The Best Ways to Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Nara is famous for its ancient temples, friendly deer, or serene parks, and it's a popular place to visit from Kyoto. The distance between Kyoto and Nara is around 43 km (27 miles).

You could choose to use a railway line (JR Nara Line and Kintetsu Kyoto Line), drive a car, or take a taxi from Kyoto to Nara.

In this guide, we'll look at the best ways to travel from Kyoto to Nara, exploring the most convenient options to fit your preferences and budget.

1. Taxi: Comfortable and Flexible

Taxis and private transfers (see 3. below) are the most convenient and comfortable means of travel. They take about an hour or 1½ hours to reach Nara, depending on traffic. Also, they can be the best alternative if you do not mind the cost of using the service.

Kyoto taxis come in three sizes: kogata (small), chugata (medium size), and ogata (large size). Four people can fit into a kogata taxi comfortably, while five people can fit into a chugata or ogata. These medium and large taxis have additional leg-space.

Taxi fares typically range from about US$2–3 for the first 1–2 kilometers (about 1 mile) and increase by around 80–100 yen (about ½ a dollar) for every additional 200–400 meters traveled. That's a total of US$86–129 from Kyoto to Nara.

The advantages of taxis are their convenience, comfort, and flexibility. With a taxi, you can arrange door-to-door service and a private travel experience from your hotel. Also, you can travel on your own schedule without worrying about timetables.

2. By Train: The Fastest and Cheapest Option

Using a train (Japan Railway) is the most common and economical way to travel from Kyoto to Nara, and vice versa. There are two main train lines connecting the two cities: The JR Nara Line and the Kintetsu Nara Line.

Which Line Is Better?

For those looking for a faster traveling option between Kyoto and Nara, we would recommend using the Kintetsu Limited Express on the Kintetsu–Kyoto Line. This line starts on the south side of JR Kyoto Station, crossing the Kansai region to reach Kintetsu Nara Station. There are only four stops in between Kyoto and Nara stations.

An overview of the Kintetsu–Kyoto Line:

• Trains: Limited Express and Express
• Duration: about 35 minutes for Limited Express; about 45 minutes for Express:
• Cost: About US$5 for Regular Fare; About additional US$3 for Limited Express Fare

You can use the Kintetsu Route & Fare Finder to find the best train to book.

With two-hourly departures, the West-JR Nara ride takes approximately 55 minutes. This train stops at 15 stations before arriving at Nara Station.

An overview of the West-JR Nara Line:

• Train: Limited Express/Express and Special Rapid Services/Rapid Services (Miyakoji Rapid Service)
• Duration: Rapid service takes about 50 minutes
• Cost: about US$5 for Basic Fare; about US$2 for Children

You can use the JR West Timetable, Route & Station Maps, and Fare Finder to search for departure times or find the best routes.

Train Schedules

If you want to use the Kintetsu Limited Express, you should know that it offers the fastest and most comfortable ride with reserved seating and overhead racks. However, you'll need a separate limited express ticket plus the base fare.

The Kintetsu Express is an ordinary regular express service with frequent departures. It is an ideal train ride if you want to balance speed and cost.

The Miyakoji Rapid Service which is operated by JR West, offers its most direct and fastest trains. You do not need to reserve a seat because it operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

Finally, the JR Rapid and Special Rapid Services are slower than the Miyakoji Rapid service. Departures are slightly more frequent, but with stops at additional stations.

How to Buy Train Tickets

The Kintetsu Rail Pass would give you unlimited rides on the Kintetsu Railway network, with validity from one to five days.

To purchase tickets, go to JR Kyoto Station, accessible via various subway lines. Proceed to the JR Nara Line platforms, which are well signed in English. Purchase your tickets from the vending machines, which have an English interface, or from the counter.

If you have a JR Pass, you will just need to show it to the station staff for validation.

Here is a summary table of JR Pass prices

Should You Purchase Tickets in Advance / Reserve Seats?

We recommend buying a JR Pass before traveling to Japan. They are efficient if you plan on taking multiple train rides. The JR Pass is a discount pass for travel on Japan Railways (JR) rail lines and is one of the best value deals for touring the entirety of Japan.

Without a JR Pass, you can buy a ticket from the vending machines at Kyoto Station. The machines have English language options. After buying your ticket, validate it at the yellow machines before entering the platform. Those without a JR pass may choose to take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line from the south side of JR Kyoto Station in a similar way.

Some visitors even purchase prepaid IC cards such as Suica or Pasmo for cashless convenience in train stations and convenience stores when entering Japan.

Which Station to Use in Kyoto and How to Board Your Train

When traveling from Kyoto to Nara, the station to use is Kyoto Station for both the Kintetsu–Kyoto Line and Nara Line.

If you have your ticket ready, follow the signs and information on the boards to find the appropriate platform for the JR Nara Line or the Kintetsu Line in the same station.

Note that you should leave at least 10 minutes before departure to find your platform and check train schedules, especially if you're catching a train during peak hours. Find your train car and seat noting reserved and non-reserved seating, using the luggage racks above the seats for carry-on items as necessary.

Can I Take a Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara?

Absolutely! Nara, about 43 km from Kyoto, offers many attractions that you can easily enjoy within a day. We recommend a day trip from Kyoto to Nara if you are interested in Japan's rich cultural heritage without the hassle of finding lodgings.

Traveling from Kyoto to Nara is convenient because of the frequent and efficient train services like the JR Nara Line and the Kintetsu Kyoto Line. Once you arrive, you can explore Nara's highlights and return to Kyoto the same day.

You could begin your morning by visiting Nara Park to see the friendly deer. Then, go to Todaiji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, and lastly visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine to experience its enchanting atmosphere.

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• 12-Day Japan Tour: Tokyo, Okinawa, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara
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