Fastest way from Kobe to Yokohama: Flight, about 1h 20min (from €31). Cheapest: Bus, from €20 (about 8h 10min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 13, 2026): Tokaido Shinkansen, Skymark Airlines, All Nippon Airways; main departure point: Shin Kobe.
There are 3 ways to get from Kobe to Yokohama
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on October 13, 2026 for a departure on November 3, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokaido Shinkansen | Train | Shin Kobe | €93 | 145 |
| Tourist Bus | Bus | Sannomiya | €20 | 1 |
| AT Liner | Bus | Sannomiya | €24 | 2 |
| Heisei Enterprise HE0 | Bus | Sannomiya Kobe Maiko | €36 | 1 |
| All Nippon Airways | Flight | Kansai International Airport | €76 | 11 |
| Skymark Airlines | Flight | Kobe Airport | €78 | 12 |
| Star Flyer | Flight | Kansai International Airport | €87 | 6 |
| Japan Airlines | Flight | Kansai International Airport | €89 | 6 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
For Kobe to Yokohama, calculate if your Japan Rail Pass covers this Shinkansen route. If it's a short leg within a longer trip, a point-to-point ticket might be cheaper than activating a JR Pass day, especially if you're taking a budget-friendly night bus.
Considering an overnight bus not only saves on the transport fare but also on a night's accommodation. At from €20 compared to from €93 for the Shinkansen, it's a significant saving, especially if you're a budget-conscious traveler.
Be precise when booking! For Shinkansen, you'll likely depart from Shin-Kobe Station and arrive at Shin-Yokohama Station. Don't confuse these with the central Kobe or Yokohama stations, which are for local lines.
While Shinkansen tickets are usually available, booking highway buses in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Seats are limited, and popular routes sell out quickly.
Shinkansen offers ample overhead storage, but larger luggage might require a reserved seat with oversized baggage space. Highway buses have stricter limits, so check with your operator beforehand if you have big bags.
The journey experience
Navigating Japan's superb but sometimes overwhelming transport network between Kobe and Yokohama can feel like a puzzle. You want to know if it's a sleek Shinkansen, a budget-friendly overnight bus, or something else entirely, with real door-to-door times and honest prices. Forget theoretical fastest trains; let's get you precise comparisons so you can make an informed choice that fits your itinerary and budget.
For your trip from Kobe to Yokohama, you primarily have three direct options: the Shinkansen, a highway bus, or a flight. The Shinkansen offers a speedy journey, typically around 2h20–2h25, from €93. This is a fast route, taking you from Shin-Kobe directly towards Shin-Yokohama. Alternatively, several highway bus operators provide overnight services. These are significantly cheaper, from €20, but the journey extends to about 8h–9h. While longer, a night bus can save you a night's accommodation and is a smart choice if you're watching your budget closely. Flights offer another option, taking about 1h20–1h25, from €31.
The choice between Shinkansen, bus, and flight boils down to your priorities. If speed and comfort are paramount, the Shinkansen is unbeatable, especially if you have a valid Japan Rail Pass that covers the route. However, if you're keen to save money and don't mind an overnight journey, the highway bus is a fantastic alternative. Flights offer a good balance of speed and cost. Always factor in total travel time, including transfers, and check if your JR Pass is economical for this specific leg, or if a point-to-point bus or flight ticket gives you better value. Booking online with instant confirmation will save you hassle.
Frequently asked questions — Kobe → Yokohama
The 'best' way depends on your priorities. For speed and comfort, the Shinkansen is unmatched, taking about 2 hours. If budget is your main concern and you don't mind a longer journey, an overnight highway bus is an excellent option, taking around 6 hours and saving you on accommodation costs.
A Shinkansen ticket typically costs from €93. For a highway bus, you can expect to pay significantly less, with fares starting from about €20. These prices can vary based on booking time, operator, and seat class.
By Shinkansen, the journey from Shin-Kobe to Shin-Yokohama takes approximately 2 hours. If you opt for a highway bus, the travel time is considerably longer, typically around 6 hours, as it covers the same distance at a slower pace.
Whether the JR Pass is worth it depends on your overall itinerary. For a single trip from Kobe to Yokohama, a point-to-point Shinkansen ticket or an overnight bus might be more cost-effective. The JR Pass usually pays off if you're doing multiple long-distance Shinkansen journeys within its validity period.
Why visit Yokohama?
- ✓ Explore the futuristic Minato Mirai 21 district with its iconic skyscrapers and amusement park.
- ✓ Stroll through the historic Yamate district, home to Western-style residences and charming gardens.
- ✓ Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and culinary delights of Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest in the world.
- ✓ Visit Sankeien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden featuring historic buildings relocated from various parts of Japan.
- ✓ Discover the unique exhibits at the CupNoodles Museum, celebrating instant ramen history and allowing custom creation.
When to visit Yokohama?
SUBTROPICAL HUMID
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) — pleasant temperatures and clear skies are ideal for sightseeing.
What to do in Yokohama?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Yokohama?
For an independent traveler, 2-3 days are ideal to experience Yokohama. With 2 days, you can cover major attractions like Minato Mirai and Chinatown. If you have 3 days, add a visit to Sankeien Garden and explore the ramen museum. Prioritize the waterfront for a memorable experience.
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