How to travel from Niigata to Nikko, Japan

The distance between Niigata and Nikko is around 227km (141 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 3h 15m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Niigata to Nikko by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

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

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train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Omiya(Saitama) and then to Tobu-Nikko.

  • Duration3h 25m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ¥13,005($95)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
3 x bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Takasaki Bus Center then 羽田空港第1ターミナル and then to Tobu-Nikko Station.

  • Duration9h 10m
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    ¥11,910($87)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

🚀 Fastest
3
car
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Drive

Drive to Nikkō.

  • Duration3h 15m
  • Distance227km (141 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Niigata and Nikko

There are several options for getting from Niigata to Nikko by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around ¥10,680 ($78) and will take around 3h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 3h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ¥3,285 ($24).

The distance between Niigata and Nikko is around 227km (141 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 145km (90 miles)

It takes around 3h 25m to get from Niigata and Nikko by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 3h 15m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Niigata to Nikko is to drive which takes around 3h 15m and will set you back approx ¥3,285 ($24).

The cheapest way to travel between Niigata and Nikko, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around ¥10,680 ($78) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Niigata and Nikko. It typically takes around 3h 25m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Niigata to Nikko. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Niigata, Omiya(Saitama) and Kasukabe. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 3h 25m.

Japan Railways Shinkansen, Tobu Railway, Japan Railways (JR) and Japan Railways Limited Express run train services between Niigata and Nikko. Trains depart hourly and will take around 3h 25m, 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 Niigata and Nikko. It typically takes around 9h 10m and departs twice daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Niigata to Nikko. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Takasaki Bus Center and 羽田空港第1ターミナル. These services run twice daily and will take a minimum of 9h 10m.

Nippon Chuo Bus Co, Airport Limousine and Tobu bus run regular bus services between Niigata and Nikko. Buses run twice daily and take around 9h 10m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Niigata to Nikko. We recommend that you take the train to Omiya(Saitama) and then to Tobu-Nikko. instead which will take 3h 25m.

The closest major airport to Nikko is Fukushima Airport (FKS) (FKS) which is approximately 86km (54 miles) from Nikko. Narita International Airport (NRT) (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) (HND) 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 Nikko. The distance is around 227km (141 miles) by road and it will take around 3h 15m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Niigata to Nikko is to take the train which takes, on average, 3h 25m and will usually cost around ¥13,005 ($95).

How do I get from Niigata to Nikko

Compare travel optionsbetween Niigata and Nikko

Transport options from Niigata to Nikko
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train + 1 similar
3h 25m
¥13,005($95)
hourly389km (242 miles)
Train via Takasaki3h 40m
¥10,680($78)
hourly329km (205 miles)
Bus
9h 10m
¥11,910($87)
twice daily507km (315 miles)
Drive
3h 15m
¥3,285($24)
on demand227km (141 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Niigata and Nikko

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Nikko

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

FKS
Fukushima Airport (FKS)
Domestic Airport
Distance
86km (54 miles) from Nikko
NRT
Narita International Airport (NRT)
International Airport
Distance
122km (76 miles) from Nikko
HND
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
International Airport
Distance
130km (81 miles) from Nikko