How long does the train journey from Kyoto to Nagano take?

The train journey from Kyoto to Nagano takes approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours. It involves one transfer in Nagoya. You will take a Shinkansen to Nagoya (approximately 35 minutes on the Nozomi), then the Limited Express Shinano to Nagano (approximately 3 hours).

Is the Kyoto - Nagano trip included in the Japan Rail Pass?

Yes, entirely. Take a Hikari Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo, then the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano: the connection is made in Tokyo, as the Tokaido Shinkansen does not serve Omiya. Allow approximately 4 hours.

Where do you need to change trains to go from Kyoto to Nagano?

To go from Kyoto to Nagano, you need to change trains in Tokyo. You will take a Tokaido Shinkansen, such as the Nozomi, from Kyoto to Tokyo. In Tokyo, you will transfer to a Hokuriku Shinkansen, such as the Kagayaki, which will take you directly to Nagano.

Which is the fastest route between Kyoto and Nagano: via Tsuruga or via Tokyo?

The route via Tsuruga is the faster one between Kyoto and Nagano, at around 3 hours 30 to 3 hours 45 in total. Take the Limited Express Thunderbird from Kyoto to Tsuruga, then connect with the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano. This is quicker than going via Tokyo.

Ticket - Train - Kyoto - Nagano

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Itinerary Kyoto › Nagano

Lowest price

Fastest option

4h26

First/last departure

06:14 / 19:45

Distance

398.90 km

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This journey involves a Shinkansen change, most often in Tokyo. From the Japanese Alps visible at the start of your journey from Nagano to the Mount Fuji region: on the second part of the trip, the mountain becomes visible on the right side, a few minutes after Shizuoka, announcing the approach to the ancient capital.