Nara travel guide
Getting Around Nara: Transport Guide
From Kyoto to Nara, take the Kintetsu limited express (35 minutes, ¥680) to Kintetsu Nara Station, which is closest to the park, or the JR Nara Line (45 minutes, ¥720) to JR Nara Station, covered by the JR Pass. Both run constantly through the day, so no advance booking is needed.
Arriving in Nara
Nearest airport: Kansai International (KIX) or Osaka Itami (ITM) — both about 90 minutes away
From KIX, the airport limousine bus reaches Nara in about 90 minutes (¥2,100), or take the Nankai/JR trains with one change. Most visitors arrive overland from Kyoto or Osaka instead.
Getting around Nara
- Kintetsu Nara Station is the most convenient — 45 minutes from Kyoto or Osaka-Namba, closest to the park
- JR Nara Station is a 15-minute walk further from Nara Park but covered by the JR Pass
- The city is very walkable; a loop bus (¥100) links the stations, park and major temples
- Bicycles are a pleasant way to reach outlying temples like Horyu-ji
Also in kansai
how to get around Nara — FAQs
How do I get from Kyoto to Nara?
From Kyoto to Nara, take the Kintetsu limited express (35 minutes, ¥680) to Kintetsu Nara Station, which is closest to the park, or the JR Nara Line (45 minutes, ¥720) to JR Nara Station, covered by the JR Pass. Both run constantly through the day, so no advance booking is needed.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.