How to travel between Kobe and Tokyo
By shinkansen
Tokyo and Kobe are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi trains require about 160 minutes to reach Shin-Kobe Station from Tokyo, while direct Hikari trains require roughly 195 minutes.
The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Shin-Kobe is 13,760 yen by non-reserved seat on any train, around 14,300 yen by reserved seat on Hikari trains and around 14,700 yen by reserved seat on a Nozomi train. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari trains, but not on Nozomi trains.
With the "Hikari Hayatoku Kippu", you can travel from Tokyo to Kobe by reserved seat on a Hikari train for only 12,500 yen. You have to purchase the "Hikari Hayatoku Kippu" at least one week in advance of the departure date.
By local trains
By local trains, the one way trip from Tokyo to Kobe takes about ten hours and typically involves about four transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 9030 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you can do the trip for as little as 2300 yen.
By air
Multiple flights are operated each day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Kobe Airport by ANA and Skymark Airlines.
The regular one way fare by ANA is about 21,000 yen, while discount tickets are typically available from around 10,000 yen. The regular one way fare by Skymark Airlines is around 12,000 yen, while discount fares are usually available for below 10,000 yen.
By bus
The one way trip from Tokyo to Kobe by highway bus takes about 8-9 hours. Most buses between the two cities are night buses. The competition between bus companies on the Tokyo - Osaka - Kobe route is fierce and has produced various discount offers.
Fares by discount bus operators, such as Willer Express, start from below 5000 yen. And if used effectively, the Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost for the bus trip to around 3000 yen! Buses on this price level are usually standard buses, which offer little comfort. The one way trip by more comfortable buses costs around 8500 yen.
