Transport Guide

Access from JR Matsuyama Station to Kochi, Takamatsu, and Tokushima

Compare your options

Highway bus “Botchan Express” (Matsuyama–Takamatsu)

About 2 hours 40 minutes
¥4,400 (approx.)

Pros

  • Board at JR Matsuyama Station or Matsuyama City Station
  • Reservations secure a seat

Cons and cautions

  • Limited service makes advance booking necessary

Highway bus “Whale / Nangoku Express” (Matsuyama–Kochi)

About 3 hours
¥4,000 (approx.)

Pros

  • Direct to Kochi with no transfers

Cons and cautions

  • Limited service makes advance booking necessary

Highway bus “Yoshinogawa Express” (Matsuyama–Tokushima)

About 3 hours 30 minutes
¥4,800 (approx.)

Pros

  • Direct to Tokushima with no transfers

Cons and cautions

  • Limited service makes advance booking necessary

JR limited express (toward Takamatsu)

About 2 hours 40 minutes
¥6,000 (approx.)

Pros

  • Frequent and convenient service toward Takamatsu

Cons and cautions

  • Travel to Tokushima and Kochi requires transfers and a detour

Times and fares are approximate (last verified: July 2026). They are subject to change, so please check each operator's official information for current timetables and fares.

TipsLocal tips

Shikoku has extensive mountainous terrain, and some rail journeys require a detour through Kagawa Prefecture (Tadotsu). Direct highway buses are convenient for Tokushima and Kochi. Both highway buses and JR limited express trains are available for Takamatsu, with little difference in journey time.

All highway buses depart from and arrive at stops including JR Matsuyama Station and Matsuyama City Station (stops vary by service). Fares and journey times are estimates, so check each operator’s official website for the latest schedules and fares.