How to Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Nara sits just 40 km south of Kyoto, making it the classic day trip: about 45 minutes on the JR Miyakoji Rapid (around ¥720) or 35 to 45 minutes on the Kintetsu line. Both are cheap, frequent and easy, so the right choice comes down to where you're staying and whether you hold a JR Pass. Here's exactly how each option works.

Quick comparison

Kyoto to Nara by train

Two railways link Kyoto and Nara:

• JR Nara Line: the Miyakoji Rapid leaves Kyoto Station (platforms 8 to 10) twice an hour and reaches JR Nara in about 45 minutes (around ¥720). Fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Slower local trains also run if you just miss one.
• Kintetsu Kyoto Line: expresses reach Kintetsu-Nara in about 45 minutes (around ¥760); the reserved-seat limited express does it in about 35 minutes for roughly ¥1,910. Kintetsu-Nara Station is a 5 minute walk from Nara Park, closer than the JR station.

The JR route also passes Inari Station, right at the gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, so you can combine the shrine's torii tunnels with Nara in a single day out.

Do you need to reserve a seat?

No. The Miyakoji Rapid and Kintetsu expresses are unreserved commuter-style trains; just tap in with an IC card and board. Only the Kintetsu limited express carries reserved seats, worth it mainly at busy times if you want a guaranteed seat.

First and last trains

Both lines run from around 05:30 until close to midnight, with rapids or expresses at least twice an hour, so a spontaneous half-day trip is never a problem.

How to buy Kyoto to Nara tickets

• IC card (ICOCA, Suica etc.) is easiest: tap in, tap out, no ticket needed.
• Ticket machines at Kyoto Station (English menus available).
• Booking longer journeys too? Check times and book train tickets here.

Travelling with a Japan Rail Pass

If you're making several long journeys, a Japan Rail Pass can save money, but it was repriced in late 2023, so check today's price against your trips first. For this route the pass fully covers the JR Nara Line, including the Miyakoji Rapid and the stop at Fushimi Inari, so pass holders should use JR; the Kintetsu line is not covered. Not sure it's worth it? See our guide to Japan Rail Pass prices and whether it's worth it.

Kyoto to Nara by bus or car

Skip both: the trains are faster and cheaper, and parking near Nara Park is limited and pricey. Driving takes about an hour via Route 24 or the Keinawa Expressway plus tolls.

Luggage tips for Nara

Travel light for the day and leave your cases in Kyoto. Coin lockers at both JR Nara and Kintetsu-Nara stations fit day bags; for bigger moves, takkyubin delivery between hotels is cheap and painless.

So what is the best way to get from Kyoto to Nara?

With a JR Pass, the Miyakoji Rapid is the obvious pick, especially with the Fushimi Inari stop en route. Otherwise Kintetsu edges it for landing closer to the deer park. Either way, it's one of Japan's easiest day trips.

Frequently asked questions