How to travel from Kumamoto to Kōchi, Japan

The distance between Kumamoto and Kōchi is around 505km (314 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train which takes around 5hrs.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Kumamoto to Kōchi by train, bus, car and ferry. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out KōchiKumamoto if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Okayama and then to Kochi(Kochi).

  • Duration5hrs
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ¥17,795($130)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

2
3 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Hakata Bus Terminal then Matsuyama IC and then to Harimayabashi.

  • Duration13h 50m
  • Departs3 times a week
  • Typical cost
    ¥14,100($105)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

💰 Cheapest
3
car
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ferry
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car
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Car and Ferry

Drive to Yanai then take a ferry to Mitsuhama then drive to Kōchi.

  • Duration8h 15m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ¥10,405($76)
Operated by

Multiple operators

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Kumamoto and Kōchi

There are several options for getting from Kumamoto to Kōchi by train, bus, car and ferry. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around ¥10,405 ($76) and will take around 8h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and arrive in approximately 5hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ¥17,795 ($130).

The distance between Kumamoto and Kōchi is around 505km (314 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 289km (180 miles)

It takes around 5hrs to get from Kumamoto and Kōchi by train.

The quickest way to get from Kumamoto to Kōchi is to take the train which takes around 5hrs and will set you back approx ¥17,795 ($130).

The cheapest way to travel between Kumamoto and Kōchi is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around ¥10,405 ($76) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Kumamoto and Kōchi. It typically takes around 5hrs and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Kumamoto to Kōchi. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Okayama. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 5hrs.

Japan Railways Shinkansen and Japan Railways Limited Express run train services between Kumamoto and Kōchi. Trains depart hourly and will take around 5hrs, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Kumamoto and Kōchi. It typically takes around 13h 50m and departs 3 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Kumamoto to Kōchi. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Hakata Bus Terminal and Matsuyama IC. These services run 3 times a week and will take a minimum of 13h 50m.

Nishitetsu, Iyotetsu and JR Shikoku Bus run regular bus services between Kumamoto and Kōchi. Buses run 3 times a week and take around 13h 50m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Kumamoto to Kōchi. We recommend that you take the train to Okayama and then to Kochi(Kochi). instead which will take 5hrs.

The closest major airport to Kōchi is Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ) (KCZ) which is approximately 13km (8 miles) from Kōchi. Kansai International Airport (KIX) (KIX) and Fukuoka Airport (FUK) (FUK) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Kumamoto to Kōchi. We recommend that you take the train to Okayama and then to Kochi(Kochi). instead which will take 5hrs.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Kumamoto to Kōchi is to take the train which takes, on average, 5hrs and will usually cost around ¥17,795 ($130).

How do I get from Kumamoto to Kōchi

Compare travel optionsbetween Kumamoto and Kōchi

Transport options from Kumamoto to Kōchi
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
5hrs
¥17,795($130)
hourly668km (415 miles)
Bus
13h 50m
¥14,100($105)
3 times a week805km (500 miles)
Car and Ferry
8h 15m
¥10,405($76)
hourly505km (314 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Kumamoto and Kōchi

Bus companies

Train operators

Airlines

Ferry operators

Airports near Kōchi

The following major airports near Kōchi offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Japan and internationally.

KCZ
Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
13km (8 miles) from Kōchi
KIX
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
International Airport
Distance
184km (115 miles) from Kōchi
FUK
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
International Airport
Distance
287km (178 miles) from Kōchi