How to Get from Kyoto to Nara by Train: JR vs Kintetsu & 4 Easy Options on the Kintetsu Line
📢 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog! → Privacy Policy
Have you ever found yourself confused at Yamato-Saidaiji Station (大和西大寺), unsure whether to get off the train — or stay on? You're not alone. I live in Nara and ride this Kintetsu line about twice a month — and almost every time, I see tourists having trouble with the train transfer on the way from Kyoto to Nara. That's exactly why I've put together this complete guide — so you can travel with confidence and enjoy every moment of your time in Nara.
So, please utilize this guide and enjoy your trip to Nara!
JR or Kintetsu? Which Train Is Better from Kyoto to Nara
There are two railway lines from Kyoto to Nara: JR (the Nara Line) and Kintetsu (the Kyoto Line). To put it simply, Kintetsu is the better choice for sightseeing. I live in Nara myself, and I have taken JR from Kyoto to Nara only once.
| Kintetsu Limited Express | Kintetsu Express | JR Miyakoji Rapid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fare | ¥1,280 (¥760 fare + ¥520 Limited Express ticket) | ¥760 | ¥720 |
| Travel time | Approx. 35 min. | Approx. 45 min. | Approx. 47 min. |
| Direct trains (daytime) | 1–2 per hour | About 2 per hour | 2 per hour |
| Limited Express ticket | Required (all seats reserved) | Not needed | Not needed |
| Arrives at | Kintetsu Nara Station | Kintetsu Nara Station | JR Nara Station |
※ Checked in September 2026 against the official Kintetsu and JR West timetables (weekday daytime). Please check the latest information before your trip.
- A better arrival station for sightseeing: From Kintetsu Nara Station, you can walk to Nara Park, Kofukuji Temple, and Todaiji Temple. JR Nara Station is about 20–30 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station (see details).
- More trains: Including trains that require a transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji Station, Kintetsu runs about 7 trains per hour toward Nara during the day. The JR Miyakoji Rapid runs every 30 minutes.
- Travel time: The JR Miyakoji Rapid (approx. 47 min.) takes about the same time as the Kintetsu Express (approx. 45 min.). If speed is your priority, choose the Kintetsu Limited Express (approx. 35 min.).
From here on, this guide shows you how to get to Nara by Kintetsu, step by step with photos.
Step 1 — From Kyoto Station (Shinkansen) to Kintetsu Kyoto Station
If you've just arrived at Kyoto Station by Shinkansen (bullet train), follow these steps to reach Kintetsu Kyoto Station:
Step 2 — Buying Your Ticket at Kintetsu Kyoto Station
Before passing through the ticket gate, purchase your ticket at the Automatic Ticket Vending Machine.
- Regular fare (Kintetsu Kyoto → Kintetsu Nara): ¥760
Once through the ticket gate, check the Departure Guide on the information board to find your train.
Limited Express vs. Express: Your 4 Train Options from Kyoto to Nara
※ Fares and travel times were checked in September 2026 and are subject to change. Please check the latest information before your trip.
Depending on the time of day and your schedule, you have four options. See the comparison table below for a quick overview.
The "Limited Express" (Tokkyu / 特急) and the "Express" (Kyuko / 急行) sound similar, but they are different trains. The Limited Express requires a Limited Express ticket (¥520, all seats reserved) in addition to the regular fare. The Express can be ridden with the regular fare (¥760) only.
← Swipe the table sideways to see all 4 options →
| 1st Choice ★ Recommended | 2nd Choice | 3rd Choice | 4th Choice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train type | Limited Express (Tokkyu / 特急) | Express (Kyuko / 急行) | Express (Kyuko / 急行) | Limited Express (Tokkyu / 特急) |
| Destination (train bound for) | Kintetsu Nara Stn. | Kintetsu Nara Stn. | Kashiharajingu-mae (transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji) | Kashiharajingu-mae (transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji) |
| Regular fare | ¥760 | ¥760 | ¥760 | ¥760 |
| Limited Express ticket | ¥520 | Not required | Not required | ¥520 (Kyoto → Yamato-Saidaiji) |
| Total cost | ¥1,280 | ¥760 | ¥760 | ¥1,280 |
| Transfer required? | No transfer needed | No transfer needed | YES Transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji Stn. | YES Transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji Stn. |
| Travel time (incl. transfer) | Approx. 35 min. | Approx. 45 min. | Approx. 52 min. total (40 min. to Yamato-Saidaiji + 5–7 min. transfer + 5 min. to Nara) | Approx. 42 min. total (30 min. to Yamato-Saidaiji + 5–7 min. transfer + 5 min. to Nara) |
* The Limited Express ticket can be purchased at the Automatic Ticket Vending Machine on the station platform.
