6:57 PMNiigata$781One-way0 transfers
- Toki 3139:53 AM1h36Saitama11:29 AMNiigata$781One-way0 transfers
- Toki 3119:34 AM1h07Saitama10:41 AMNiigata$781One-way0 transfers
- Toki 353:41 PM1h22Saitama5:03 PMNiigata$781One-way0 transfers
- Toki 3335:33 PM1h24Saitama6:57 PMNiigata$781One-way0 transfers
- Toki 31711:06 AM1h26Saitama12:32 PMNiigata$781One-way0 transfers
- Toki 3037:29 AM1h27Saitama8:56 AMNiigata$781One-way0 transfers
Plan your perfect Japan trip
Pick a season and we'll build your itinerary in under 2 minutes
Free to use · No sign-up required · English only
Omio Japan Rail Pass Calculator
You are traveling around Japan and want to know if the Japan Rail Pass is worth it?
Our Japan Rail Pass Calculator compares JR Pass prices versus buying individual train tickets, so you can see exactly how much you'll save on your journey
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Saitama to Niigata
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Saitama to Niigata among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, while a train costs an average of $75.
Distance: 142 miles (229 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
$75 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest |
2h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration 6h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Saitama to Niigata is a bus with an average price of $42.
This is compared to other travel options from Saitama to Niigata:
A bus is $33 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Saitama to Niigata costing on average $75.
The fastest way to travel from Saitama to Niigata is by train with an average journey time of 1h 49m.
Other travel options to Niigata take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Saitama and Niigata including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Saitama to Niigata among Omio's users.
Live departures
Saitama to Niigata train times
The table below shows live departures for Saitama to Niigata trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toki 301 | 6:33 AM Saitama | 1h37 | 8:10 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 303 | 7:29 AM Saitama | 1h27 | 8:56 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 305 | 8:13 AM Saitama | 1h38 | 9:51 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 307 | 8:47 AM Saitama | 1h34 | 10:21 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 309 | 9:13 AM Saitama | 1h53 | 11:06 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 311 | 9:34 AM Saitama | 1h07 | 10:41 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 313 | 9:53 AM Saitama | 1h36 | 11:29 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 63 | 10:17 AM Saitama | 1h35 | 11:52 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 315 | 10:40 AM Saitama | 1h37 | 12:17 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 317 | 11:06 AM Saitama | 1h26 | 12:32 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 69 | 11:41 AM Saitama | 1h37 | 1:18 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 319 | 12:05 PM Saitama | 1h38 | 1:43 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 321 | 1:05 PM Saitama | 1h37 | 2:42 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 77 | 1:41 PM Saitama | 1h35 | 3:16 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 323 | 2:05 PM Saitama | 1h37 | 3:42 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 325 | 3:05 PM Saitama | 1h37 | 4:42 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 35 | 3:41 PM Saitama | 1h22 | 5:03 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 327 | 4:05 PM Saitama | 1h37 | 5:42 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 329 | 4:41 PM Saitama | 1h32 | 6:13 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 331 | 5:05 PM Saitama | 1h37 | 6:42 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 333 | 5:33 PM Saitama | 1h24 | 6:57 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 335 | 5:57 PM Saitama | 1h34 | 7:31 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 337 | 6:37 PM Saitama | 1h30 | 8:07 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 339 | 7:17 PM Saitama | 1h42 | 8:59 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 341 | 8:01 PM Saitama | 1h35 | 9:36 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 343 | 8:49 PM Saitama | 1h42 | 10:31 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 345 | 9:17 PM Saitama | 1h38 | 10:55 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 347 | 9:45 PM Saitama | 1h40 | 11:25 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 22 | |||||
| Toki 301 | 6:33 AM Saitama | 1h37 | 8:10 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 303 | 7:29 AM Saitama | 1h27 | 8:56 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 305 | 8:13 AM Saitama | 1h38 | 9:51 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 307 | 8:47 AM Saitama | 1h34 | 10:21 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 309 | 9:13 AM Saitama | 1h53 | 11:06 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 311 | 9:34 AM Saitama | 1h07 | 10:41 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 313 | 9:53 AM Saitama | 1h36 | 11:29 AM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 315 | 10:40 AM Saitama | 1h37 | 12:17 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 317 | 11:06 AM Saitama | 1h26 | 12:32 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 319 | 12:05 PM Saitama | 1h38 | 1:43 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 321 | 1:05 PM Saitama | 1h37 | 2:42 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 77 | 1:41 PM Saitama | 1h35 | 3:16 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 323 | 2:05 PM Saitama | 1h37 | 3:42 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 81 | 2:41 PM Saitama | 1h34 | 4:15 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 325 | 3:05 PM Saitama | 1h37 | 4:42 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 35 | 3:41 PM Saitama | 1h22 | 5:03 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 327 | 4:05 PM Saitama | 1h37 | 5:42 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 329 | 4:41 PM Saitama | 1h32 | 6:13 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 331 | 5:05 PM Saitama | 1h37 | 6:42 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 333 | 5:33 PM Saitama | 1h24 | 6:57 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 335 | 5:57 PM Saitama | 1h34 | 7:31 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 337 | 6:37 PM Saitama | 1h30 | 8:07 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 339 | 7:17 PM Saitama | 1h42 | 8:59 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 341 | 8:01 PM Saitama | 1h35 | 9:36 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 343 | 8:49 PM Saitama | 1h42 | 10:31 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 345 | 9:17 PM Saitama | 1h38 | 10:55 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Toki 347 | 9:45 PM Saitama | 1h40 | 11:25 PM Niigata | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Saitama to Niigata by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26
Sep 26
Journey information
Overview: Train from Saitama to Niigata
JapanJapan
Trains from Saitama to Niigata run on average 28 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $73 but you can travel from only $42 by bus.
