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Tokyo to Kyoto Trains

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Timetable

Route overview

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Tokyo to Kyoto Trains

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Tokyo to Kyoto

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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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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

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

High-speed

Nozomi 1

from

12383 USD

2h 8m, Direct

06:00

Tokyo

08:08

Kyoto

from

12383 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 1

06:15

Tokyo

2h 9m

08:24

Kyoto

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 3

from

12383 USD

2h 9m, Direct

06:15

Tokyo

08:24

Kyoto

from

12383 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 3

Day trains

12:00

Tokyo

2h 15m

14:15

Kyoto

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 237

from

12383 USD

2h 15m, Direct

12:00

Tokyo

14:15

Kyoto

from

12383 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 237

12:03

Tokyo

2h 34m

14:37

Kyoto

Direct

Hikari 511

from

12383 USD

2h 34m, Direct

12:03

Tokyo

14:37

Kyoto

from

12383 USD

Direct

Hikari 511

Evening trains

18:00

Tokyo

2h 15m

20:15

Kyoto

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 257

from

12383 USD

2h 15m, Direct

18:00

Tokyo

20:15

Kyoto

from

12383 USD

Direct

High-speed

Nozomi 257

18:03

Tokyo

2h 51m

20:54

Kyoto

Direct

Hikari 655

from

12383 USD

2h 51m, Direct

18:03

Tokyo

20:54

Kyoto

from

12383 USD

Direct

Hikari 655

First train

06:00

Last train

21:30

Travel duration

2h 25m

Daily departures

122

Departure station

Tokyo

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Kyoto

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.

Travel time

2h 25m

Train type

Hikari

Kodama

Nozomi

Fastest trip

-4h 48m

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

Station

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

Station

Available Ticket Classes

On the Tokyo to Kyoto route, primary classes are Ordinary (standard seating) and Green (first-class). Seats can be reserved or non-reserved; Green Car provides larger seats and more legroom. Gran Class is not offered on the Tokaido Shinkansen for this corridor.

from

$12803

Ordinary Car

from

$17371

Green Car

from

$12493

Non-reserved

Practical Information for Shinkansen Travelers

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

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

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

Denise 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.

Mitja 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

Alan

Local Guide

Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.

Marius-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!

Allison 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.

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

Tokyo to Kyoto Train

All Shinkansen services on the Tokyo to Kyoto route provide Ordinary and Green class seating. The Nozomi is the fastest, reaching up to 300 km/h (186 mph) and completing the journey in about 2 hours 15–30 minutes depending on stops. Hikari services typically operate at similar maximum speeds but take longer due to additional stops, around 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours. Kodama stops at all stations and can take up to 4 hours. Onboard amenities vary by service and class.

Hikari

Travel at speeds up to 285 km/h on the Hikari Shinkansen.

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Kodama

Kodama trains glide at speeds up to 285 km/h on Japan's Shinkansen lines.

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Nozomi

Embark on Japan's Nozomi, the fastest Shinkansen at 300 km/h.

Learn more

Cities at Both Ends

Tokyo is Japan's capital, a major economic center known for the Imperial Palace, Shibuya, and numerous museums. Kyoto is famed for its preserved temples, shrines, and traditional neighborhoods such as Gion and Higashiyama. Depart from Tokyo Station and arrive at Kyoto Station to access historic sites and cultural attractions.

Tokyo

The capital, where ancient palaces stand alongside towering skyscrapers.

Kyoto

An ancient city known for its classical Buddhist temples and gardens.

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.

Learn more information at our

Country Guide