Kyoto Bus & Subway Travel Cards & Passes
- Published on : 13/02/2025
- by : Japan Experience
- Youtube
Bus in Kyoto
©Andrew Leu, Unsplash
Navigating Kyoto's public transportation system can be overwhelming for visitors, with multiple companies operating different networks of buses, subways, and trains. Understanding the various travel cards and passes available is essential for maximizing your time and budget in Japan's ancient capital. From day passes to special tourist routes and regional options, Kyoto offers numerous transportation solutions to fit different itineraries. With the right pass in hand, you can seamlessly explore temples in Northern Higashiyama, wander through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, or venture beyond to nearby cities like Osaka and Nara.
Understanding Kyoto's Public Transportation System
Kyoto's transportation network consists of two subway lines, an extensive bus system, and several railway companies operating within and around the city. The main transportation hub is Kyoto Station, which connects to the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line, making it easily accessible from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major destinations including Odawara Station nearby Hakone and Hiroshima.
The city's subway system features two lines: the north-south Karasuma Line (green) and the east-west Tōzai Line(red), which intersect at Karasuma Oike Station. Single fares range from 220-350 yen for adults and 110-180 yen for children, varying by distance traveled.
Kyoto city buses operate on a flat fare system of 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children within the central area, with increasing fares for journeys outside this zone. When boarding most city buses, you'll take a numbered ticket and pay the corresponding fare when exiting. Some express sightseeing buses, however, require payment upon boarding.
The operating hours for subways are typically 5:30 am to 11:55 pm, while buses generally run from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm. Both systems may have reduced service on weekends and public holidays.
Kyoto City Subway & Bus Passes
The Subway & Bus One-Day Pass (1,100 yen for adults, 550 yen for children) is one of the most versatile options, providing unlimited travel on all Kyoto subway and city bus lines, as well as Kyoto Bus (excluding certain routes), Keihan Bus (in Yamashina and Daigo areas), and certain West Japan JR Bus routes. This pass is ideal for visitors planning to explore multiple areas within a single day.
For travelers focusing on subway travel, the Kyoto City Subway One-Day Pass (800 yen for adults, 400 yen for children) offers unlimited subway rides for a full day. This pass includes discounts on admission to various attractions including Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, Nijo Castle, Kyoto Zoo, The Museum of Kyoto, and Kyoto International Manga Museum.
The Subway, Bus Two-Day Pass (2,000 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for children) extends the coverage of the One-Day Pass to two consecutive days, making it an economical choice for longer stays. This pass includes travel to outlying attractions such as Saihō Temple (Kokedera), Ōhara, and Iwakura.
These passes can be purchased at the Kyoto Station Tourist Information Center, subway station ticket windows, Kyoto City Bus Offices, or directly on Kyoto city buses. For visitors staying in Kyoto for an extended period, IC cards like ICOCA offer another convenient option for payment on public transportation (learn more about How to use IC cards in Japan).
Specialized Passes for Popular Tourist Routes
For tourists looking to efficiently visit Kyoto's famous sites, several specialized passes cover popular routes:
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.
Shugakuin, accessible via train or bus in Kyoto
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Kyoto KYOCERA Municipal Art Museum , accessible via train or bus in Kyoto
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Arashiyama Sagano Bamboo Forest, accessible via bus or train in Kyoto
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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.
Kyoto Subway rideable with the Subway, Bus Pass
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Kyoto Bus rideable with the Subway, Bus Pass
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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.
Icoca card
Kansai One Pass card
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.
