Shinkansen fares and ticket reservation methods from Nagoya to Kyoto
Overview of travel methods from Nagoya to Kyoto
You can travel from Nagoya to Kyoto using the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train). This article explains Shinkansen fares, Travel Time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We've also compiled useful information for your trip to Japan, such as the rules for using the JR Pass and the types of trains you can use.
Basic information on getting from Nagoya to Kyoto
- Estimated Travel Time using the "Nozomi": Approximately 33-34 minutes
- Fare for unreserved seats (no advance reservation required): Approximately 5,170 yen
- Fare for reserved seats (advance reservation required): Approximately 5,710 yen ("Nozomi") / Approximately 5,500 yen ("Hikari"/"Kodama")
- Available trains: "Nozomi", "Hikari", "Kodama"
- All "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama" trains stop between Nagoya and Kyoto. The fastest train is the "Nozomi", which takes approximately 33-34 minutes. You cannot ride the "Nozomi" with just a JR Pass, but you can use it by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". If you do not purchase this ticket, please choose either the "Hikari" or "Kodama".
- JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Nagoya and Kyoto?" below.
Kyoto's appeal as a tourist destination
Kyoto is Japan's thousand-year-old capital city, home to world-famous tourist attractions such as Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the seasons and the historic cityscape, as well as a wealth of gourmet delights including matcha sweets and Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine. It's also incredibly close to Nagoya, just 33-34 minutes away, making it an ideal day trip destination.
Table of Contents
Shinkansen Fares from Nagoya to Kyoto
Overview of Shinkansen fares from Nagoya to Kyoto
The Shinkansen fares from Nagoya Station to Kyoto Station vary depending on the seat class and train type you choose. The Tokaido Shinkansen operates "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama" trains. The fares are approximate, and during peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), a peak season surcharge may be added to reserved seats and Green Car seats, which require advance reservation. Discounted fares can be purchased using SmartEX or EX Reservation.
Comparison of Fares for Unreserved Seats (no advance reservation required), Reserved Seats (advance reservation required), and Green Car.
| Seat | Fare (Estimate) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved Seats (no advance reservation required) | Approximately 5,170 yen | No seat number is assigned; you can board if there are empty seats. |
| Reserved Seats (standard class, advance reservation required) | Approximately 5,710 yen ("Nozomi") / Approximately 5,500 yen ("Hikari"/"Kodama") | Your seat number is assigned, guaranteeing you a seat. |
| Green Car | Approximately 7,980 yen ("Nozomi") | Spacious seating and high-quality service, perfect for those who want to travel comfortably. |
Features and benefits of unreserved seats (no advance reservation required)
Unreserved seats, which do not require advance reservations, are the cheapest seating option. However, they can fill up during peak season and busy times, so it's recommended to line up on the platform early.
Features and usage scenarios of reserved seats that require advance reservation
Reserved seats, which require advance reservation, allow you to secure your seat number before boarding, so you can travel without worrying about crowds. Early bird discounts and other discounted fares may also be available when booking online in advance using EX Reservation or SmartEX.
Features and comfort of Green Car
Green Car is a premium class offering more spacious seats and enhanced amenities compared to standard cars. It is recommended for those who want a more comfortable journey between Nagoya and Kyoto, as well as for business travelers and special trips.
Travel Time from Nagoya to Kyoto
Estimated Travel Time between Nagoya and Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train)
The estimated Travel Time from Nagoya Station to Kyoto Station using the "Nozomi" is approximately 33-34 minutes. The total travel time varies depending on the type of train and the number of stops, so please choose the train that best suits your travel plans.
Shinkansen speed and features
Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains boast world-class safety and punctuality, and are used by many tourists visiting Japan. They are also appreciated for their minimal delays due to weather, making it easy to plan travel schedules.
Comparison of Travel Time with air travel
When traveling between Nagoya and Kyoto by plane, you need to factor in the time required for airport access, check-in, security checks, boarding procedures, and travel from the arrival airport to Kyoto city center, in addition to the flight time. Since the Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major stations, it is often the more advantageous option when considering the total travel time.
