Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
Traveling from Tokyo to Hakone is one of the most popular side trips in Japan. But with so many transportation options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices.
In this article, I have compiled a detailed comparison of all the major routes from Tokyo to Hakone, including key recommendations and a comparison chart at the end for quick reference. Whether you’re wondering how long it takes to get to Hakone, which route is fastest, or how much each option costs, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
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About the Hakone Onsen Area
Hakone is one of Japan’s most iconic hot spring destinations, with a long-standing reputation and unwavering popularity. While it’s especially well-known in the Kanto region, Hakone also consistently ranks among the top onsen spots across Japan.
There are countless hot spring resorts in Japan, but Hakone is the one that almost always comes to mind when people talk about onsen getaways. For example, in HIS’s 2024 ranking of hot spring destinations, Hakone placed 12th, while Rakuten Travel ranked it 9th the same year, clear proof of its continued appeal.
Where is Hakone Located?
Geographically, Hakone lies to the southwest of Tokyo, technically part of western Kanagawa Prefecture. The fastest way to reach Hakone from Tokyo is by express train, which takes around 75 minutes, making it a convenient destination for both day trips and overnight getaways.
Beyond Hakone itself, the surrounding areas also offer top attractions like Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, Enoshima, and Yokohama, making it easy to plan a combined trip when visiting Tokyo.
Related Guides:
[Complete Hakone Transportation Guide]
How to Get to the Hakone Onsen Area
As the map above shows, Hakone is surprisingly close to central Tokyo.
Once you arrive in Tokyo, getting to Hakone is simple. The most common route is to take a direct train from Shinjuku Station straight to Hakone-Yumoto Station, fast and convenient.
Departure Point → Shinjuku Station → Hakone-Yumoto Station
Transportation Options from Tokyo to Hakone
Let’s get into the details. There are several ways to get to Hakone from Tokyo:
・Driving
・Local trains
・Limited express trains
・Guided tours
・Chartered vehicles
Here’s a breakdown of each method starting with one of the most popular:
The Odakyu Romancecar: Direct Express Train to Hakone
The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Hakone from central Tokyo is by taking the Odakyu Romancecar directly from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
There are usually two trains per hour, and most of them run non-stop, making the journey fast and seamless.
✔️Odakyu Romancecar Route: Shinjuku ↔ Hakone-Yumoto
Travel Time: 1 hour 13 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Route: Shinjuku Station ↔ Hakone-Yumoto Station
Fare:
・Base fare: ¥1,261 (≈ $8.45 USD)
・Limited express surcharge: ¥1,150 (≈ $7.70 USD)
*If you have a Hakone Free Pass, Hakone Kamakura Pass, or Mt. Fuji Hakone Pass, you don’t need to pay the base fare, just purchase the express surcharge ticket (¥1,150).How to purchase tickets:
・Use a Hakone Free Pass or IC card
・Buy at ticket machines in stations (Check official guide)How to reserve a seat:
・Via the Odakyu Romancecar Official Website
・At the Odakyu Travel Service Center
・From ticket machines at the stationOther Info:
・Onboard restrooms available
・Food and drinks allowed
・Full timetable available onlineFirst and last trains:
・First train from Shinjuku: 6:40 AM
・Last train from Hakone-Yumoto: 7:50 PM (or 7:52 PM on holidays)
Among the Romancecar trains, only the GSE model offers panoramic observation seats at the front and rear of the train (Car 1 and Car 7). Each has 16 seats (4 rows per car), and they are incredibly popular due to the scenic views.
If you want one of these coveted seats, it’s best to book as early as possible! Reservations open one month in advance, and seats often sell out immediately. (Click here to check official website)
2. Odakyu Line (Local Trains)
If you’re not starting your journey from central Tokyo but are staying somewhere along the Odakyu Line, it may be more convenient to board a train at your nearest station instead of backtracking to Shinjuku.
This is a good option for travelers who are not in a rush and want to save on transportation costs.
Local Odakyu trains run about four times per hour, but you’ll need to transfer at Odawara Station to the Hakone Tozan Railway in order to reach Hakone-Yumoto Station.
✔️ Odakyu Local Train: Shinjuku → Odawara → Hakone-Yumoto
Route: Shinjuku Station → Odawara Station → Hakone-Yumoto Station
Travel Time:
・Shinjuku → Odawara: ~1 hr 30 min
・Odawara → Hakone-Yumoto: ~15 minFare: ¥1,261 (≈ $8.45 USD)
*If you’re using the Hakone Free Pass, roundtrip travel between Shinjuku and Odawara is included for free.How to buy tickets:
・Use the Hakone Free Pass
・Tap with IC card (Suica/PASMO)
・Buy from ticket machines at the stationOther Info:
・Seats may not be available during peak hours
・Eating and drinking are not allowed on board
・Please check the latest fare online as prices may vary with exchange rates
3. Odakyu Highway Bus
The Odakyu Highway Bus runs from Shinjuku to Gotemba, then continues to Hakone Sengokuhara and Togendai. The fastest trip from Shinjuku to Togendai takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
That said, if your goal is to explore Hakone efficiently, Tsubaki doesn’t recommend this route. Since it runs along the expressway, it’s prone to traffic jams, and it also detours to the Gotemba Outlet area, making it less direct and slower overall.
