Ticket - Train - Nara - Kyoto

Q: How to get from Nara to Kyoto by train?

Two main companies operate this route: JR (Japan Railways) and Kintetsu Railways. JR Nara Line: From JR Nara Station, you can take the 'Miyakoji Rapid Service' (快速「みやこ路」) or a local train. These trains arrive at JR Kyoto Station, a major transport hub. This option is generally preferred by Japan Rail Pass holders. Kintetsu Nara Line: From Kintetsu Nara Station, you can take the Kintetsu Nara Line. Most services require a transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji Station for the Kintetsu Kyoto Line, although direct Limited Express trains are sometimes available. Kintetsu Nara Station is located closer to Nara Park and some major attractions like Todai-ji.

Q: What is the ticket price between Nara and Kyoto?

Fares vary slightly depending on the company and type of service: JR Nara Line: A standard ticket for the rapid service costs approximately 720-740 yen. This journey is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Kintetsu Nara Line: The basic fare for an Express train is approximately 620 yen. For a Limited Express, a seat surcharge (approximately 520 yen) is required in addition to the basic fare, bringing the total to approximately 1140 yen. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines or station ticket counters. IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca are accepted on both networks.

Q: What is the difference between the JR and Kintetsu lines?

The main differences between the JR and Kintetsu lines lie in coverage, pricing, and station locations: OperatoJR is the national railway network. Kintetsu is a private company operating primarily in the Kansai region. Stations: JR Nara Station is located slightly west of central Nara. Kintetsu Nara Station is closer to Nara's main tourist attractions, including the deer park. In Kyoto, both companies arrive at adjacent stations within the Kyoto Station complex. Passes: The Japan Rail Pass covers journeys on JR lines. Kintetsu offers its own regional passes which are not included in the Japan Rail Pass. Comfort and services: Both companies offer modern, clean, and punctual trains. Kintetsu's Limited Express generally offers more spacious and numbered seats, guaranteeing a spot.

Q: How long does it take to get from Nara to Kyoto?

Travel time varies depending on the service taken: JR Nara Line (Miyakoji Rapid Service): The journey takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes. Local trains on the same line take about 70 to 75 minutes. Kintetsu Nara Line (Express): With one or two transfers (often at Yamato-Saidaiji), the journey takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes. Kintetsu Nara Line (Limited Express): Direct Limited Express services are the fastest, with a travel time of approximately 35 to 40 minutes. These durations represent effective travel time. We advise you to allow extra time for potential connections and movement within stations.

Adults (+12yo)

Children* (< 12yo)

*the price displayed is for dedicated seats; children under 6 and babies can be seated on adults'lap free of charge.

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Itinerary › Kyoto

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First/last departure

06:00 / 20:00

Distance

999.00 km

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Leaving Nara for Kyoto, you're following the path of Japanese imperial history, as the capital was transferred from Nara to Kyoto in 794. The journey takes between 35 and 50 minutes depending on the chosen train (Express or Local) and takes you from Nara's horizontal, wooden architecture to the futuristic structure of Kyoto Station, one of Japan's largest steel and glass buildings.

Frequently asked questions

Two main companies operate this route: JR (Japan Railways) and Kintetsu Railways.

JR Nara Line: From JR Nara Station, you can take the 'Miyakoji Rapid Service' (快速「みやこ路」) or a local train. These trains arrive at JR Kyoto Station, a major transport hub. This option is generally preferred by Japan Rail Pass holders.
Kintetsu Nara Line: From Kintetsu Nara Station, you can take the Kintetsu Nara Line. Most services require a transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji Station for the Kintetsu Kyoto Line, although direct Limited Express trains are sometimes available. Kintetsu Nara Station is located closer to Nara Park and some major attractions like Todai-ji.

Fares vary slightly depending on the company and type of service:

JR Nara Line: A standard ticket for the rapid service costs approximately 720-740 yen. This journey is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Kintetsu Nara Line: The basic fare for an Express train is approximately 620 yen. For a Limited Express, a seat surcharge (approximately 520 yen) is required in addition to the basic fare, bringing the total to approximately 1140 yen.

Tickets can be purchased at vending machines or station ticket counters. IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca are accepted on both networks.

The main differences between the JR and Kintetsu lines lie in coverage, pricing, and station locations:

OperatoJR is the national railway network. Kintetsu is a private company operating primarily in the Kansai region.
Stations: JR Nara Station is located slightly west of central Nara. Kintetsu Nara Station is closer to Nara's main tourist attractions, including the deer park. In Kyoto, both companies arrive at adjacent stations within the Kyoto Station complex.
Passes: The Japan Rail Pass covers journeys on JR lines. Kintetsu offers its own regional passes which are not included in the Japan Rail Pass.
Comfort and services: Both companies offer modern, clean, and punctual trains. Kintetsu's Limited Express generally offers more spacious and numbered seats, guaranteeing a spot.

Travel time varies depending on the service taken:

JR Nara Line (Miyakoji Rapid Service): The journey takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes. Local trains on the same line take about 70 to 75 minutes.
Kintetsu Nara Line (Express): With one or two transfers (often at Yamato-Saidaiji), the journey takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
Kintetsu Nara Line (Limited Express): Direct Limited Express services are the fastest, with a travel time of approximately 35 to 40 minutes.

These durations represent effective travel time. We advise you to allow extra time for potential connections and movement within stations.

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