1st Choice (Recommended) — Limited Express (Tokkyu / 特急): Direct & Fastest
The easiest, quickest, and most comfortable option is the Limited Express (Tokkyu / 特急) train, which runs directly to Kintetsu Nara Station with no transfer needed.
- DestinationKintetsu Nara Station (direct — no transfer!)
- Extra Ticket RequiredLimited Express ticket — ¥520
- Total Cost¥760 + ¥520 = ¥1,280
- Travel TimeApprox. 35 minutes
Purchase the Limited Express surcharge ticket (¥520) at the Automatic Ticket Vending Machine on the platform — not at the main ticket gate.
However, if you are traveling with large luggage, I recommend the Express rather than the Limited Express. (→ Traveling with Large Luggage)
2nd Choice — Express (Kyuko / 急行): Direct, Budget-Friendly & No Limited Express Ticket Needed
If the Limited Express is not available at your departure time, the Express (Kyuko / 急行) train to Kintetsu Nara Station is your next best choice. It also runs directly to Nara with no transfer needed and no extra charge.
- DestinationKintetsu Nara Station (direct — no transfer!)
- Extra Ticket RequiredNone
- Total Cost¥760 (regular fare only — no surcharge)
- Travel TimeApprox. 45 minutes
3rd Choice — Express (Kyuko / 急行) toward Kashiharajingu-mae: Transfer Required
If neither of the above trains is available, you can take the Express (Kyuko) train bound for Kashiharajingu-mae. This option requires a little attention — you will need to transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji Station.
- Destination of Train You BoardKashiharajingu-mae
- Transfer AtYamato-Saidaiji Station (大和西大寺)
- Total Cost¥760 (regular fare only — no surcharge)
- Travel TimeApprox. 52 minutes in total (Kyoto → Yamato-Saidaiji: approx. 40 min. / Transfer: 5–7 min. / Yamato-Saidaiji → Nara: approx. 5 min.)
4th Choice — Limited Express (Tokkyu / 特急) toward Kashiharajingu-mae: Transfer Required
Depending on the timetable, you may also find a Limited Express (Tokkyu) train bound for Kashiharajingu-mae. Like the 3rd Choice, this also requires a transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji Station.
- Destination of Train You BoardKashiharajingu-mae
- Transfer AtYamato-Saidaiji Station (大和西大寺)
- Extra Ticket RequiredLimited Express ticket — ¥520 (for the Kyoto → Yamato-Saidaiji leg only)
- Total Cost¥1,280
- Travel TimeApprox. 42 minutes in total (Kyoto → Yamato-Saidaiji: approx. 30 min. / Transfer: 5–7 min. / Yamato-Saidaiji → Nara: approx. 5 min.)
Note for subway users: If you are coming by subway from Kyoto, you can transfer to the Kintetsu Line at Takeda Station.
How to Transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji Station (For 3rd & 4th Choice Riders)
If you chose the 3rd or 4th option, here is how to transfer smoothly at Yamato-Saidaiji Station:
By the way, as the station name suggests, there is a temple called Saidaiji right by Yamato-Saidaiji Station (→ No.002 Saidaiji Temple). And on the way from Yamato-Saidaiji to Kintetsu Nara, the train runs right through the Heijo Palace Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (→ No.009 Heijo Palace Site). Enjoy the view from the window!
Traveling with Large Luggage (Suitcases)?
I ride this line twice a month, and here is my advice for travelers carrying large luggage.
- If you're staying in Kyoto and visiting Nara as a day trip: It's better to leave your large luggage at your hotel in Kyoto, or at a station baggage storage service or coin locker, and travel light.
- If you're moving with large luggage, for example because you're staying in Nara: I can't recommend the Kintetsu Limited Express. Unfortunately, it has very little space for large suitcases like the ones many overseas visitors carry. The Express has more space, so I recommend taking the Express instead.
Important! Kintetsu Nara vs. JR Nara — Don't Mix Them Up!
Please be careful: Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station are two completely different stations, located about 20–30 minutes apart on foot. If you take the Kintetsu Line as described in this guide, you will arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station — and that's actually the better starting point for sightseeing!
Famous Sights Near Kintetsu Nara Station
Kintetsu Nara Station puts you within easy walking distance of Nara's most iconic spots:
🦌 Nara Park
Home to hundreds of freely roaming wild deer — one of Japan's most unique natural experiences.
🏯 Kofukuji Temple
Famous for its stunning Asura statue, one of the most celebrated Buddhist sculptures in Japan.
⛩ Todaiji Temple
Housing the awe-inspiring Great Buddha of Nara — the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world.
🏮 Kasuga Grand Shrine
Known for its beautiful moss-covered stone lanterns and serene forest atmosphere.
Enjoy Your Trip to Nara! 🌸
We hope this guide helps you travel from Kyoto to Nara with ease and total peace of mind. No more confusion at Yamato-Saidaiji Station! Have a wonderful time exploring the ancient and beautiful city of Nara.