In this article we will look at all your options for traveling between Narita Airport and Kyoto Station. It is possible to make this journey by train, bus, plane, and car, but by far the easiest and most convenient way to go is by train. Although there are no direct trains between these two destinations, it is a simple matter to make a transfer in Tokyo or Shinagawa.
Narita International Airport departures board
From Narita Airport you can take the Narita Express train into Tokyo, and then transfer to a shinkansen bullet train for Kyoto. Times vary, but with a well-timed connection this route can cover the distance in about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Let’s look at the details of this train route first and then consider other options.
Traveling by Train
When traveling from Narita Airport, we recommend taking the Narita Express train for a fast and comfortable ride into Tokyo. You can take this train to either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station and then transfer to the shinkansen bullet train. The fastest Narita Express trains can reach Tokyo Station in about 53 minutes, and the train also serves Shinagawa Station. Whether you choose to transfer at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station will depend on the time of your departure from Narita Airport. Sometimes traveling via Shinagawa Station will get you to Kyoto sooner, and because Shinagawa is a smaller station, it is also easier to navigate than Tokyo Station.
Narita Express train
From Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station there are three types of shinkansen you can take to Kyoto. These are the Nozomi, the Hikari and the Kodama. You should not take the Kodama because it stops at every station on the way and takes about four hours. The Nozomi is the fastest and most frequent train as it travels between Kyoto and Tokyo in just 2 hours and 20 minutes. However, standard Japan Rail Pass travel on this route is based on the Hikari and Kodama services. If you wish to use the Japan Rail Pass without paying a supplement, your best choice is the Hikari which takes just two hours and 40 minutes to cover the distance.
Japan Rail Pass holders who want to use the Nozomi must buy a special Nozomi/Mizuho ticket before boarding; for the Tokyo-Kyoto section this supplement is 4,960 yen.
Shinkansen fares from Tokyo or Shinagawa to Kyoto vary by train type, seat type, and season. As a broad guide, an ordinary-car trip between Tokyo and Kyoto is usually in the 13,000-14,000 yen range before adding the cost of travel between Narita Airport and Tokyo. Non-reserved seats cost less than reserved seats, and Nozomi reserved seats cost more than Hikari or Kodama reserved seats.
The Nozomi shinkansen bullet train in Kyoto Station
When traveling from Kyoto Station to Narita Airport you can simply take the same route in reverse. However, remember that Narita Airport has two stations: one for Terminal 1, and another for Terminals 2 & 3. Be sure to get off at the station that serves your airline.
For Narita Express timetables and information about discounted round trip tickets check the official Narita Express website. To plan your overall route we recommend using online English language route finders like Jorudan and Navitime.
Traveling by Bus
It is possible to save some money by taking an airport bus from Narita Airport into Tokyo before transferring to a shinkansen for Kyoto. The Airport Bus TYO-NRT service between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station costs 1,500 yen for a one-way daytime ticket, and the fastest journeys are listed at 65 minutes. However, the journey time can vary greatly depending on traffic conditions, so it is harder to schedule your ongoing shinkansen journey. For information about this service check the official Airport Bus TYO-NRT website.
Direct overnight buses between Narita Airport and Kyoto are not a dependable standard option for this route. If you specifically want to travel overnight by highway bus, search by travel date through a highway-bus booking site and be prepared to route via Tokyo or another stop rather than Narita Airport itself.
A highway bus stop outside the KKD building near Kyoto Station’s Hachijoguchi exit
Traveling by Air
At Narita Airport it is possible to transfer to a domestic flight and fly into one of two airports in Kyoto’s neighboring city Osaka. These airports are Osaka Itami Airport and Kansai International Airport. Osaka Itami Airport is closer to Kyoto and handles domestic flights, while Kansai International Airport has both domestic and international services and is used by several low-cost carriers. Flying can make sense if you find a good fare and a well-timed connection, but once you include check-in time, baggage rules, airport access, and the transfer from Osaka to Kyoto, it is not always faster than the train.
Traveling via Osaka Itami Airport:
Osaka Itami Airport is the closer of the two Osaka-area airports to Kyoto. Flights between Narita Airport and Itami should be checked by travel date through the airport or airline schedule search, because flight frequency and fares vary. If you are arriving in Japan on an international ticket, it is also worth checking whether your airline can include the Narita-Itami domestic leg in the same booking.
You can travel between Osaka Itami Airport and Kyoto by either limousine bus or taxi. The limousine bus costs 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children, and takes about 50 to 55 minutes between Osaka Itami Airport and Kyoto Station Hachijo-guchi. Traveling from Kyoto Station you can get on the limousine bus at the G3 bus stop directly across from Kyoto Station’s southern exit.
The limousine bus for Osaka Itami Airport
MK Taxis also offer airport transfer reservations between Osaka Itami Airport and Kyoto. This can be useful if you are traveling with a lot of luggage or want door-to-door transport, but you should check the fare and reservation conditions directly before booking.
Traveling via Kansai International Airport:
Kansai International Airport is farther from Kyoto than Itami, but it can be useful if the Narita-Kansai flight is cheap and timed well for your onward journey. Low-cost-carrier fares can be attractive, but compare the full price before you book, including checked baggage, seat selection, airport access, and the time needed to transfer between the flight and your Kyoto-bound train or bus.
Limousine buses for Kansai International Airport depart from bus stop 6 directly opposite Kyoto Station’s southern exit
There are various options when traveling between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto, but the easiest rail option is the Limited Express Haruka train. JR-West offers a HARUKA One-way Ticket to Kyoto for 2,200 yen for eligible short-term foreign visitors, while normal tickets and other ticket types should be checked through JR-West. For more details check our article: Traveling Between Kyoto and Kansai International Airport.
Traveling by Car
It is possible to drive between Narita Airport and Kyoto via the Chuo Expressway or the Tomei Expressway. This could take 6 or 7 hours depending on traffic. However, when you consider expressway tolls, fuel, parking, and one-way rental conditions, this does not seem cost effective for most travelers. For information about car rental companies at Narita Airport check the airport website. For information about car rental companies near Kyoto Station check our article: Car Rental in Kyoto.
Staying Overnight at Narita Airport
If your plane arrives late at Tokyo Narita Airport or you have an early departing flight you may need to stay overnight. There are several hotels near the airport with free shuttle bus service to and from the airport. Check the Narita Airport Hotel website for availability of rooms.
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 04-Jul-2026.
