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From KIX

Kyoto does not have its own airport, but rather is served by Osaka's two airports. There is an excellent road and railway network between the two cities. Kansai Airport Station is located opposite the arrival lobby where the JR West Haruka Kansai Airport Limited Express Train can be caught. The train ride to Kyoto Station takes about 75 minutes. 

​Highway Kyotanabe buses run to Kyoto Station "takes about 90 minutes", from KIX terminal 1.

Kansai International Airport

From Itami Airport

Travelers flying into Kyoto from other areas in Japan will most likely arrive here. The easiest way to get to Kyoto Station from Itami Airport is by limousine bus.

The buses run three times an hour and the trip takes about 55 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a combination of monorail and train, which requires at least two changes. The train ride from Itami Airport to Kyoto takes about 72 minutes.

Osaka International Airport

From Tokyo

The fastest, most convenient and most comfortable way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto is by the high speed Shinkansen.

There are three types of train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line: the Nozomi trains require about 140 minutes to reach Kyoto, Hikari trains about 160 minutes and Kodama trains about 4 hours. 

Travelers can also take advantage of the Puratto Kodama ticket, which offers a discount on the all-stopping Kodama services if purchased at least one day in advance. 

Tokyo Station

The Osaka-Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass is a rail pass that allows holders to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto via Kanazawa, using the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

The Hokuriku Arch Pass allows unlimited access to JR trains between Tokyo and Osaka.

Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Kanazawa, to JR trains connecting Tokyo to Narita and Haneda Airports, and to JR trains from Osaka to Kansai International Airport, as well as certain non-JR lines in the Hokuriku Region during 7 consecutive days.

Shinkansen 700 Series - Kyoto Station

By Bus

Two of the major bus operators between Tokyo and Kyoto are Willer Express and JR Bus. Tickets for all carriers can generally be purchased at major departure points. Tokyo to Kyoto by highway bus takes about 7-8 hours.

Willer Express runs daytime and overnight trips with a variety of seating options ranging from standard seats to luxurious shell seats.

Willer's Japan Bus Pass is valid on all of their routes with some exceptions.

Willer Express

Willer's buses in Tokyo leave from the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal above the JR tracks at Shinjuku Station, which is served by many of Japan's highway bus operators. In Kyoto, Willer buses pick up and discharge at stops along the south side - or Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station.

JR Bus reservations can be made in English through their Kousoku Bus Net website. You can also make reservations in train stations at the same "Midori-no-Madoguchi" ticket windows used to reserve seats on trains.

​Buses depart from Tokyo Station - Yaesu Exit and from Shinjuku Station. In Kyoto, buses congregate at the Karasuma Exit at the north side of Kyoto Station.

JR Highway Bus

Kyoto Station - Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture