Two railways, two stations
You can reach Nara from Kyoto on the Kintetsu line or on JR. The Kintetsu train ends at Kintetsu-Nara, which lies close to Kofukuji and the western side of Nara Park. The JR train ends at JR Nara, a different station further west. From there it is about 15 to 20 minutes on foot to the park and Kofukuji.
For most visitors Kintetsu-Nara is the more convenient arrival point for the park. JR can suit you if you already travel on a JR pass or ticket. All times below are from station to station. Add the walk to the park, ticket queues and waiting time to get a realistic door-to-door estimate.
The routes compared
Adult fares one way, 2026.
| Route | Time | Fare | Arrives at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kintetsu Limited Express | About 35 minutes | JPY 1,280 (JPY 760 fare plus JPY 520 supplement) | Kintetsu-Nara |
| Kintetsu Express | About 46 minutes | JPY 760 fare | Kintetsu-Nara |
| JR Nara Line, Miyakoji Rapid | About 45 minutes | JPY 720 | JR Nara |
Children pay JPY 380 for the Kintetsu fare and JPY 260 for the Limited Express supplement. Check the current timetable before you go, because departure times change from year to year.
Our picks: Nara from Kyoto
Two bus tours that start in Kyoto, and a half-day walk that starts in Nara.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Nara and Uji by bus from Kyoto
Air-conditioned bus with Wi-Fi, guide, Todai-ji and Byodoin entry and a matcha experience in Uji are included. Lunch only comes with certain options; tips and drinks are extra.
Check availability →
Half-day guided walk in Nara
Four hours with a bilingual local guide, all temple and shrine entries included, plus help with shopping. Food, drinks and tips are extra.
Check availability →
Nara by bus from Kyoto
Air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking guide. Todai-ji entry and lunch are included only with the Nara morning tour or the full-day option; drinks are extra.
Check availability →Nara day trips from Kyoto
Guided half-day and full-day tours to Nara that start in Kyoto, with live prices and availability.
How the Kintetsu Limited Express works
Reserved seats and two payments.
Every seat is reserved
The Limited Express has reserved seating only. You need the basic fare ticket and the matching supplement ticket for your seat.
The Aoniyoshi costs more
The special Aoniyoshi service runs on the same line and adds its own charge for the special cars. Do not use its total as the normal Limited Express price.
The Express charges the basic fare
The Express takes about 11 minutes longer than the Limited Express and costs only the basic fare of JPY 760. It is the choice if you do not want to pay the supplement.
JR keeps it simple
The Miyakoji Rapid on the JR Nara Line takes about 45 minutes and costs JPY 720. It is a good choice if your pass covers it, but you arrive at the western station.
A day in Nara after the train
Distances on foot from Kintetsu-Nara.
From Kintetsu-Nara the National Treasure Hall of Kofukuji is about 5 minutes away. The Nara National Museum and the Isuien garden are about 15 minutes away, and Kasuga Taisha is about 25 minutes away, or you can take a bus to Kasuga Taisha Honden. The Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji lies on the way through the park.
Entry to the park is free, and the deer are part of the walk. Read the deer rules before you buy crackers. Admission to the sights is separate. In 2026 it costs, for example, JPY 800 at the Great Buddha Hall, JPY 900 at the Kofukuji hall and JPY 1,200 at Isuien. If you want a fixed plan, the tours page compares your options.
Opening hours to plan your return around
Adult admission in 2026. Plan your last train home with these times in mind.
| Sight | Hours | Adult price |
|---|---|---|
| Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall | 07:30–17:30 from April to October, 08:00–17:00 from November to March | JPY 800 |
| Kofukuji National Treasure Hall | 09:00–17:00, last entry 16:45 | JPY 900 |
| Isuien Garden | 09:30–16:30, entry until 16:00, closed on Tuesdays | JPY 1,200 |
| Yoshikien Garden | 09:00–17:00, entry until 16:30 | Free |
| Kasuga Taisha, main sanctuary visit | 09:00–16:00 | JPY 700 |
Rituals can close parts of Kasuga Taisha on some days, and Isuien has maintenance breaks at the end of December and in the last third of September. A day that starts in Kyoto leaves little slack, so pick two or three stops rather than all of them.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go next.
Getting to Nara Park
Walking times, buses and parking once you are in Nara.
Things to do in Nara
Twelve ideas for your day in Nara.
Best time to visit
Weather, blossom and autumn leaves.
If you start the day in Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari shrine and Kiyomizu-dera have their own guides. This site stays with Nara and the stations that serve it.
Nara from Kyoto: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Kyoto to Nara?
About 35 minutes by Kintetsu Limited Express, about 46 minutes by Kintetsu Express and about 45 minutes by the JR Miyakoji Rapid. These are station-to-station times, so add the walk and waiting time.
How much is the train from Kyoto to Nara?
On the Kintetsu Limited Express an adult pays JPY 1,280 one way in 2026: JPY 760 for the fare and JPY 520 for the supplement. The Express charges the fare only. The JR rapid train costs JPY 720.
Which station is closer to the park, Kintetsu-Nara or JR Nara?
Kintetsu-Nara. It lies near Kofukuji and the western side of the park. JR Nara is further west, about 15 to 20 minutes on foot from the park and Kofukuji.
Do I need a reservation on the Limited Express?
You need a seat, because the Limited Express has reserved seating only. You buy the fare ticket and the supplement for it.
Is a day trip from Kyoto enough?
Yes, for the main route. The sights lie within walking distance of Kintetsu-Nara. Add the travel time in both directions to your plan.