One-Way Car Rental from Kobe to Tokyo | Compare Prices & Fees

Document required for international visitors

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).

Notes: If you are renting a Citroen DS7 CROSSBACK or similar, Nuova C5 X Hybrid or similar, Jeep Compass or similar, AUDI Q5 or similar, or Q5 S-Tronic or similar, please ensure that both your driving license and ID document are issued by the same country.
Form of ID: A valid physical Italy national photo ID.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, DinersClub, JCB, and UnionPay. Some rentals support XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 18 to 99 years. Young drivers aged 18 to 25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 28.25 per day. Older drivers aged 76 to 85 may also incur fees, such as US$ 17.65 per day.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted licenses include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original driving licence), EU Driving Licence, and Full driver's license issued in Italy.

Notes: If you are renting a Citroen DS7 CROSSBACK or similar, Nuova C5 X Hybrid or similar, Jeep Compass or similar, AUDI Q5 or similar, or Q5 S-Tronic or similar, please ensure that both your driving license and ID document are issued by the same country.
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Some rentals support XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 18 to 99 years. Young drivers aged 18 to 25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 28.25 per day. Older drivers aged 76 to 85 may also incur fees, such as US$ 17.65 per day.

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 359-384	US$ 264.78-264.78	US$ 475-536	Solo travelers, couples
Van	US$ 391-491	US$ 264.78-264.78	US$ 544-765	Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee Assessment: Be aware that many car rental providers charge an additional fee for one-way rentals. This fee can vary depending on the car rental company and route.
Geographical and Border Restrictions: Ensure there are no restrictions for taking the vehicle across states or prefectures. Confirm this with the rental provider during booking.
Fuel Policies: Understand whether the vehicle should be returned with a full fuel tank or adhere to specific fuel level requirements.
Flexible Pick-up and Drop-off Times: Verify the availability of the car rental offices at your pick-up and drop-off locations to suit your travel schedule.
Insurance Coverage: Ensure proper coverage of the car rental insurance, especially when covering longer distances or traveling between cities.

Smart Planning Tips:

Pre-Plan Fuel Stops: Identify and map fuel stations along your route to avoid inconvenience during your journey.
Check for Route Conditions: Monitor weather and traffic conditions for a smoother journey from Kobe to Tokyo.
Include Scenic Stops: Plan for scenic or cultural stops along your itinerary to enrich your journey.
Ensure Vehicle Efficiency: Opt for an economic vehicle for improved fuel efficiency and cost savings over long distances.
Book Early for Discounts: Booking your car rental early may provide you with lower rates and a greater selection of cars.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

羽田空港 - Hanedakuko Kokusaisen Terminal, 2 Chome-6-5 Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan

ENEOS Haneda Maintenance Area SS - 3 Chome-5-6 Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Keep your tires properly inflated.

Avoid rapid acceleration and braking.

Kobe Parking

Look for parking near the train stations for better rates.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Tokyo Parking

Consider parking in suburban areas with train access to the city center.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have sufficient cash or a compatible electronic toll collection device.

Use toll calculator apps to estimate costs in advance.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Three Scenic Routes from Kobe to Tokyo:

Coastal Route via Shizuoka

Scenic Coastal Drive 10 hours

This route features stunning ocean views and passes through quaint coastal towns.

Himeji , Nagoya , Shizuoka , Yokohama

Alpine Route via Nagano

Mountainous Drive 12 hours

A scenic mountain journey that includes picturesque landscapes and famous ski resorts.

Takayama , Matsumoto , Nagano

Metropolitan Route through Osaka and Nagoya

Urban Highway 9 hours

This direct route gives access to key metropolitan cities and major attractions.

Osaka , Nagoya , Yokohama

Popular Trips Along the Kobe to Tokyo Path:

Kobe to Himeji

1 hour

Explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Himeji, including the iconic Himeji Castle.

Nagoya’s Sights and Cuisine

3 hours

Discover Nagoya’s mix of modern attractions and traditional heritage museums.

Mt. Fuji Scenic Drive

4 hours

Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji along with serene lakes and cultural sites.

Yokohama’s Waterfront

5 hours

Explore Yokohama’s vibrant harbor, Chinatown, and beautiful parks.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Rent the right vehicle: Choose a car that fits your passengers and luggage requirements for comfortable travel.

Map your route: Plan your stops and rest breaks for a smooth journey, and use navigation apps for real-time updates.

Fuel up strategically: Identify gas station locations along your route to avoid running low on fuel during remote stretches.

Book accommodations early: If planning an overnight stop, reserve hotels in advance, especially in peak seasons.

Observe speed limits: Follow traffic rules and speed limits specific to different regions to avoid fines or accidents.

Understand the rental agreement: Clarify mileage limits, one-way fees, and fuel policies with your rental provider to prevent disputes.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a company for one-way rentals from Kobe to Tokyo should consider cost, convenience, and fleet variety.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage
Nippon Rent-A-Car	$$	Excellent	High
Toyota Rent a Car	$$	Superior	High
Times Car Rental	$	Good	Medium
Orix Rent-A-Car	$$	Very Good	High

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Car Rental Center Details

Operating Hours:

Most major rental centers operate between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, with variations for some airports.

Rental Center Locations:

Rental locations are distributed in downtown Kobe and near key transit hubs, with main offices in Tokyo located at significant entry points.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttle services connect key locations in Kobe and Tokyo, depending on the rental company.

Contact Information:

Each company provides 24/7 customer support helpline numbers for assistance.

Return the car during off-peak hours to avoid delays and ensure faster processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car at one location and return it to another, such as renting a car in Kobe and returning it in Tokyo.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, typically for one-way rentals, rental companies charge an additional fee to cover logistics, known as a one-way fee. This fee varies by company and route.

How long does it take to drive from Kobe to Tokyo?

Driving from Kobe to Tokyo typically takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and the route taken.

Can I choose vehicle types for one-way rentals?

Yes, rental car companies usually offer a range of vehicle types for one-way rentals, including compact cars, SUVs, and sedans.

What should I consider before renting a car for this route?

Consider factors like toll fees along the expressways, fuel costs, and ensuring you have a valid International Driving Permit if required in Japan.

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