There are 28 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:28, the last at 12:45. The fastest train covers the 142 miles (229 km) distance in 1h 7m.
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
Bus from $42
Distance 142 miles (229 km) |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $73 |
Trains per day 28 |
Direct trains 28 |
Fastest train 1h 7m |
First train 12:28 AM |
Last train 12:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 2 days |
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
Bus from $42
Complete guide to Niigata
Things to do in Niigata
Discover the best of Niigata — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Niigata trip today.
- Must visit
Furumachi
Historic geisha and entertainment quarter with traditional lanes, old buildings, and cultural venues. Ideal for a slower walk through Niigata's port-era atmosphere.
- Recommended
Niigata City Art Museum
Art museum in Hakusan Park with changing exhibitions and a notable collection. A good stop for modern and regional art in a central green setting.
- Must visit
Furumachi
Historic geisha and entertainment quarter with traditional lanes, old buildings, and cultural venues. Ideal for a slower walk through Niigata's port-era atmosphere.
- Recommended
Bandaijima
Lively island walkway and reclaimed waterfront district with broad views, convention venues, and access to museums. It is popular for sunsets and urban walks.
- Recommended
Hakusan Park
Large central park with ponds, paths, and seasonal flowers beside museums and civic landmarks. It is one of the city's most relaxing walking areas.
FAQs: Trains from Saitama to Niigata
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Saitama to Niigata 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 Niigata, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Yes. You can buy tickets online for trains from Saitama to Niigata, 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 time to travel by train from Saitama to Niigata is usually during quieter, off-peak periods. July is often a good month to find better-value tickets, and traveling midweek can also help.
The cheapest way to travel by train from Saitama to Niigata 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 Saitama to Niigata. 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.
Yes, a day trip from Saitama to Niigata is possible by train, with journey times of around 1h 7m each way. That said, Niigata has a lot to see, so an overnight stay often makes for a more relaxed visit.
Yes, there are direct trains from Saitama to Niigata. On this route, many services run without any changes, making it an easy trip by rail.
The average train journey from Saitama to Niigata takes around 1h 7m. Travel times can be longer on slower services or at busy times, so it’s worth checking options for your travel date.
Trains from Saitama to Niigata 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 Saitama to Niigata. On this route, the Shinkansen offers the fastest and most frequent connections.
High-speed train tickets from Saitama to Niigata 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 Niigata 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 Saitama to Niigata, 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 Saitama to Niigata can cost as little as $73 when booked in advance. The average ticket price is around $75, but prices vary depending on the type of train, the time of day, and whether you choose a reserved seat or a higher class.
Whether a rail pass is valid from Saitama to Niigata 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.
Suica is useful for local trains and subways, but it usually isn’t enough by itself for long-distance Shinkansen travel from Saitama to Niigata. 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 Saitama to Niigata
Most Saitama to Niigata trains use the to Niigata Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Saitama and Niigata train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Saitama
Arrival train stations in Niigata
Which Niigata station do trains from Saitama arrive at?
Trains from Saitama to Niigata arrive at Niigata Station. Niigata Station is 2 miles (4 km) from Niigata city centre.
Niigata StationNiigata Station, 1-chōme-1-1 Hanazono, Chuo Ward, Niigata, 950-0086, Japan
City-centre transport
Getting to Niigata Station from Niigata city centre
Niigata Station is 3 km from Niigata city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Niigata Station train station facilities and services
Niigata Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Several dining options available within the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in designated areas. ATMs are aTMs available near main entrances.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Niigata Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Niigata Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Niigata Station: Station equipped with elevators and ramps for accessibility.
More options for your journey from Saitama to Niigata
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
