How to travel from Niigata to Matsumoto, Japan

The distance between Niigata and Matsumoto is around 250km (155 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train which takes around 3h 5m.

3 routes found

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

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

🚀 Fastest
1
3 x train
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Train

Take the train to Takasaki then Nagano and then to Matsumoto.

  • Duration3h 5m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ¥14,240($105)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

💰 Cheapest
2
bus
+
train
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Bus and Train

Take the bus to Nagano then take the train to Matsumoto.

  • Duration3h 55m
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    ¥6,160($45)
Operated by

Multiple operators

3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Matsumoto.

  • Duration3h 10m
  • Distance250km (155 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Niigata and Matsumoto

There are several options for getting from Niigata to Matsumoto by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take the train which costs around ¥6,160 ($45) and will take around 3h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and arrive in approximately 3h 5m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ¥14,240 ($105).

The distance between Niigata and Matsumoto is around 250km (155 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 209km (130 miles)

It takes around 3h 55m to get from Niigata and Matsumoto by bus and train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 3h 10m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Niigata to Matsumoto is to take the train which takes around 3h 5m and will set you back approx ¥14,240 ($105).

The cheapest way to travel between Niigata and Matsumoto, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus and then take the train which will typically cost around ¥6,160 ($45) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Niigata and Matsumoto. It typically takes around 3h 5m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Niigata to Matsumoto. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Niigata, Takasaki and Nagano. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 3h 5m.

Japan Railways Shinkansen, Japan Railways Limited Express and Japan Railways (JR) run train services between Niigata and Matsumoto. Trains depart hourly and will take around 3h 5m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Niigata and Matsumoto. We recommend that you take the train to Takasaki then Nagano and then to Matsumoto. instead which will take 3h 5m.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Niigata to Matsumoto. We recommend that you take the bus to Nagano then take the train to Matsumoto. instead which will take 3h 55m.

The closest major airport to Matsumoto is Matsumoto Airport (MMJ) (MMJ) which is approximately 9km (6 miles) from Matsumoto. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) (HND) and Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) (NGO) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Niigata and Matsumoto. The distance is around 250km (155 miles) by road and it will take around 3h 10m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Niigata to Matsumoto is to take the bus and then take the train which takes, on average, 3h 55m and will usually cost around ¥6,160 ($45).

How do I get from Niigata to Matsumoto

Compare travel optionsbetween Niigata and Matsumoto

Transport options from Niigata to Matsumoto
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
3h 5m
¥14,240($105)
hourly371km (230 miles)
Bus and Train
3h 55m
¥6,160($45)
twice daily446km (277 miles)
Drive
3h 10m
¥3,695($27)
on demand250km (155 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Niigata and Matsumoto

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Matsumoto

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

MMJ
Matsumoto Airport (MMJ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
9km (6 miles) from Matsumoto
HND
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
International Airport
Distance
181km (112 miles) from Matsumoto
NGO
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
International Airport
Distance
186km (116 miles) from Matsumoto