Bus
Travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is
the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.
Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.
They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.
Companies operating bus routes between Tokyo and Kyoto
Grace Liner GR2 (グレース観光株式会社), Heisei Community Bus HC, Heisei Enterprise HE0 (株式会社平成エンタープライズ), Kintetsu Bus ZKN12, Sakura Kanko Bus CJ (さくら観光バス株式会社), Sakura Kotsu (株式会社桜交通), Sakura Kotsu SK4 (株式会社桜交通 SK4), Sakura Syoei (株式会社桜交通、昌栄バス), Shinki Bus HT2 (神姫観光バス HT2), Sugisaki Kanko Bus SS2, Tokyo Fuji Kotsu NT3 (東京富士交通株式会社), Tourist Bus TRB, Willer Express WL12
Train
Train is a often a great choice for long-haul travel especially if you opt for a night sleeper train with berths which will allow you to
sleep all your journey through. To make the most of your train journey, choose the class of your ticket wisely.
Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.
