Kyoto to Seoul: Road Trip Guide & Distance

520.1 miles 837.1 km · straight line
772.7 miles actual route 1243.6 km · driving distance
19h 5min estimated drive time
JPY 13742 - JPY 16913 estimated fuel cost
~1h 33min flight time
292° WNW bearing direction

How far is Kyoto from Seoul?

The distance from Kyoto to Seoul is 520.1 miles (837.1 km) as the crow flies. Seoul is located WNW of Kyoto. By car, the driving distance is approximately 772.7 miles, taking about 19h 5min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 33min. Kyoto is in Japan, while Seoul is in South Korea.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Keep in mind this route crosses international borders. Don't forget your passport, and check current border crossing times and vehicle insurance requirements.

Coordinates come from public place data for Kyoto and Seoul. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Kyoto to Seoul

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 19h 5min JPY 13742 - JPY 16913 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 33min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~22h 54min $62–$116* Budget
Train ~24h 49min $93–$270* Comfort

Quick Facts

Kyoto
35.01°N, 135.77°E
Asia/Tokyo
50m elevation
Seoul
37.57°N, 126.98°E
Asia/Seoul
38m elevation
Explore more routes from Seoul

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 173 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 43 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 47.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM