Search "Tokyo to Mt Fuji" and the direct train tends to show up first — so a lot of visitors book the ¥4,200 Fuji Excursion without realising the highway bus does the same trip for roughly half the price, a little faster, and far more often. Here's the honest comparison.
| Option | Time | Fare (one way) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highway bus (Busta Shinjuku) | ~1h45 | ~¥2,200 | ~every 30 min |
| Fuji Excursion train (direct) | ~2h | ~¥4,200 | ~4 / day |
Fares/times as published for 2026 — confirm on the day. The bus (Keio / Fujikyu / JR Bus co-operate it) leaves Busta Shinjuku above the south side of Shinjuku Station; the Fuji Excursion is a JR East limited express running direct with no transfer. Ordinary train routes (JR Chuo to Otsuki + Fujikyu Railway) also work but involve a change and aren't cheaper than the bus.
The Fuji Excursion earns its price in three cases: you want a guaranteed departure time (no traffic risk before a timed activity), you value a reserved comfortable seat with Fuji views, or the bus is sold out. Otherwise, the bus is the value pick — just book it in advance during cherry-blossom, summer climbing season and autumn leaves, when both fill up.
Take the highway bus from Busta Shinjuku for ~¥2,200 — it's cheaper and usually faster than the ¥4,200 train. Reserve a seat ahead in peak season, and only pay up for the Fuji Excursion when you need guaranteed timing or the bus is full. Put the ~¥2,000 you save toward the Kachi Kachi ropeway or a lakeside lunch.
Mio