Travel Time Comparison with cars and JR Conventional Lines
Traveling by car is prone to traffic congestion on expressways, and especially during peak season and long holidays, Travel Time from departure to arrival can be significantly extended. Taking a JR Conventional Line takes several times longer than taking the Shinkansen. In terms of comfort and punctuality, the Shinkansen is one of the best modes of transport between Nagoya and Kyoto.
Which train is the fastest?
Types of trains operating between Nagoya and Kyoto
Between Nagoya and Kyoto, you can use the "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama" trains. All "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama" trains stop between Nagoya and Kyoto. The fastest train is the "Nozomi", which takes approximately 33-34 minutes. You cannot ride the "Nozomi" with just a JR Pass, but you can use it by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". If you do not purchase this ticket, please choose either the "Hikari" or "Kodama".
Stations where each train stops and their features
The fastest train, "Nozomi", makes the fewest stops and has the shortest Travel Time from departure to arrival. Reserved seats, which require advance reservation, tend to sell out quickly during peak season and on weekends, so advance reservation is recommended.
Nagoya to Kyoto: Travel Time by train
The fastest train between Nagoya and Kyoto is the "Nozomi", which takes approximately 33-34 minutes. The "Hikari" takes approximately 34-53 minutes depending on the service, and the "Kodama" takes approximately 44-53 minutes as it makes stops at Maibara and other stations. JR Pass holders cannot ride the "Nozomi" with the JR Pass alone, but can use it by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". If you do not purchase this ticket, please use the "Hikari". The difference between the "Nozomi" and "Hikari" is approximately 1-20 minutes.
Recommended trains between Nagoya and Kyoto
If your top priority is the shortest Travel Time from departure to arrival, the "Nozomi" train is recommended. Those with a JR Pass can use the "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" trains by purchasing a separate "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". Please refer to the JR Pass section below to select the appropriate train.
Points to consider when choosing a train
When choosing a train between Nagoya and Kyoto, first check which trains arrive at Kyoto Station at your desired departure time. Securing your seat in advance using services like SmartEX or EX Reservation will make your journey smoother.
How to book Shinkansen tickets
Basic methods for purchasing Shinkansen tickets
Shinkansen tickets between Nagoya and Kyoto can be purchased in three ways: at station ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), ticket machines, or online. During peak season, reserved seats, which require advance reservation, tend to sell out quickly, so it is recommended to book as soon as your travel dates are decided.
How to purchase tickets at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi)
Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) (manned counters) at JR stations throughout Japan. Nagoya Station also has an English-speaking counter, so even those who are not confident in their Japanese can use the service with peace of mind.
How to use a ticket vending machine
You can also purchase Shinkansen tickets at the reserved seat ticket vending machines installed at train stations. An increasing number of these machines support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and French, and you can also purchase tickets using a credit card.
Online reservations (SmartEX/EX Reservation)
For online reservations, JR Central and JR West's SmartEX and EX Reservation services are convenient. SmartEX allows you to pass through ticket gates using your smartphone or IC card without needing a physical ticket, by linking it to your transportation IC card (such as Suica). Visitors from overseas can also utilize official websites and travel booking sites (such as Klook) that support English.
Points to note when making a reservation
During peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), reserved seats that require advance reservation tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized.
Can I use the JR Pass between Nagoya and Kyoto?
Overview of JR Pass
The JR Pass is a special ticket for travelers who do not reside in Japan, allowing unlimited travel on JR lines without additional charges. It comes in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day versions, and during its validity period, it allows unlimited travel on JR Shinkansen, limited express trains, and JR Conventional Lines without additional charge. It can be purchased at travel agencies outside of Japan or at select ticket counters within Japan. A passport is required for use.
Regarding the use of JR Pass between Nagoya and Kyoto
| Train | JR Pass Usage | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| "Nozomi" | Available with additional ticket purchase | You can ride by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". |
| "Hikari" | Available | Both unreserved seats (no advance reservation required) and reserved seats (advance reservation required) are available. |
| "Kodama" | Available | Both unreserved seats (no advance reservation required) and reserved seats (advance reservation required) are available. |
Trains that cannot be used with JR Pass
All "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama" trains stop between Nagoya and Kyoto. The fastest train is the "Nozomi", which takes approximately 33-34 minutes. You cannot ride the "Nozomi" with just a JR Pass, but you can use it by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". If you do not purchase this ticket, please choose either the "Hikari" or "Kodama".
