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Tokyo to Kyoto Trains

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How to Book Train Tickets Online from Tokyo to Kyoto

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Search

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Add passengers

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Receive your ticket

4

Take the train

24/7 Human Customer Support
Access a human support team available 24/7 to assist with online ticket booking, timetable questions, or ticket availability for Tokyo to Kyoto trains.
Book Official Tickets Easily
Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen. You can confirm and purchase tickets online, selecting Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama services and receive e-tickets where available.
Secure Payment Options
Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment options. Our online ticketing system supports credit cards and digital wallets for Tokyo to Kyoto tickets and secures transactions when you book tickets online.
Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations
Flexible exchange and cancellation policies allow adjustments to travel plans. Modify your Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen reservations service or upgrade your booking according to fare conditions and availability.
Receive Your Tickets Instantly
After purchase, receive electronic QR codes or PDF tickets by email if provided by the local Rail Operator, allowing immediate access for Tokyo to Kyoto travel.

Why Book Tokyo to Kyoto Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?

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Book Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen tickets on Rail Monsters to compare train ticket prices, access mobile apps for iOS and Android, benefit from 24/7 customer support, flexible bookings and cancellations, real-time timetable information, and a single account to manage train ticket bookings worldwide.

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Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen Train Tickets & Timetable

The Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen offers Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama train ticket options and classes such as Ordinary and Green. Departures are available from Tokyo Station with key stops including Shinagawa and Nagoya. Book tickets online to secure the best prices. Typical one-way price range is ¥13,620–¥15,800 (around $90–$105 USD). For timetable information, ticket availability, class fares and train times use the search page to view departures, online schedule, and prices.
4Mar
1
Seats
Tokyo
Kyoto

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

06:00
Tokyo
2h 8m
08:08
Kyoto
Direct
Nozomi 1
from
12383 USD
1
2h 8m, Direct
06:00
Tokyo
08:08
Kyoto
from
12383 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
06:15
Tokyo
2h 9m
08:24
Kyoto
Direct
Nozomi 3
from
12383 USD
1
2h 9m, Direct
06:15
Tokyo
08:24
Kyoto
from
12383 USD
1
Direct
High-speed

Day trains

12:00
Tokyo
2h 15m
14:15
Kyoto
Direct
Nozomi 237
from
12383 USD
1
2h 15m, Direct
12:00
Tokyo
14:15
Kyoto
from
12383 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
12:03
Tokyo
2h 34m
14:37
Kyoto
Direct
Hikari 511
from
12383 USD
1
2h 34m, Direct
12:03
Tokyo
14:37
Kyoto
from
12383 USD
1
Direct

Evening trains

18:00
Tokyo
2h 15m
20:15
Kyoto
Direct
Nozomi 257
from
12383 USD
1
2h 15m, Direct
18:00
Tokyo
20:15
Kyoto
from
12383 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
18:03
Tokyo
2h 51m
20:54
Kyoto
Direct
Hikari 655
from
12383 USD
1
2h 51m, Direct
18:03
Tokyo
20:54
Kyoto
from
12383 USD
1
Direct
day

First train

06:00
night

Last train

21:30
distance

Travel duration

2h 25m
daily-departure

Daily departures

122
departure-station

Departure station

Tokyo
changes-type

Changes

direct
arrival-station

Arrival station

Kyoto
ticket-price

Ticket price

$87

Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen Overview

The Tokyo to Kyoto corridor is served by frequent Shinkansen services on the Tokaido line. Travelers can choose faster Nozomi services or slightly slower Hikari and Kodama options depending on stop pattern and fare. The route serves both business travel and tourism with multiple daily departures and clear seat reservation options.
time-s

Travel time

2h 25m

fastest-s

Fastest trip

-4h 48m

longest-s

Longest trip

3h 37m

Tokyo

Tokyo - Japan's capital and main rail hub, with major stations including Tokyo Station and Shinagawa. Cultural highlights include the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine.

Tokyo

StationStation
arrowarrow

2h 25m

Kyoto

Kyoto - Former imperial capital known for temples, shrines, and traditional districts like Gion. Main Shinkansen access is at Kyoto Station near central attractions.

