Fukui shows cultural similarities to the ancient city of Kyoto due to its relative proximity. In fact, the two cities are close enough that you can make a daytrip to Fukui from Kyoto. In this article, we’ll go over your travel options from Kyoto to Fukui.

Traveling by Public Transportation: Train or Bus from Kyoto to Fukui

If you want to travel by public transportation from Kyoto to Fukui, you have 2 choices: train or high-speed bus. There are two train routes – a limited express train that runs directly to Fukui and shinkansen that will require a transfer. In general, trains are faster, but more expensive than buses. Knowing this, you can plan out an itinerary that best fits your schedule.

Travel by Train

Travel directly from Kyoto to Fukui on the Thunderbird Limited Express Train (Towards Kanazawa)

Approximate travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Approximate cost: 5,000 yen

Cost breakdown

Basic fare ticket: 2,590 yen

Limited express seat ticket: 2,550 yen (fares fluctuate for peak/non-peak and non-reserved/reserved)

Depart from JR Kyoto Station and arrive at JR Fukui Station

Experience the shinkansen with a transfer at JR Maibara Station

Approximate travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Approximate cost: 4,500 yen

Which breaks down into:

Basic fare ticket 2,590 yen & limited express ticket (breakdown provided below)

Route

• Kodama Shinkansen: Ride towards Nagoya, departing from JR Kyoto Station and arriving at JR Maibara Station

Limited express seat ticket costs 980 yen (fares fluctuate for peak/non-peak and non-reserved/reserved)

• Shirasagi Limited Express: Ride towards Kanazawa, departing from JR Maibara Station to JR Fukui Station

Limited express seat ticket costs 950 yen (fares fluctuate for peak/non-peak and non-reserved/reserved)

Travel by Bus

There are several bus companies operating buses between Kyoto Station and Fukui Station.

For example, in the case of JR West Japan Bus:

Hokurikudo Hiru Tokkyu Osaka #1

Ride from Kyoto Station to Fukui Station East Exit.

Approximate travel time: 3 hours and 15 minutes

Approximate cost: 2,900 yen (fares fluctuate with online discounts)

Note that buses only run during the day from Kyoto to Fukui; there are no night buses.