City, Japan
Getting around Kyoto
How to get around Kyoto
Subways are small, so buses and bikes do the heavy lifting. Walk Higashiyama, rent a bicycle for flatter areas, and use trains for Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama.
Ways to get around Kyoto
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| City bus | 230 JPY flat | Crowded on sightseeing routes; IC cards accepted, no day pass any more |
| Subway (Karasuma and Tozai lines) | 220–360 JPY | Tozai line reaches Higashiyama; fastest across the center |
| JR and private railways | 150–240 JPY to Fushimi Inari or Arashiyama | JR Nara Line 5 min to Fushimi Inari; Hankyu and Keifuku to Arashiyama |
| Bicycle rental | About 1,000–1,500 JPY a day | Flat center; avoid parking outside designated spots |
Ride-hailing apps in Kyoto
A 5 km ride costs about ¥1,800–2,600 ($11.4–16.5).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| GO | Main taxi app; accepts foreign cards |
| Uber | Books licensed taxis; fewer cars outside the center |
- Taxis are metered, clean and plentiful in the center; app or street hail. Tipping is not done; drivers may not speak English.
Arriving in Kyoto
Kansai International (KIX)
JR Haruka express to Kyoto about 3,500–4,000 JPY, 75–80 min; cheaper limousine bus about 2,800 JPY, 90–100 min.
Via Osaka Itami (ITM)
Limousine bus to Kyoto Station about 1,400–1,600 JPY, 55–70 min; useful for domestic flights.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the left. Bring a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP; licences from Germany, France, Switzerland, Taiwan and a few others need a JAF translation.
- Onward travel in Japan: Shinkansen bullet trains link most cities fast but are pricey; the national JR Pass only pays off on long itineraries. Highway buses and budget flights are cheaper.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Kyoto?
Yes. Apps that work here: GO, Uber.
What's the best way to get around Kyoto?
Subways are small, so buses and bikes do the heavy lifting. Walk Higashiyama, rent a bicycle for flatter areas, and use trains for Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama.
How do I get from the airport to Kyoto?
JR Haruka express to Kyoto about 3,500–4,000 JPY, 75–80 min; cheaper limousine bus about 2,800 JPY, 90–100 min.
Is Kyoto walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Kyoto
Going to Kyoto solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Kyoto meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Japan Rail Pass (official)
- smartEX Shinkansen booking (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu)
- Japan National Tourism Organization
- Kyoto City Official Travel Guide
- Kyoto City Transportation Bureau
- Kansai Airport
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.