Contents
Leaving the preserved samurai districts and the Kenrokuen Garden of Kanazawa for the temples of Kyoto links two of Japan's great cultural anchors. Kanazawa gives an intimate look at Edo-period aesthetics, and Kyoto shows the grand scale of imperial history. The journey takes you from the Sea of Japan coast toward the heart of the Kansai region.
This route is a favourite with travellers on the New Golden Route between the Hokuriku region and the old capital. You can compare your options and book on GoAsia.cc.
Kanazawa to Kyoto by Train
Since the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended from Kanazawa to Tsuruga in 2024,[1] the trip is a Shinkansen ride from Kanazawa to Tsuruga plus a change to the Limited Express Thunderbird to Kyoto. The Shinkansen takes about 1 hour and the Thunderbird about 45 minutes,[2] and you change trains at Tsuruga Station through a transfer gate.[3] Allow about 2.5 hours in total.
Foreign visitors can buy the HOKURIKU One-way Ticket from Kyoto to Kanazawa for 6,500 yen. It is valid on the Thunderbird and the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and seat reservations need a separate express ticket.[4]
Kanazawa to Kyoto by Bus
The express bus from Kanazawa Station to Kyoto Station takes about 4.5 hours.[2] Buses leave from the Kanazawa Station West Gate terminal, which is easy to find. It is a direct ride with no change of train.
Kanazawa to Kyoto by Private Transfer
For a large family or a small group with a lot of luggage, a private transfer from the Ishikawa region to Kyoto offers door-to-door convenience and pick-up from your hotel or ryokan. On booking platforms, a standard car for 3 or a minivan for 4 to 7 passengers costs about $1,138 to $1,211 (October 2026), and the drive takes from about 3.5 hours.[5]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration |
|---|---|
| Train (Shinkansen and Thunderbird) | About 1h 45min plus the change at Tsuruga[2] |
| Bus | About 4h 30min[2] |
| Private Transfer | From about 3h 30min[5] |
Tips for Traveling from Kanazawa to Kyoto
- Book in Advance: The most popular departures fill up during cherry blossom season in April and the autumn colours in November.
- Luggage Strategy: With oversized suitcases, a luggage forwarding service (takkyubin) can send your bags from your Kanazawa hotel to your Kyoto hotel, so you travel hands-free.
- Bento on Board: Kanazawa Station sells ekiben (station lunch boxes) with local seafood and Ishikawa specialities.
- Change at Tsuruga: Leave a few minutes for the change between the Shinkansen and the Thunderbird at Tsuruga Station.[3]
Timetable
| Bus Kanazawa - Kyoto $ 23.71–25.37 4h 20m – 4h 56m | |
|
|
| Train Kanazawa - Kyoto $ 38.99 2h 24m | |
|
| Taxi Ishikawa - Kyoto $ 1,132.20–1,205.08 3h 34m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kanazawa to Kyoto, including current prices and schedules.
Yes. The express bus runs from Kanazawa Station to Kyoto Station in about 4.5 hours. Check the current fare with the operator, as it varies by date.
The train: a Shinkansen to Tsuruga (about 1 hour) and the Thunderbird to Kyoto (about 45 minutes).
The two train rides add up to about 1 hour 45 minutes, plus the change at Tsuruga. The bus takes about 4.5 hours and a private transfer from about 3.5 hours.
Yes. You change between the Hokuriku Shinkansen and the Limited Express Thunderbird at Tsuruga Station.
Foreign visitors can buy the HOKURIKU One-way Ticket for 6,500 yen. Seat reservations need a separate express ticket.
Express buses have a luggage compartment under the floor. For bulky items or several bags, a luggage forwarding service or a private transfer may be easier.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] East Japan Railway Company (JR East): Hokuriku Shinkansen (E7 Series) Route Maps. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [2] Kanazawa City Tourism Association: Getting to Kanazawa. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [3] West Japan Railway Company: Transfers at Tsuruga Station. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] West Japan Railway Company (JR West): HOKURIKU One-way Ticket Information. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [5] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Kanazawa to Kyoto. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.