The Ultimate Guide to Getting from Shibuya to Shinjuku: Train, Subway, Bus, Taxi, or on Foot?

Many people visit Shibuya and Shinjuku for sightseeing, business, or shopping in Tokyo. Have you ever wondered, “How do I get to Shinjuku from here?” With so many transportation options—train, subway, bus, taxi, and even walking—you can waste a lot of time and money if you don’t understand the pros and cons of each.

This article will provide a detailed comparison of all the ways to get from Shibuya to Shinjuku. We’ll help you find the best route based on your situation, whether you prioritize speed, cost, carrying a lot of luggage, or dealing with a rainy day. You’ll never be confused about how to get from Shibuya to Shinjuku again!

Compare Major Transportation Options from Shibuya to Shinjuku
A Detailed Look at Each Route: Which is Best for You?
Other Transportation Options
Getting from Shibuya to Shinjuku: Q&A and Helpful Tips
Summary: Find the Perfect Way for You!
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Compare Major Transportation Options from Shibuya to Shinjuku

First, let’s look at a quick comparison of the main ways to travel between the two areas.

Method	Estimated Time	Estimated Fare	Features
JR Yamanote Line	Approx. 7–9 min	¥170	Most common option. Direct and very frequent.
JR Saikyo/Shonan-Shinjuku Line	Approx. 5–7 min	¥170	Faster than the Yamanote Line. The platform is a bit farther away.
Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line	Approx. 5–8 min (to Shinjuku-sanchome)	¥180	The subway can be less crowded. May require a transfer at Shinjuku-sanchome.
Toei Oedo Line	Approx. 7 min	¥280	Requires a transfer from the Fukutoshin Line. Connects directly to Shinjuku-nishiguchi.
Bus	Approx. 30–50 min (traffic dependent)	¥230	Enjoy the street-level scenery. Can be affected by traffic.
Taxi	Approx. 15–30 min (traffic dependent)	Approx. ¥2,000–¥3,000	Comfortable but expensive. Can be slow during traffic jams.
Walking	Approx. 1–1.5 hours	¥0	Good for health and sightseeing. A long distance.

Note: Travel times and fares are estimates and can vary depending on the time of day, congestion, and specific route.

A Detailed Look at Each Route: Which is Best for You?

Now, let’s dive into the details of each transportation option.

For the Easiest and Most Straightforward Trip: The JR Yamanote Line

The Yamanote Line is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about traveling from Shibuya to Shinjuku.

Why it’s recommended: It’s a direct route with no transfers, and trains run extremely frequently (every few minutes). It’s also the most accessible option from the Hachiko Exit at Shibuya Station, making it easy to find for first-time visitors to Tokyo.
Time and Fare: Approx. 7–9 min / ¥170
Where to board at Shibuya Station: Find the JR Yamanote Line platform. Take a train on the “inbound” (内回り) track, which goes toward Shinjuku. You can confirm this on the signs above the platform.
Where to get off at Shinjuku Station: The platform arrives in a central location, providing easy access to all of Shinjuku Station’s main exits (East, West, South, etc.).
Best for:
- First-time visitors to Tokyo or Shibuya
- People who want a simple, hassle-free trip
- Those who dislike making transfers
- People with light luggage
Heads up: The trains can get extremely crowded during morning and evening rush hours, sometimes to the point where it’s difficult to move.

For Speed: The JR Saikyo and Shonan-Shinjuku Lines

If speed is your top priority, the JR Saikyo and Shonan-Shinjuku Lines are your best bet because they have fewer stops than the Yamanote Line.

Why it’s recommended: It’s a faster journey than the Yamanote Line.
Time and Fare: Approx. 5–7 min / ¥170
Where to board at Shibuya Station: Look for the JR Saikyo/Shonan-Shinjuku Line platform. This platform is a little farther away from the Yamanote Line platforms, toward the Shin-Minami Ticket Gate. Be aware that it may take a little time to get there from the main entrance.
Where to get off at Shinjuku Station: The platform is located closer to the station’s Southeast Exit and Shin-Minami Ticket Gate areas.
Best for:
- Those who need to save time
- People who prefer to sit (depending on the time, these trains can be less crowded)
Heads up: The platform is a longer walk from the main Shibuya entrance, so it could be confusing for first-timers. These lines also run less frequently than the Yamanote Line.

For a More Comfortable Underground Journey: The Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line

If you want to avoid the congestion of the JR lines, the Fukutoshin subway line is a good alternative.

Why it’s recommended: It can be less crowded than JR lines. It’s also convenient if your destination is in a different part of the Shinjuku area, such as Shinjuku-sanchome or Higashi-Shinjuku, which the JR lines don’t serve directly.
Time and Fare: Approx. 5–8 min (to Shinjuku-sanchome Station) / ¥180
Where to board at Shibuya Station: The Fukutoshin Line platform is deep underground (on the 5th basement level) and is closest to the ticket gates near Shibuya Hikarie.
Where to get off at Shinjuku Station: You’ll get off at Shinjuku-sanchome Station and walk through an underground passage to get to the main JR Shinjuku Station (approx. 5–10 min). You can also access the Fukutoshin Line from JR Shinjuku Station via the underground passage.
Best for:
- People who want to sit (depending on the time)
- Those who need to go to Shinjuku-sanchome or other stops along the line
- Anyone who wants to avoid JR crowds
Heads up: This line doesn’t go directly to JR Shinjuku Station, so you’ll need to walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station. The journey from the deep underground platform can also add to your travel time, so plan accordingly.

