basic information

How to travel between Nara and Kyoto

By Japan Railways (JR):

Miyakoji rapid trains (kaisoku) operate every 30 minutes between Kyoto Station and JR Nara Station. The one way trip takes 45 minutes and costs 690 Yen. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on these trains.

By Kintetsu Railways:

Twice hourly departing limited express trains (tokkyu) take about 35 minutes and cost 1,110 Yen for the one way trip from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station.

By hourly departing direct express trains (kyuko), the one way journey takes about 45 minutes and costs 610 Yen. There are more frequent connections by express trains, if you do not mind transferring once at Yamato-Saidaiji Station.

The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Kintetsu trains.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current Yen exchange rate, click here.
 

Orientation

Nara is served by two railway companies, Kintetsu Railways and JR West. The Kintetsu Station is an underground station just a few steps from Kofukuji and Nara Park, while the JR Station is a 15-20 minute walk west of Kofukuji and the park. A network of city buses connects the two stations with all sites of interest.

Many of Nara's top attractions are found in the centrally located Nara Park and can be visited on foot. The great temples Toshodaiji, Yakushiji and Horyuji, however, stand several kilometers outside of central Nara and are best accessed by bus or train.

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