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How to get from Hakone to Tokyo
The Odakyu Romancecar runs directly from Hakone-Yumoto to Shinjuku in about 1 h 25. The quickest way to Tokyo Station is a short ride to Odawara and the Tokaido Shinkansen, about 1 h in total; regular Odakyu trains are cheapest at about 2 h.
Best option: Train. The Romancecar is direct, has reserved seats and arrives in central Shinjuku without changes.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Odakyu Romancecar limited express from Hakone-Yumoto to Shinjuku | about 1 h 25 | roughly every 30–60 minutes | about ¥2,500–2,700 | Reserved seats; the limited express surcharge applies even with a Hakone Freepass. |
| train Hakone Tozan line or Odakyu to Odawara, then JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Shinagawa or Tokyo | about 1 h–1 h 15 in total | Shinkansen roughly every 30 minutes from Odawara | about ¥3,500–4,000 | Covered by the Japan Rail Pass on the JR section. |
| train Regular Odakyu trains from Hakone-Yumoto via Odawara to Shinjuku | about 2 h | frequent | about ¥1,200–1,400 | Cheapest rail option, usually one change at Odawara. |
| bus Highway buses from Hakone (e.g. Lake Ashi area) to Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal | about 2 h–2 h 30, longer in traffic | several a day | about ¥2,000–2,500 | Handy from Lake Ashi hotels; affected by weekend traffic. |
| car Odawara-Atsugi Road and Tomei Expressway | about 1 h 30–2 h (about 90 km) | fuel plus about ¥2,000–3,000 in tolls | Heavy traffic on weekend afternoons back into Tokyo. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Use luggage forwarding (takkyubin) to send big bags between hotels.
- Book the Romancecar a day or two ahead on weekends and holidays.
- If you hold a Japan Rail Pass, go via Odawara and the Shinkansen.
- The Hakone Freepass covers the Odakyu fare from Shinjuku plus local transport in Hakone.
Common questions
What is the fastest way from Hakone to Tokyo?
To Tokyo Station or Shinagawa, take the train down to Odawara (about 15 minutes) and the Tokaido Shinkansen from there, roughly an hour in total. To Shinjuku, the direct Odakyu Romancecar from Hakone-Yumoto, about 85 minutes, is the easiest since it needs no change. Your hotel's location in Tokyo should decide which you take.
Can I use the Japan Rail Pass?
Only on the JR section. The Shinkansen from Odawara to Tokyo is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but the Hakone Tozan line and Odakyu trains are private and not covered. Pass holders usually take a short Hakone Tozan or Odakyu train to Odawara, then the Shinkansen.
What is the cheapest way?
Regular Odakyu trains from Hakone-Yumoto to Shinjuku, with a change at Odawara, cost about ¥1,200–1,400 and take around two hours. If you already have a Hakone Freepass bought in Shinjuku, the return fare is included and you only pay extra for the Romancecar seat. Highway buses are also inexpensive but slower in traffic.
Can I visit Hakone as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes. Leave early, take the Romancecar or Shinkansen, and you can do much of the Hakone loop — the Tozan railway, cable car, ropeway over Owakudani and a boat on Lake Ashi — in a day. It is a long day, so many travellers prefer one night at a hot-spring inn.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.