As a Yokohama native, I know the ins and outs of the trains connecting Yokohama and Tokyo. Here’s a quick guide to each of the train lines.
JR Line
- Tokaido Line
The fastest route from Yokohama to Tokyo, the Tokaido Line stops only once at Kawasaki between Yokohama Station and Shinagawa Station. Be warned though, it’s one of the most crowded trains during morning rush hours. The line runs from Tokyo all the way down to the Izu Peninsula.
- Yokosuka Line
Taking a more inland route, the Yokosuka Line is slightly slower than the Tokaido Line. It stops at three stations (Shin-Kawasaki, Musashi-Kosugi, and Nishi-Oi) before reaching Shinagawa. This line continues beyond Tokyo as the Sobu Line, extending all the way to Narita International Airport in Chiba.
- Shonan Shinjuku Line
A bit complex, the Shonan Shinjuku Line has both local and rapid services. The local train runs on the same tracks as the Yokosuka Line until Nishi-Oi and then heads west to Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro. The rapid train shares tracks with the Tokaido Line before diverging, skipping more stops for a faster journey. It’s the quickest way to reach Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro from Yokohama.
- Keihin Tohoku Line
This line is slower than the others, making numerous stops along the way. It’s convenient for travelers between Tokyo and Yokohama, though it doesn’t stop at major hubs like Kawasaki.
Keikyu Line
- Keihin Kyuko Line
Operated by Keikyu, this line offers another fast route to Tokyo. The Wing Express, running in the mornings and evenings, is even quicker than the JR lines, with no stops between Yokohama and Shinagawa. The Keikyu Line also provides easy access to Haneda Airport from both Yokohama and Tokyo, transitioning into the Toei Asakusa Line at Sengakuji Station.
Tokyu Line
- Tokyu Toyoko Line
This line connects Yokohama to western Tokyo, providing a convenient route to Shibuya. It also links to the Minatomirai Line in Yokohama, making it a great option for trips to the Yokohama Bay area.
With this overview, you can easily navigate the train options between Yokohama and Tokyo. Enjoy your travels!