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San Francisco, CA, USA to Kyoto from $305: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Francisco, United States of America
to
Kyoto, Japan

How to Get from San Francisco to Kyoto: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$305 - BART, FlyBest price
8652 kmDistance
15h 45m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Kyoto with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
17h  17m
Estimated price
$335-719
Recommended
Company
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
20h  40m
Estimated price
$305-621
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 8652 km
Duration: 15h 45m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
17h  28m
Estimated price
$401-811
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
16h  44m
Estimated price
$492-3350
Company
various
Plane
Taxi
Average Duration
17h  54m
Estimated price
$548-980
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
18h  13m
Estimated price
$3351-3352
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
17h  33m
Estimated price
$3353-3354
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
15h  45m
Estimated price
$3355-3356
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Traveling From San Francisco to Kyoto

Embarking on a journey from San Francisco to Kyoto offers a striking contrast between the dynamic, tech-driven atmosphere of the Bay Area and the serene, historic charm of Japan's cultural capital.

Best Neighborhoods in Kyoto

Kyoto's neighborhoods blend rich history with modern charm, offering diverse experiences.

Gion
• Famous for traditional geisha culture.
• Scenic streets lined with wooden machiya houses.
Arashiyama
• Home to the iconic bamboo grove.
• Stunning views of the Katsura River.
Higashiyama
• Includes historic temples and shrines.
• Vibrant local shops and artisan experiences.

Best Times To Visit Kyoto's Attractions

Timing your visit to Kyoto's iconic sites can significantly enhance your experience.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Visit early in the morning for fewer tourists and serene reflections.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Explore during weekdays to enjoy the tranquility of the famous torii gates.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Go in the late afternoon for soft lighting and fewer crowds.

Kyoto Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Kyoto experiences a humid subtropical climate, featuring hot summers and cool winters, with spring and fall offering mild temperatures and stunning views. The best times to visit typically fall in spring, during cherry blossom season, and fall, when colorful foliage enhances the city’s beauty, each season impacting your explorations and outdoor activities.

Dining Recommendation in Kyoto

Try kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and artful presentation, at restaurants like Kikunoi. Unlike the diverse culinary scene in San Francisco, kaiseki offers a meticulously curated experience where each dish tells a story, immersing you in Japan’s rich food culture.

San Francisco - Kyoto operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Kyoto, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train
Contact phone
050-2016-1603
Website
https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/

Train from Nagoya Station to Kyōto

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
$5486-5487

Train from Shin-Yokohama to Kyōto

Average Duration
1h 59m
Estimated price
$9801-9802

Train from Shinagawa to Kyōto

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$9801-71940
Subway
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
http://www.bart.gov

Subway from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
$9805-9806
Plane
Website
ana.co.jp

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Osaka Itami (ITM)

Average Duration
16h 14m
Estimated price
$3357-0
Website
jal.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Osaka Itami (ITM)

Average Duration
14h 10m
Estimated price
$6213-7198
Website
united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo Haneda (HND)

Average Duration
11h 22m
Estimated price
$3055-3056
Website
aa.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo Narita (NRT)

Average Duration
11h 10m
Estimated price
$3057-3056
Website
aircanada.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Osaka Itami (ITM)

Average Duration
13h 45m
Estimated price
$6213-7198
Taxi
Contact phone
+81 78-451-0808
Website
kobesogo.co.jp

Taxi from Kobe to Kyoto station

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$98070-9809

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Kyoto.

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The distance between San Francisco and Kyoto is 5376 miles. The typical travel time by taking a flight to Osaka Kansai and then a train to Kyoto is approximately 16 hours and 13 minutes. Alternatively, the total travel time by plane from San Francisco to Kyoto is around 17 hours and 7 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to Kyoto is to fly and take a train. This option typically costs between $440 and $1100 and takes approximately 16 hours and 13 minutes. Another cost-effective option is to fly and take a train, which costs between $450 and $1100, but takes slightly longer at 19 hours and 34 minutes. Both options provide a convenient and relatively quick way to travel between the two cities.
The flight duration between San Francisco and Kyoto typically takes around 13 hours and 30 minutes with one stopover. The prices for a flight between the two cities can range from $565 to $1519. It's important to note that there is no direct flight available from San Francisco Airport to Osaka Itami Airport.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Kyoto with over 1151 hotels available to choose from. Prices for these hotels start at $21 per night, offering a range of options to suit different budgets. Whether you're looking for luxury accommodations or more budget-friendly options, you'll be able to find a suitable place to stay near Kyoto.

Trips from San Francisco