Kyoto

StationStation

Practical Information for Shinkansen Travelers

Luggage icon
Luggage Guidelines on Shinkansen Trains. Traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen includes rules for carry-on and larger items. Below are key points to know when bringing luggage aboard Shinkansen services:
Luggage Allowance
Passengers may bring up to two standard pieces of luggage plus a small carry-on. Larger items should not exceed the operator's size limits; check specific dimensions with the rail operator before travel.
Storage Facilities
Shinkansen cars have overhead racks and limited dedicated luggage spaces at the end of some cars. Store smaller suitcases above seats and larger items in allocated areas when available.
Special Items
For bicycles, musical instruments, or bulky sports equipment, check operator policies in advance. Reservation of space or special handling may be required on some Shinkansen services.

Average rating & reviews

4.7
starstarstarstarstar
Among mobile stores and search platforms
4.7
starstarstarstarstar
Among mobile stores and search platforms
Easy purchase and process
We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. We bought our tickets online, printed the tickets and had no issues. Great experience
avatarDenise Harston
Thank you very much for your support
Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.
avatarMitja Bostner
Thank you, David!
Could not thank David from Rail Monsters enough, i made a couple of errors in my booking for japan and he fixed them asap with no hassle, customer service A1
avatarAlan
Local Guide
Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.
avatarMarius-Adrian Nicoara
Very kind and helpful staff
Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!
avatarAllison Makhoul

Tokyo to Kyoto Map

Plan your trip between Tokyo and Kyoto on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. The route passes through Shinagawa, Yokohama, Odawara, Nagoya, and Kyoto stations. Between Tokyo and Nagoya the corridor crosses urban and coastal zones; near Shizuoka you may observe Mount Fuji views. Use the route map to plan travel, station transfers, and connections across Japan's rail transport network.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

Nozomi

Changes

Direct

Travel time

2h 15m

Price from

$87

Departures

3208

Rating

Train

Hikari

Changes

Direct

Travel time

2h 41m

Price from

$87

Departures

819

Rating

Train

Kodama

Changes

Direct

Travel time

3h 36m

Price from

$87

Departures

322

Rating

Shinkansen rail travel between Tokyo and Kyoto provides frequent city-center to city-center departures and predictable journey times compared with buses and flights. Long-distance buses take substantially longer and operate from peripheral terminals; flights require airport transfers and check-in time that add to total door-to-door travel. For this route, the Shinkansen delivers the fastest intercity rail connection with regular departures from central stations.
Greener choice

Plus, it’s a greener choice, reducing your carbon footprint

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Winner

Train

Apprx.

2h 25m

$87-$125

Bus

Apprx.

9h 0m

$30-$80

Flight

Apprx.

1h 10m

$70-$220

FAQ about the Tokyo - Kyoto Route

How much is the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?

A one-way Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto typically ranges from ¥17,000 to ¥20,500 (approximately $112 - $135 USD) depending on service and class. Prices vary by Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama services and by reserved or non-reserved seating. Book early on Rail Monsters for current fares and ticket availability.

Which train should I take from Tokyo to Kyoto?

Choose Nozomi for the fastest travel time, Hikari for a balance of speed and additional station access, or Kodama if you need service to smaller intermediate stations. All operate on the Tokaido Shinkansen line; class choice (Ordinary or Green) affects seat comfort and fare.

How fast is the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?

The Nozomi on the Tokaido Shinkansen reaches speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph), allowing travel times of about 2 hours 15–30 minutes between Tokyo and Kyoto. Hikari and Kodama services operate with more stops and longer journey times.

How long is the Shinkansen journey from Tokyo to Kyoto?

Travel time varies by service: Nozomi completes the trip in about 2 hours 15–30 minutes, Hikari around 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours, and Kodama up to about 4 hours depending on stops and connection patterns.

How to book Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto?

Book tickets online through Rail Monsters or purchase at station ticket counters. Use the search page to compare departures, timetable information, and prices. Mobile apps for iOS and Android are available for managing reservations and e-tickets.
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