Conditions for using trains with JR Pass
With a JR Pass, you can board trains with unreserved seats (no advance reservation required). If you wish to use a reserved seat that requires advance reservation, you must reserve your seat at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine before boarding. There is no additional charge for seat reservations.
Points to note when using JR Pass
Since the JR Pass is valid for consecutive days from the start date, it's important to carefully set the start date to match your travel schedule. If your travel plans involve visiting multiple cities, not just Nagoya to Kyoto, you'll often get your money's worth out of the JR Pass.
Shinkansen timetable between Nagoya and Kyoto
Frequency of Shinkansen service between Nagoya and Kyoto
The Shinkansen bullet trains operating between Nagoya and Kyoto are the "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama" trains. They run frequently even during the day, and extra trains may be added during peak season and tourist seasons. Please check the latest timetables on transportation information services such as Ekitan.
Guidelines for the first and last trains
The first trains departing from Nagoya Station leave as early as 6:00 AM, and the last trains to Kyoto Station depart around 8:00-9:00 PM. By taking an early morning train, you can enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto from the morning.
How to read a Shinkansen timetable
You can check the Shinkansen timetable between Nagoya and Kyoto on the JR official website or transportation information services such as Ekitan. When searching, enter your departure station "Nagoya", arrival station "Kyoto", travel date, and time to see a list of train times and fares.
Nagoya Station to Kyoto Station Shinkansen Timetable (Excerpt/Approximate)
| Departure (Nagoya) | Train | Arrival (Kyoto) | Travel Time from Departure to Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:35 | "Nozomi" No. 1 | 08:08 | Approximately 33 minutes |
| 08:12 | "Nozomi" No. 5 | 08:45 | Approximately 33 minutes |
| 09:03 | "Hikari" No. 501 | 09:37 | Approximately 34 minutes |
| 09:10 | "Nozomi" No. 11 | 09:44 | Approximately 34 minutes |
| 10:03 | "Hikari" No. 503 | 10:37 | Approximately 34 minutes |
| 11:03 | "Hikari" No. 505 | 11:37 | Approximately 34 minutes |
| 12:03 | "Hikari" No. 507 | 12:37 | Approximately 34 minutes |
| 09:43 | "Kodama" No. 703 | 10:34 | Approximately 51 minutes |
*Actual times and train numbers may change due to seasonal changes or revisions to the operating schedule. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or other sources.
Peak hours and points to note
The Nagoya-Kyoto route is particularly crowded during peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon) and on weekends. If you reserve your reserved seat online in advance, you can travel comfortably without worrying about the crowds on the day of travel.
Summary: Shinkansen from Nagoya to Kyoto
The Tokaido Shinkansen is a convenient way to travel from Nagoya to Kyoto. Fares are approximately ¥5,170 for unreserved seats (no advance reservation required), ¥5,710 for reserved seats ("Nozomi") / ¥5,500 for reserved seats ("Hikari"/"Kodama"), and ¥7,980 for Green Car ("Nozomi"). The Travel Time from departure to arrival on the "Nozomi" train is approximately 33-34 minutes. All "Nozomi", "Hikari", and "Kodama" trains stop between Nagoya and Kyoto. The fastest train is the "Nozomi", taking approximately 33-34 minutes. While the "Nozomi" cannot be used with a JR Pass alone, it can be used by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". If you do not purchase this ticket, please choose either the "Hikari" or "Kodama" train. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), designated seat ticket machines, or online (SmartEX, EX Reservation, etc.). Choose the train that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey between Nagoya and Kyoto.
The information on this website is based on content available at the time of publication. We do not guarantee its accuracy or timeliness. The content may include advertisements or promotions, and we are not responsible for any external websites linked from this site.
