Just south of Tokyo lies Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city and one of its most livable and photogenic destinations.
With sparkling waterfront views, a thriving local food scene, and unique attractions like the Cup Noodles Museum and Red Brick Warehouse, Yokohama is a perfect half-day or full-day trip from Tokyo.
The best part? Getting there is incredibly easy.
In this guide, you’ll find every option — from fast trains to airport routes — with insider tips, travel times, prices, and maps to help you plan your journey stress-free.
🗾 Distance & Overview
Yokohama sits about 30 kilometers (18 miles) southwest of central Tokyo.
The two cities are so closely connected that the trip can feel more like moving between neighborhoods than traveling to a different city.
| Mode | Travel Time | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train | 25–45 minutes | ¥390–¥1,500 |
| 🚌 Bus | 60–80 minutes | ¥600–¥1,000 |
| 🚗 Taxi / Private Transfer | 40–60 minutes | ¥12,000–¥15,000 |
For most travelers, the train is the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient way to get to Yokohama.
🚆 1. By Train — The Best Option for Most Travelers
Trains between Tokyo and Yokohama are frequent, clean, and well-connected, running every few minutes on multiple lines.
Depending on where you’re staying — Tokyo Station, Shibuya, or Shinjuku — you can choose the most convenient route.
🚄 JR Tokaido Line — Fastest from Tokyo Station
If you’re near Tokyo Station or Shinagawa, the JR Tokaido Line is the best choice.
- ⏱️ Travel time: About 25 minutes
- 💴 Cost: ¥480 (one way)
- 🚉 Route: Tokyo → Shinagawa → Yokohama
- ✅ JR Pass: Fully covered
Trains depart every 10 minutes and arrive at Yokohama Station, the city’s main hub.
From there, it’s easy to transfer to local lines (like the Minatomirai Line) to reach attractions such as the Cup Noodles Museum, Yamashita Park, and Chinatown.
💡 Insider tip: Sit on the left side of the train for views of the bay as you approach Yokohama.
🚆 JR Keihin-Tohoku Line — Local and Frequent
This line connects many major neighborhoods, including Ueno, Akihabara, Tokyo, and Shinagawa, before reaching Yokohama.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Around 40 minutes
- 💴 Cost: ¥480
- 🧳 Slower than Tokaido, but stops at many tourist areas
If you’re already sightseeing in central Tokyo, this line is convenient — you can hop on from multiple stations without returning to Tokyo Station.
💡 Best for: Visitors exploring Akihabara, Ueno, or Tokyo Dome before heading to Yokohama.
🚆 Tokyu Toyoko Line — Best from Shibuya
From Shibuya, the Tokyu Toyoko Line is your best option.
It’s affordable, scenic, and connects directly to the Minatomirai Line, which stops right near Yokohama’s top attractions.
- ⏱️ Travel time: 35 minutes
- 💴 Cost: ¥390
- 🚉 Route: Shibuya → Yokohama (through service to Minatomirai Line)
- 📍 Stops near attractions: Bashamichi, Minatomirai, Nihon-Odori
This line is especially convenient for travelers heading straight to Red Brick Warehouse, Cup Noodles Museum, or Osanbashi Pier — no need to transfer at Yokohama Station.
💡 Pro tip: Buy a Minatomirai One-Day Ticket for unlimited rides on the Tokyu and Minatomirai Lines — great for exploring multiple spots in one day.
🚅 Shinkansen (Bullet Train) — For Long-Distance Travelers
If you’re arriving in Tokyo from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya, you can ride the Tokaido Shinkansen and get off at Shin-Yokohama Station.
- ⏱️ Travel time: 15–20 minutes (from Tokyo or Shinagawa)
- 💴 Cost: ~¥1,400
- 🚉 Route: Tokyo → Shin-Yokohama
However, note that Shin-Yokohama is about 15 minutes inland from the main sightseeing area (Minatomirai).
After arriving, take the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line or JR Yokohama Line to reach downtown.
💡 Recommended only if you already have a JR Pass or are connecting from another city.
🚌 2. By Bus — Direct and Comfortable
If you prefer a seat and no transfers, highway buses are a comfortable choice.
Multiple bus companies operate routes between Tokyo and Yokohama, including stops at major stations and airports.
| Route | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station → Yokohama Station | 60 min | ¥900 | Comfortable, direct |
| Shinjuku → Yokohama Station | 70 min | ¥1,000 | Luggage-friendly |
| Haneda Airport → Minatomirai | 30–40 min | ¥720 | Airport Limousine Bus |
🧳 Advantages: Large seats, air-conditioning, and space for luggage.
💡 Disadvantages: Traffic delays during rush hours (especially on weekends).
🎟️ Book in advance:
Reserve Tokyo–Yokohama Bus (English) via Rakuten Travel Experiences or Klook.
🚖 3. By Taxi or Private Transfer — For Comfort & Convenience
If you prefer door-to-door service, taxis and private transfers are available anytime.
They’re particularly convenient for early flights, cruise passengers, or families with children and luggage.
- ⏱️ Travel time: 40–60 minutes (depending on traffic)
- 💴 Cost: Around ¥12,000–¥15,000 (one way)
- 🚗 Capacity: Up to 4 passengers (larger vans available)
💡 Tip: Many private transfers offer English-speaking drivers and fixed prices — no surprises.
🚗 Book Private Transfer:
Tokyo → Yokohama Port / Hotel (English service)
✈️ 4. From Airports to Yokohama
Many travelers come straight from the airport — here’s how to reach Yokohama easily from both Haneda and Narita.
🛫 From Haneda Airport (HND)
Haneda is actually closer to Yokohama than to central Tokyo, making it the most convenient entry point for travelers heading south.
Option 1: Keikyu Line (Direct Train)
- ⏱️ 30 minutes
- 💴 ¥480
- Route: Haneda Airport → Yokohama Station (direct)
Option 2: Airport Limousine Bus
- ⏱️ 30–40 minutes
- 💴 ¥720
- Direct stops at Yokohama Station, Minatomirai, and major hotels
💡 If you’re staying near the bay (InterContinental, Hyatt), the bus drops you almost at the door.
🛬 From Narita Airport (NRT)
Yokohama is farther from Narita, but still easily reachable.
Option 1: Narita Express (N’EX)
- ⏱️ 90 minutes
- 💴 ¥4,600
- Direct to Yokohama Station
- Fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass
Option 2: Airport Bus “TYO-NRT”
- ⏱️ 90–100 minutes
- 💴 ¥3,800
- Comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, and large luggage storage
💡 If you’re staying in Yokohama overnight, taking the Narita Express is the most stress-free way.
💡 5. Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Traveling in Japan can feel intimidating at first, but Yokohama is one of the easiest destinations to navigate.
Here are a few tips to make your journey smoother:
- 🎫 Use IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, Welcome Suica) — they work on all trains and buses.
- ⏰ Avoid rush hours: 7:30–9:00 a.m. and 5:30–7:30 p.m.
- 📱 Use Google Maps or Japan Travel App — real-time train updates are very accurate.
- 🚉 Minatomirai Line through service: trains from Shibuya go directly to Minatomirai and Bashamichi Stations — no need to transfer!
- 💼 Luggage lockers: available at all major Yokohama stations.
- ☕ Tip for day-trippers: Plan a coffee or snack stop at Yokohama Bay Quarter — beautiful view and easy station access.
