Bus
Travelling from Kyoto to Shinagawa overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is
the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.
Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.
They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.
Companies operating bus routes between Kyoto and Shinagawa
AT Liner, ATLINER Syoei Kotsu Co (株式会社ATLINER、株式会社昌栄交通), Daishinto Bus, Graceliner, Heisei Community Bus HC, Heisei Enterprise HE0 (株式会社平成エンタープライズ), Kintetsu Bus ZKN12, Koei Kotsu BL5, Sakura Kotsu (株式会社桜交通), Sakura Syoei (株式会社桜交通、昌栄バス), Shinki Bus LM (神姫観光株式会社), Sunshine Express SN6, Tokyo Fuji Kotsu NT3 (東京富士交通株式会社), Tourist Bus, Tourist Bus, Tourist Bus Kitagunma
Train
Train is a often a great choice for long-haul travel especially if you opt for a night sleeper train with berths which will allow you to
sleep all your journey through. To make the most of your train journey, choose the class of your ticket wisely.
Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.
