Getting Around Kyoto: Transport Apps & Your First 48 Hours

Kyoto's temples spread across the whole city, and no single rail line connects them — so getting around is a mix of buses, two subway lines, and strategic walking. One IC card and one routing app make it painless. Here's what actually works.

The best default: buses for the temples, subway for speed

The Karasuma and Tozai subway lines cross the centre and are the fastest way to cover distance. City buses fill in everywhere the subway doesn't reach — which includes most of the famous temples. Tap on with an IC card and check the stop letter in Google Maps; Kyoto's major bus stops have lettered islands.

One tap-anywhere ICOCA card

A rechargeable ICOCA card (about ¥2,000 with ¥500 deposit, or added to Apple Wallet) covers buses, both subway lines, and the JR and private railways. Any Suica or Pasmo from Tokyo works too. Central buses are a flat ~¥230 — tap as you exit.

Getting in from the airport

The JR Haruka express runs direct from Kansai International (KIX) to Kyoto Station in about 75–80 minutes. It's the no-transfer option and drops you at the city's main hub, where both subway lines, the buses, and most hotels' shuttle points connect.

Skip the transfers with luggage

Flying into Itami (ITM)? The airport limousine bus to Kyoto Station takes about 55 minutes. From Tokyo, the Shinkansen to Kyoto Station beats flying once you count airport time.

Day passes worth knowing

Subway + bus one-day pass (~¥1,100) — pays off from about the fourth ride on a packed temple day.
ICOCA taps — better on a relaxed day of two or three rides.

Apps you can reuse

Google Maps — nails Kyoto's bus network, down to which lettered stop to stand at
Uber — calls licensed metered taxis; practical for groups doing awkward cross-town temple hops

Arrived launches soon. Get the right transport setup the moment you land.

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Your first 48 hours

From KIX, take the JR Haruka direct to Kyoto Station.
Buy an ICOCA card (or reuse your Suica/Pasmo) and tap onto buses and the subway.
On your big temple day, switch to the subway + bus one-day pass (~¥1,100).
Go to the famous temples early — the buses and the crowds both peak by late morning.

Do those four things and Kyoto's transport is sorted from the moment you land. Knowing when the day pass pays off and which temples justify a shared taxi is exactly what Arrived works out for you.

Frequently asked questions

Which transport app is best in Kyoto?

Google Maps is the one you need — it handles Kyoto's buses, the two subway lines, and the private railways accurately, including which bus stop letter to stand at. Uber works for calling licensed taxis.

How do I get from Kansai Airport (KIX) to Kyoto?

The JR Haruka express runs direct to Kyoto Station in about 75–80 minutes. With an ICOCA card or a tourist ticket it's the simplest option by far — no transfers with luggage.

Do I need an IC card in Kyoto?

Yes — a rechargeable ICOCA card (or any Suica/Pasmo) works on the buses, both subway lines, and the JR and private railways. Tap in and out and skip the small-change scramble on buses.

How much is the bus in Kyoto?

City buses charge a flat fare of about ¥230 in the central zone — tap your IC card as you exit. If you'll ride three or more times in a day, the subway + bus one-day pass (about ¥1,100) pays for itself.

Is the Kyoto bus day pass worth it?

The bus-only day pass was discontinued; the current one-day pass covers subway and buses for about ¥1,100. On a packed temple day (Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Arashiyama) it usually pays off from the fourth ride.

Does Uber work in Kyoto?

Yes — Uber dispatches licensed taxis at metered rates. Taxis in Kyoto are plentiful, honest, and surprisingly practical for a group of three or four splitting the fare to a temple the buses reach slowly.

Are Kyoto buses crowded?

The tourist-corridor routes (especially to Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji) get very crowded midday. Go early, use the subway + a short walk where you can, and consider a taxi for awkward cross-town temple hops.