Tarjetas y pases para viajar en autobús y metro en Kioto
- Publicado el : 18/01/2019
- Por : Japan Experience
- Youtube
Transporte en Kioto
Tarjetas y pases para viajar en autobús y en metro en Kioto: traemos una lista de todos los pases de autobús y metro disponibles para visitantes y residentes de Kioto.
Tarifas de autobús y metro de Kioto
Las tarifas individuales para adultos en el sistema de metro de Kioto oscilan entre 210 y 350 yenes y entre 110 y 170 yenes para los menores. El metro de Kioto tiene dos líneas: la línea norte-sur Karasuma (verde) y la línea este-oeste Tōzai (roja) y es mucho más rápida que los autobuses de la ciudad. Los autobuses de Kioto tienen una tarifa única de 230 yenes dentro de su área central designada. A medida que viajes fuera del área designada, la tarifa aumentará. Recoger un billete numerado en al subir. La tarifa correspondiente al número aparece en un cartel electrónico en la parte delantera del autobús.
Pases de metro, de autobús de uno y de dos días
La tarjeta Kyoto Sightseeing Pass Card (tarjetas de uno o dos días) ha sido reemplazada por los pases de metro y bus de uno o dos días Subway, Bus One-Day Pass y Metro, Subway, Bus Two-Day Pass.
Los pases son válidos para el metro de Kioto, los autobuses de la ciudad y los autobuses urbanos, y ciertos autobuses de Keihan (Yamashina y Daigo). A diferencia del pase de un día para el autobús de Kioto (ver más abajo), el pase de metro y autobús de uno o dos días incluyen viajes al templo Saihō (el templo del musgo Kokedera), Ōhara e Iwakura.
El pase de un día de metro autobús es válido solo el día en que se emite (no las 24 horas) y cuesta 900 yenes para adultos y 450 yenes para niños.
El pase de dos días de metro y autobús es válido durante dos días consecutivos y cuesta 1.700 yenes para adultos y 850 yenes para niños.
Pase de un día de metro Kyoto City Subway One-Day Pass
El billete Kyoto City Subway One-Day Pass permite viajes ilimitados en el metro de Kioto y cuesta 600 yenes para adultos y 300 yenes para niños. Este pase incluye descuentos para la entrada al museo municipal de Arte de Kioto, al castillo de Nijō, el zoológico de Kioto, el museo de Kioto y el museo internacional del manga de Kioto.
*Consulta la página web oficial para obtener una lista completa de descuentos y obsequios de bienvenida disponibles en oneday-pass.kyoto.
The K'Loop Buses operate on weekends and public holidays in a clockwise loop connecting major Kyoto attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A day pass costs 1,500 yen for adults and 700 yen for children, allowing unlimited hop-on-hop-off access at stops including Kyoto Station, Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple, Heian Shrine, Gion, Kiyomizudera, and many more. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver.
The Hankyu Tourist Pass (1,600 yen for one day) provides unlimited access to Hankyu, Hanshin, and Kobe Kōsoku train lines, connecting Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. This is particularly useful for visitors planning to explore these cities in a short timeframe.
For those interested in exploring Kyoto's eastern areas, the Keihan Railway's Kyoto Sightseeing Pass (1,000 yen for one day) covers unlimited travel on Keihan lines, making it convenient for visiting areas like Gion, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Uji.
The Arashiyama/Sagano Free Ticket from Kyoto Bus is ideal for exploring the scenic Arashiyama area, known for its bamboo groves and temples.
Regional Passes Covering Kyoto and Beyond
Visitors planning to explore beyond Kyoto can benefit from regional passes that cover wider areas:
The R-West Kansai Area Pass (available for 1, 2, 3, or 4 consecutive days) allows unlimited travel on JR trains connecting Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, and the Haruka Express from Kansai International Airport (KIX). This pass also includes one voucher each for a Kyoto Subway One-Day Card, a Keihan 1-Day Kyoto Sightseeing Pass, and a Hankyu 1-Day Kyoto Line Free Pass. Prices range from 2,800 yen for one day to 7,000 yen for four days (adults).
