Traveling Around Kyoto by Bus

So, you’ve finally arrived in Kyoto — great! But now you’re wondering about the best way to get around the often-crowded city. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling around Kyoto by bus, along with some alternative options.

Thinking of taking the highway bus from Tokyo to Kyoto? Find out everything you need to know in our Tokyo to Kyoto travel guide.

Local buses around Kyoto

Kyoto has many fixed bus routes which can take you across the city. It can sometimes get confusing knowing exactly which bus to take. However, if you are starting from Kyoto Station and wanting to go to a popular tourist spot, it is normally pretty obvious which bus stop you will need. For instance, there is always a long line for the 206 City Bus to Kiyomizu-dera.

The main buses you will need to know about include:

• Kyoto City Bus (green): Mainly operates in the suburbs of Kyoto City, taking you to the main tourist spots.
• Kyoto Bus (red & beige): Can use to access Ohara and Kibune in Rakuhoku, and the Arashiyama and Sagano areas.
• Keihan Bus (red with white stripes): Operates in the Yamashina district in the eastern part of Kyoto City.
• West Japan JR Bus (white with blue lines): Used to travel to the Takao (Sanbi) and Keihoku (Shuzan) areas
• Night Bus (Yoru Bus): Connects Kawaramachi Gion to Kyoto Station (the last bus leaves at 10:50 p.m.).

It is likely that you will be using the Kyoto City Buses the most, as these are the ones that go to the popular tourist destinations. Make sure to carefully check which direction your bus is going in. If you are within the flat-rate charge area, the fare is ¥230. However, we recommend getting a Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass, as this can be used on the Subway Line, City Bus Line, as well as the majority of Kyoto Buses, Keihan Buses, and West Japan JR Buses. It costs ¥1,110 for adults and ¥550 for children — which is a super deal.

Taking the bus in Kyoto can be tiresome, as the buses are often crowded. Sometimes, you cannot even board the bus due to how packed it is. That’s why we recommend planning ahead and limiting your bus use as much as possible — replacing, or at least combining it, with the metro.

If you want to avoid taking public transport in Kyoto, consider finding a hotel near to the sightseeing spots you want to stop by. For inspiration, check out our dedicated Kyoto accommodation guide.

Pro tip: Although the buses are often crowded, the busiest times are between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. They also tend to get busy during spring and fall season (due to the increase in visitors).

Sightseeing buses in Kyoto

If the idea of getting on a crowded public bus isn’t for you, another option is to go on a sightseeing bus.

Kyoto Skyhop Bus

The most famous of these is the Skyhop Bus. This open-air bus stops off at all the major attractions, and gives you the option to get on and off whenever you please.

A one-day ticket is rather pricey, costing ¥4,000 for adults and ¥2,000 for children. However, it is a much more relaxing and scenic way to experience the city. Plus, you get the added benefit of learning about Kyoto’s history through the recorded commentary.

Kyoto Sightseeing Limited Express Bus

With the Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass, you can ride on the City Bus Sightseeing Limited Express Bus. This bus takes you to the most famous tourist spots, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion and Ginkakuji Temple. Although not as scenic as the Skybus, its more practical and straightforward than the regular local buses.

Bus alternatives

Although the city buses are reliable and well connected, they are not always the most efficient. As mentioned, they often get super crowded, and traffic can get bad. That’s why it’s best to use a mix of transport methods when in Kyoto.

Kyoto has an efficient metro system. Similar to the buses, you can take the metro to get to many of the city’s main attractions (often more quickly). You can also rent bikes easily, a great option for the warmer months. See The Complete Guide to Getting Around Kyoto for more.

Kyoto bus FAQs

Can I use Suica on Kyoto bus?

Yes, any of Japan’s IC cards — including Suica and Pasmo — can be used on Kyoto buses. You can also use a Welcome Suica.

How do I buy a Kyoto bus ticket?

If you are using a local bus, you can grab a ticket when boarding. Usually, you’ll enter from the rear doors, grab a tiny paper ticket from the machine on the right, and pay with exact change when you disembark — which is at the front. You can change a note first, if needs be. Of course, you can also touch in and out with your IC card.

For those interested in getting a Kyoto Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass, you can purchase them at any subway station, the Kyoto City Bus & Subway Information Center, and the Commuter Pass Sales Booth. Read more about discount travel passes for Kyoto.

Can you take a suitcase on a Kyoto bus?

When using the local buses, drivers may not allow passengers with large luggage to board. In case you have large luggage, it’s best to leave it in a coin locker. If that’s not an option, consider taking the metro, or opting for a taxi instead.

What is the best way to get around Kyoto?

Although the bus system in Kyoto is convenient, we recommend using a combination of walking, buses, and the metro to get around. This is because buses can often get crowded. In fact, we would advise minimizing the use of local buses as much as possible, except in outlying areas that aren’t so crowded.

Also read: The Complete Guide to Getting Around Kyoto

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.