For Direct Access to West Shinjuku: The Toei Oedo Line

Similar to the Fukutoshin Line, this is another underground option that is particularly useful if your destination is on the west side of Shinjuku Station.

Why it’s recommended: It provides direct access to the west side of Shinjuku Station and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building area. This is a good way to get to Shinjuku from a different starting point than the other JR and subway lines.
Time and Fare: Approx. 7 min (Shibuya → Shinjuku) / ¥280
Where to board at Shibuya Station: The Toei Oedo Line can be accessed by transferring from the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line. One option is to take the Fukutoshin Line to Shinjuku-sanchome Station and then transfer to the Toei Shinjuku Line to get to Shinjuku Station.
Where to get off at Shinjuku Station: The platform is at Shinjuku Station (Toei Oedo Line) and connects directly to the underground exits for West Shinjuku and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building area.
Best for:
- Those with destinations on the west side of Shinjuku or near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- People who want to avoid the crowded JR and other subway lines
Heads up: The transfer at Shibuya Station can be a bit complicated.

Other Transportation Options

While trains and subways are the most common, buses, taxis, and even walking are other options depending on your situation.

Bus

Why you might choose it: It’s a good option if you prefer not to use trains or if a specific bus stop is closer to your destination. It also gives you a chance to see the city from the street level.
Time and Fare: Approx. 30–50 min (traffic dependent) / ¥230
Heads up: Your travel time can be significantly impacted by traffic jams. The stops and routes can also be confusing, so it’s best to check them in advance.

Taxi

Why you might choose it: A taxi is best for special circumstances, such as when you have a lot of luggage, are traveling in a group, or need to get around after the last train. The biggest benefit is the door-to-door service.
Time and Fare: Approx. 15–30 min (traffic dependent) / Approx. ¥2,000–¥3,000
Heads up: This is the most expensive option. During rush hour, a taxi can take longer than the train, and the fare can be quite high, so it’s wise to consider the time of day.
For information on where to find taxis at Shibuya Station, check out this guide: Shibuya Station Taxi Stand Guide: Your Easy Way to Find a Cab (Current Locations)

Walking

Why you might choose it: Walking is only a viable option if you want to get some exercise, have plenty of time to spare, or want to explore shops and sights along the way.
Time and Fare: Approx. 1–1.5 hours (varies by person)
Sample Route: The most common route is along Meiji-dori Avenue, but you can also find many unique shops by exploring the backstreets. A map app is essential.
Heads up: This is a very long walk, and we don’t recommend it if you are unfamiliar with Tokyo, as there’s a higher risk of getting lost. It also requires a certain level of physical fitness and is heavily affected by weather conditions like rain, heat, or cold. Avoid this option if you have a lot of luggage.

Getting from Shibuya to Shinjuku: Q&A and Helpful Tips

Q. Which line is the fastest?
- A. The JR Saikyo/Shonan-Shinjuku Line is the fastest, taking about 5–7 minutes. However, the platform at Shibuya Station is a little farther away from the main entrance than the Yamanote Line platform.
Q. Which line is the cheapest?
- A. The JR Yamanote Line and the JR Saikyo/Shonan-Shinjuku Line are the cheapest at ¥170.
Q. Which line is the easiest to use?
- A. The JR Yamanote Line is the easiest. It’s a direct trip from Shibuya to Shinjuku, so you don’t have to worry about transfers.
Q. Which line is best if I have a lot of luggage?
- A. The JR Yamanote Line is a good choice because its platforms are the most accessible and trains run very frequently. However, be cautious of extremely crowded rush hours. A taxi is the most comfortable option but is also the most expensive.
Q. How can I avoid rush hour?
- A. Weekday mornings from about 8:00 to 9:30 AM and evenings from about 6:00 to 7:30 PM are the busiest times. It’s best to avoid these hours if you can. You might also consider the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line as an alternative to the JR lines during these times.
Q. Do I need an IC card (Suica/PASMO)?
- A. While not mandatory, having an IC card is highly recommended. It saves you the trouble of buying a ticket for every trip and makes passing through the ticket gates a lot smoother.
Q. Any tips for not getting lost in Shinjuku Station?
- A. Shinjuku Station is famously one of the most complex in Japan.
  - Check your exit in advance: The station’s signs are very detailed and show exit numbers (e.g., A1, B2) and directions to major facilities.
  - Use a navigation app: Apps like Google Maps can often display detailed maps of the station’s interior.
  - Don’t rush: If you feel lost, stop for a moment, look at the signs carefully, or ask a station attendant for help.

Summary: Find the Perfect Way for You!

Getting from Shibuya to Shinjuku can feel overwhelming with so many options, but hopefully, this guide helps.

For speed and simplicity, the JR Yamanote Line is our top recommendation.
If you need to save time, choose the JR Saikyo/Shonan-Shinjuku Line.
To avoid JR crowds or if you’re heading to the Shinjuku-sanchome area, take the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line.
If your destination is in West Shinjuku, the Toei Oedo Line is the most convenient.
For scenery or a direct trip to a specific bus stop, take the bus.
If you prioritize comfort or have a lot of luggage, a taxi is your best bet.
And if you have plenty of time and confidence in your stamina, walking is an option—but be sure to prepare well if you’re not familiar with the area.

Choose the best transportation method for your situation to make your journey from Shibuya to Shinjuku smooth and comfortable!