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How to get from Kanazawa to Kyoto
Since the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Tsuruga in 2024, the fastest way from Kanazawa to Kyoto is the shinkansen to Tsuruga and a change to the JR West Thunderbird limited express, about 2 h 10 in total. Highway buses take about 4 h to 4 h 30 and are cheaper.
Best option: Train. Shinkansen plus Thunderbird is about half the time of the bus, with a quick, well-signed change at Tsuruga.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tsuruga, then the Thunderbird limited express from Tsuruga to Kyoto | about 2 h 10 including the change | roughly every 30 to 60 minutes | about ¥7,000–8,000 with reserved seats | Covered by the Japan Rail Pass and some JR West regional passes; the Tsuruga transfer is timed to connect. |
| bus Highway buses from Kanazawa Station to Kyoto Station | about 4 h to 4 h 30 | several a day, including some overnight | about ¥4,000–5,000 | Book ahead; seats are reserved. |
| car Hokuriku Expressway and Meishin Expressway (about 230 km) | about 3 h 30 to 4 h | fuel plus expressway tolls of about ¥5,000–6,000 | Parking in central Kyoto is limited and expensive. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Follow the signs at Tsuruga; the shinkansen and Thunderbird platforms are in the same station, and the change takes a few minutes.
- Reserve seats in autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons, when trains fill up.
- Luggage forwarding services (takkyubin) can send big bags ahead so the train change is easier.
- Kyoto Station is the hub for buses and the subway to the main sights.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Kanazawa to Kyoto?
Not any more. Before March 2024 the Thunderbird ran direct from Kanazawa to Kyoto. Since the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Tsuruga, you take the shinkansen to Tsuruga and change to the Thunderbird for Kyoto. The change is timed and in the same station, and the total trip is about 2 h 10, slightly faster than the old direct train.
Does the Japan Rail Pass cover Kanazawa to Kyoto?
Yes. The nationwide Japan Rail Pass covers both the Hokuriku Shinkansen and the Thunderbird limited express, including seat reservations. Some JR West regional passes for the Kansai and Hokuriku area also cover this route. Check the current pass rules before you buy, as prices and conditions change, and reserve seats at a JR ticket office or machine.
What is the cheapest way from Kanazawa to Kyoto?
Highway buses are the cheapest, at about ¥4,000–5,000 one way, though they take about twice as long as the train. Overnight buses save a night's accommodation. If you already hold a Japan Rail Pass or a suitable regional pass, the train costs nothing extra and is faster, making it the better value.
Do I need to reserve seats?
Unreserved cars exist on many trains, but reserving is recommended, especially during Golden Week, the Obon holidays in August, and the cherry blossom and autumn colour seasons, when trains are crowded. Reservations can be made at JR stations, ticket machines or online. Book both legs together so the change at Tsuruga is matched.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.