Tokyo to Kyoto?

[noyhauser]

So for personal reasons my SO and I need to make a trip from Narita to Kyoto on monday (couldn't get a flight to Kansai). I used Hyperpedia and it says the cost is over 16,000 yen each way with Nozomi... is that right or are there ways around that?

I'll be there for over two weeks, so I don't think the JR rail is an option.... or is it?

I'm sorry to ask what are probably basic questions in such a rushed fashion, but I'm in a hurry to put this trip together and I'm a bit confused by the surcharges ect.

Thank you for any help you might be able to offer.

 

[ewww]

I am not sure about prices, but if You suppose to travel with a train, You probably could get Japan Rail Pass.
It costs about $350 USD, and it allow to use any train in any direction for seven days at no cost.
You should purchase it before entering Japan.

> Japan Rail Pass <

 

[noyhauser]

I don't think its worth it... I will travel and stay there for over 16 days so its really two separate one day trips of 32000 yen total.

 

[JasonS]

I went with the two week Japan Rail Pass when I went to Japan a few years ago, and my trip was 16 days. I bought train tickets for the first and last days of my trip, but those were also the days that I spent the least time on the trains. It worked out well for me, but others may be able to offer a better plan for you.
I checked Hyperdia, and get the same 16,000 yen price for Narita to Kyoto. Sorry that I can't offer any alternatives there.

Edit: Just saw your second post. If the Narita to Kyoto and back again trips are going to be outside the 14 day period, then the rail pass may not make sense. Guess it might depend on if you're doing any traveling in between? Good luck.

 

[Glenski]

I just ran Hyperdia using Tokyo and Kyoto generic location starting and ending points, using Monday May 7 as the departure date. You can't get there directly from Narita by train; you have to go into Tokyo first, and that will cost you about 750 yen on the local train.

Total shinkansen cost one-way is 7,980 yen on a non-reserved seat on the Nozomi. Add about 4,700 yen more for a seat fee (non-reserved) or 5,500 for reserved.

Did you read for a green car fare, which is much higher?

As to whether a JR Rail Pass is better than paying local fees, that depends on what else you will do after day 1. What is your itinerary for the following 1 and 2 weeks?

 

[noyhauser]

I got the 7980 fare as well, and the seat fee is 4700 too (which I assume is mandatory?).

From Narita to Tokyo which train is 750 yen? the N'ex is like 3000 or so. (I'm starting from Narita 1)

I might do a side trip to Wakayama (though I will get a ride back.) so I don't think the total cost is worth it.

 

[Mike Cash]

There was a time I would have suggested a night bus, but not anymore.

 

[nice gaijin]

night bus is still my go-to for budget travel when time isn't too tight, but it must be a 3-seater, the 4-seater bus isn't worth it. If you can't sleep on the night bus, you'll waste the next day making up for it.

Mike, what's changed your opinion of the night bus?

 

[Mike Cash]

Information about the bus industry which had come to light following the recent accident here.