However, if you’re not in a rush and enjoy relaxing on a scenic bus ride, this could still be a nice, stress-free alternative.
✔️ Odakyu Highway Bus: Shinjuku ↔ Hakone
Route: Varies by departure
Travel Time: Check the official schedule
Fare: Check the official fare table
Where to Buy Tickets: Ticket counter near the north side of Shinjuku West Exit Bus Terminal
Other Info: Restrooms and food/drink allowed onboard
If you have a Hakone Free Pass, you can get a discounted fare of ¥1,000 (≈ $6.70 USD) for the section from Shinjuku to Tomei-Gotemba. For other sections, full fare applies.
Driving to Hakone (Car Rental Option)
If you want more flexibility and don’t mind driving in Japan, renting a car can be a great option, especially for groups or families. You’ll be free to explore Hakone at your own pace and access more remote areas that may not be reachable by public transport.
However, keep in mind that weekends and holidays often see heavy traffic, especially around popular spots like Motohakone and Hakone Port. Tsubaki has personally experienced traffic jams in these areas multiple times. So unless you’re patient or planning a weekday trip, traffic could be a downside.
✔️ Driving Route: Tokyo (Shinjuku) ↔ Hakone
Route: Flexible, create your own itinerary
Travel Time: ~1 to 2 hours from Tokyo IC, depending on traffic
Rental Car Costs:
・Around ¥5,000/day (≈ $33 USD) on weekdays
・Up to ¥30,000/day (≈ $200 USD) during holidays or peak seasons
・Price varies by vehicle type and rental companyHow to Rent:
・Online booking or phone reservationOther Info:
・Don’t forget highway tolls
・Tokyo to Hakone expressway toll (ETC): ~¥2,200 (≈ $14.75 USD)
If you’re unsure how to rent a car in Japan, I recommend Tabirai, Rentalcars, and Klook, all of which offer Chinese or English website support.
Rentalcars.com guarantees the lowest rental prices, while Tabirai partners with more rental companies. Klook is convenient for booking. Sometimes, if Rentalcars has no available cars, you may find options on Tabirai or Klook. Comparing different platforms can help you find the best deal!
💡Quick Tip: If you’re not seeing any available cars when searching, it might be because you’re trying to book outside of business hours. Try adjusting your pickup or drop-off time! (Most rental car companies in Japan operate between 8:00 or 9:00 AM and 7:00 or 8:00 PM.)
Private Charter & Guided Tours
If you find Hakone transportation too complicated or simply don’t want to deal with all the logistics, joining a guided tour might be the most stress-free option.
Klook.comTokyo to Hakone Transportation Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you understand the main differences in travel time and cost from Tokyo to Hakone.
Transportation Method | Travel Time | Direct Route | One-Way Cost | Hakone Free Pass Usable | Notes |
Romancecar Express Train | 1h13m–1h30m | O | ¥1,261 + ¥1,150 (≈ $8.45 + $7.70) | O Requires surcharge ticket | Reserved seats, fast and comfortable. Observation seats can be booked. |
Odakyu Local + Transfer | 1h45m~2h | X stop by other locatons | ¥1,261 (≈ $8.45 USD) | O Fully included | Transfer required at Odawara Station. |
Highway Bus | 2h20m~ | X | Refer to official website | △ Partial discounts | May experience traffic; detours via Gotemba Outlet. |
Rental Car | 1~2h (variable) | △ | ¥5,000~30,000/day + tolls (≈ $33–200 + ETC fees) | X Not included | Flexible but can be crowded on weekends and holidays. |
Guided Tour (by bus) | 1.5~2h each way | O | ¥9,000–49,500/day (≈ $60–330 USD) | X Not included | Includes guide and itinerary, ideal for relaxed or first-time travelers. |
Related Articles
[Hakone Free Pass: Digital vs. Paper Ticket]
[Is the Hakone Free Pass Worth It? Full Cost Breakdown]
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to travel from Tokyo to Hakone. Whether you’re looking for speed and comfort with the Romancecar, aiming to save money with local trains, hoping to enjoy the views on a bus ride, or preferring the flexibility of driving, each option has its own pros and cons.
Choose the one that fits your budget, schedule, and travel style best.
Hopefully, this guide helps you plan your Hakone trip with ease, so next time, you can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful views and hot springs without any transportation stress.
Thanks for reading, and happy travels to Hakone!
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Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
In an era dominated by viral trends and “clickbait” locations, my true passion lies in exploring hidden corners and regions where information is scarce. I know firsthand how precious detailed, reliable information is when planning a journey. That is why I dedicate countless hours to research and field exploration, to curate these hard-earned insights for fellow travelers like you.
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