Kanazawa to Kyoto train

If you’re visiting Kyoto, the train ride from Kanazawa to Kyoto is an exciting adventure that’ll take you through central Japan’s scenic beauty! Convenient connection routes are available from Kanazawa to Kyoto, offering a seamless travel experience that pairs lightning-fast bullet trains with scenic express railways. The train journey from Kanazawa to Kyoto takes about 2 hours on the fast Hokuriku Shinkansen and Limited Express Thunderbird trains, which gives you beautiful views of the Japanese countryside. The distance from Kanazawa to Kyoto by train is approximately 220 kilometers (136 miles). You’ll begin your journey at the beautiful Kanazawa station and get off directly at the modern Kyoto station.

Once you arrive at the modern Kyoto station, you’re just minutes away from exploring Kyoto in the historic Gion district, and the panoramic Kiyomizu-dera temple. You can also visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and walk through the charming Fushimi Inari shrine landmark to be part of your enjoyable journey.

So pack your bags, book your Kanazawa to Kyoto train tickets today, and enjoy the convenience of purchasing an e-ticket online, which you can use for boarding. Enjoy the ride to one of Japan’s most captivating cities!

Kanazawa Station

One of Japan’s most architecturally distinctive stations, famous for its Tsuzumimon drum gate and glass canopy. The Hokuriku Shinkansen platforms are inside the main building of JR Kanazawa Station. Kanazawa Station is within easy bus or taxi distance of the Higashi Chaya geisha district, Kenroku-en with its autumn foliage, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, with Kanazawa Castle and other highlights across Kanazawa City also close by. From the station, visitors can also easily reach a preserved samurai house area, a historic tea house district, and spots known for modern art and traditional crafts.

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station is the arrival point for the Thunderbird limited express from Tsuruga. As a practical gateway for first time visitors, it makes getting oriented and starting your time in Kyoto straightforward. From here you have direct access to Kyoto’s subway network, Kintetsu line, comprehensive bus system serving all major temples and sights, and onward connections across Kyoto City including the Keihan Line for reaching traditional districtsKyoto takes more than a quick stop for many travelers, especially those interested in geisha culture, a tea ceremony, and major museums such as the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art or a national museum.

Board the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Kanazawa Station toward Tsuruga. This is the main train from Kanazawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line before connecting onward to Kyoto. Services include the Kagayaki and Tsuruga-bound Shinkansen; trains operate with frequent departures, and the fastest train options keep this leg to approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Note that Kagayaki is a reserved-seat-only service — all seats must be reserved in advance, whether you choose an ordinary car or green car, which is included free if you hold a JR Pass.

At Tsuruga Station, transfer to JR West’s Thunderbird limited express train. This leg takes approximately 50 to 55 minutes to Kyoto Station. Typical transfer time at Tsuruga is around 8 to 12 minutes, so it can slightly affect your total journey planning. The Thunderbird is a comfortable limited express with reserved seating and non-reserved cars, and a non reserved seat may be available depending on your departure, though reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and public holidays.

The JR Pass covers both the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tsuruga and the Thunderbird from Tsuruga to Kyoto. Both services are JR-operated with no coverage gaps. Kagayaki seat reservations are required and are included with the JR Pass at no additional charge. Make your reservation at a JR Ticket Office or station ticket counter, ideally before busy travel periods. This is often the easiest option for pass holders who want to secure reservations before busy departures.

A dedicated discount ticket for one-way travel between Kansai cities (including Kyoto) and Kanazawa via the Tsuruga transfer. Available at major JR stations, with prices starting below the cost of separate tickets and an average price that is typically lower than buying each segment on its own — a good option if you are not using the JR Pass.

Book the Shinkansen and Thunderbird legs separately on Klook for confirmed English-language booking, or use a booking website to reserve online and compare ticket prices before purchase; some travelers also compare the train with a highway bus for budget planning.