Here is everything you need to know about special Kyoto bus, train and subways passes. You can save a lot of money with these Kyoto transport passes.
Kyoto Travel Pass: oatautta / Shutterstock.com
Important Note: There are very few JR lines in Kyoto, so the JR Rail Pass is of limited utility here. If you plan to do a lot of travelling by JR trains after you leave Kyoto, it might make sense not to activate your card until the morning you leave Kyoto (you can activate the card at the main JR ticket office in Kyoto Station).
Where can you buy Kyoto bus, subway and train passes: The best place to buy the passes listed on this page is at the main Kyoto Bus Information Center in front of Kyoto Station.
Here’s a rundown of the main special ticket passes in Kyoto:
Kyoto Bus Only Passes
City Bus All-day Pass
- Adult: Y500 / Child: Y250
- Can be used within the allocated zone of the city (Arashiyama, Sagano, Takao, Shugakuin etc. are outside of the allocated zone)
- Unlimited use on the same day.
- When traveling outside of the allocated zone, it is necessary to pay the extra amount.
Kyoto Bus and Subway Passes
Kyoto Sightseeing One – and Two-day Pass Card
- All-day Pass Adult ¥1,200 / Child ¥600
- Two-day Pass Adult ¥2,000 / Child ¥1,000
- Can be used for the city buses and subways.
- Unlimited use for one or two days.
Surutto Kansai Miyako Card
- ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000 or ¥5,000
- Can be used on city buses and subway lines, the Hankyu Line, the Keihan Line as well as other participating private companies.
- Can be used for the value on the card. Each trip is deducted from the value of the card as it is used.
Traffica Kyoto Card
- ¥1,000 or ¥3,000
- Valid on the city subways and buses.
- Can be used for the value on the card. Each trip is deducted from the value of the card as it is used.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid Icoca card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