The JR Kansai Wide Area Pass (5,600 yen for adults) offers more extensive coverage, including the Sanyo Shinkansen between Osaka and Okayama, making it suitable for trips to destinations like Kinosaki Onsen and the Kumano Region.
The Kansai Thru Pass (4,480 yen for two days or 5,600 yen for three days) provides unlimited access to most non-JR railways, subways, and buses in the Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, and Wakayama. Unlike other passes, it can be used on non-consecutive days, offering greater flexibility.
For travel between Kansai Airport and Kyoto, the Icoca & Haruka ticket provides a discounted fare on the Haruka Express and includes an ICOCA card preloaded with 2,000 yen.
Railway-Specific Passes and Tickets
Several railway companies offer their own passes for specific lines:
The Kintetsu Rail Pass (available in 1-day, 2-day, and 5-day options) covers travel on Japan's largest non-JR railway network, connecting Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise-Shima, and Nagoya. The "plus" version also includes buses around Nara and the Shima Peninsula.
The Hankyu Hanshin One-Day Pass (1,600 yen) provides unlimited access to Hankyu and Hanshin lines connecting Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, making it convenient for day trips between these cities.
The Keihan Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1,500 yen for one day) offers unlimited travel on the Keihan Line and Otokoyama Cable Line, plus discounts at selected attractions. It's particularly useful for trips between Kyoto's eastern areas and Osaka.
For exploring northern Kyoto, the Eizan Railway passes cover routes to areas like Kurama and Kibune, while the Keifuku Randen Line passes are useful for traveling to Arashiyama from central Kyoto.
How to Purchase and Use Transportation Passes
Most Kyoto transportation passes can be purchased at major stations, tourist information centers, and some hotels. The main locations include:
- Kyoto Station Bus Information Center (near the central exit)
- Subway station ticket windows and machines
- Kyoto City Bus & Subway Information Centers
- Tourist Information Centers at Kansai International Airport
- Major hotels throughout Kyoto
Some passes, like the Kansai Thru Pass and JR West passes, are only available to foreign visitors with "temporary visitor" status. You'll need to show your passport when purchasing these passes.
When using day passes on buses, insert your pass into the card reader next to the driver when exiting on your first ride. The date will be printed on the back, and you can simply show this to the driver on subsequent rides.
For subways, insert your pass into the ticket gate when entering and exiting. On your first use, the date will be printed on the back of the card.
Regional and railway-specific passes often have their own validation procedures, so be sure to follow the instructions provided when purchasing.
Money-Saving Tips for Kyoto Transportation
Choose the right pass based on your itinerary. If you're staying mainly within central Kyoto, the Subway & Bus One-Day Pass is often the most economical choice. For trips that include outlying areas or nearby cities, consider regional passes.
Combine different transportation modes to save time. For example, use the subway to avoid traffic congestion, then transfer to a bus for the final leg of your journey.
When exploring areas like Higashiyama during peak seasons (especially cherry blossom season), consider walking rather than using buses or taxis, as roads can become extremely congested.
For Getting around Kyoto, consider using trains to reach the station closest to your destination, then connect to a bus or walk. For example, to visit Kinkaku-ji, transfer to a city bus from Enmachi Station on the JR Sagano Line rather than taking a bus all the way from Kyoto Station.
If you're traveling as a group of three or four people, taxis can sometimes be more economical than buses for short distances. They're also useful for connecting areas that aren't well-served by public transportation.
For those planning to explore Kyoto extensively, consider renting a bicycle, as the city is mostly flat and bicycle-friendly. This can be a cost-effective and enjoyable way to see the city, especially in areas like Arashiyama.
If you'll be using JR trains frequently throughout Japan, calculate whether activating your Japan Rail Pass in Kyoto is worthwhile. Since there are few JR lines in Kyoto, it might make sense to delay activation until you leave the city.
By understanding Kyoto's transportation options and choosing the right passes for your needs, you can navigate this historic city efficiently and economically, making the most of your time in Japan's cultural heart. Remember that planning ahead and being flexible with your transportation choices will help you avoid crowds and discover the best of what Kyoto has to offer.