How to Get from Tokyo to Kyoto: Best Way to Travel

While it’s technically possible to take a taxi from Tokyo to Kyoto, it’s highly impractical. The distance between the two cities is roughly 450 kilometers (280 miles), and the fare would likely exceed ¥150,000–¥200,000 ($1,000–$1,300 USD) one way, excluding highway tolls and waiting charges. Most taxi drivers would also decline such a long-distance request unless prearranged. For that price, you could take multiple luxury train rides. Unless you have special travel needs or are booking a premium chauffeur service, taxis are not a recommended option for how to get from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Renting a car might sound appealing if you plan to explore the countryside, but for this specific route, it’s not recommended. The drive takes about 5–6 hours and involves navigating Japan’s expressways, which can be expensive due to tolls. Parking in both Tokyo and Kyoto can be difficult and costly. Additionally, Japan’s rail network is so efficient that a car becomes more of a burden than a benefit for city-to-city travel. Unless you’re planning a road trip with stops along the way, driving is not the best method for how to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Although there are flights between Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) and Kansai Airport near Kyoto, flying is generally not recommended. The flight itself takes about 1 hour, but once you factor in airport transfers, check-in, and security, the total travel time can easily exceed 4–5 hours. Additionally, airports are farther from central Kyoto compared to Kyoto Station, which is directly served by trains. Ticket prices also fluctuate depending on availability and airline. Unless you’re connecting from another destination or using airline points, flying from Tokyo to Kyoto is less efficient than other travel options. When evaluating how to get to Kyoto from Tokyo, flights don’t provide a compelling advantage.