From Tokyo to Nara: How to Travel in 2024, the Fastest and Cheapest Ways

Nara: A Must-Visit Destination in Japan

Photo by Pixta

Nara is a city in the Kansai region known for its scenery reminiscent of ancient Japan. It was built before Kyoto, with temples such as Todaiji now popular sightseeing spots.

While there are various ways to reach Nara from Tokyo, the typical methods are trains, buses, airplanes, and cars. The Shinkansen (bullet train) does not stop in Nara, so visitors must switch to local lines in Kyoto.

This article compares the main transportation methods from Tokyo to Nara, along with information about cost-effective tickets for international visitors, such as the JR West Kansai Area Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass.

How to Travel by Nara: Price Comparison

1. By Shinkansen
2. Connecting to JR Lines
3. By Highway Bus
4. By Plane
5. By Rental Car
6. Cost-Effective Tickets
7. Other Tips

Traveling to Nara by Bullet Train

Photo by Pixta

Those riding the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nara should go to Kyoto and switch to the local lines. There are three types of bullet trains: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama, with Nozomi being the fastest option. Travelers will also have to choose from reserved or non-reserved seats, so look for a ticket that fits your budget and itinerary.

The fare for a Nozomi reserved seat from Tokyo to Kyoto is 14,370 yen (travel time: 2 hours and 10 minutes). A reserved seat ticket on the Hikari costs 14,050 yen (2 hours and 40 minutes) while for the Kodama it's 13,850 yen (3 hours and 40 minutes). *Prices may vary by season.

There are two train stations in Nara. The JR Nara Station is served by the JR Nara Line while the Kintestsu Nara Station is served by the Kintetsu Nara Line. Please head to the station nearest to your destination.

The standard fare from Kyoto Station to JR Nara Station is 720 yen (the ride takes 44 minutes) while the ticket from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station costs 760 yen (50 minutes).

Those who wish to reach Nara faster can take the limited express on the Kintetsu Nara Line; please note that in this case an additional express ticket (520 yen) is needed but the ride takes only 35 minutes.

By using a cost-efficient travel pass like the JR West Kansai Area Pass or Kintetsu Rail Pass, you can save money while exploring the Kyoto - Nara - Osaka area for 3 to 4 days.

Connecting to JR Lines

Photo by Pixta

It is possible to travel from Tokyo to Nara by using local JR lines (trains that are not Shinkansen). The fare starts at 8,300 yen and up.

The travel cost will be much cheaper by using a discount ticket Seishun 18 Kippu, which is a nationwide JR pass that can be used on any JR train except for Shinkansen and limited express trains.

This ticket is sold in spring, summer, and winter, allowing users to ride any JR line for a day. It is marketed as a five-ticket set, priced at 12,050 yen.

Those traveling alone should consider this set if they will use all of the tickets during their trip. With the Seishun 18 Kippu, the ride from Tokyo to Nara on the JR lines will take eight to nine hours, costing 2,410 yen.

Traveling to Nara by Highway Bus

Photo by Pixta

There are highway buses from Tokyo to Nara. Although the travel time takes longer than a Shinkansen, the fare is cheaper.

The price depends on where the bus departs from (i.e., Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station), the vehicle type, and seating configuration. Please look for a ticket that fits your budget and travel needs.

From the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (SEBT), located near Tokyo's Shinjuku Station, the fare is 4,000 to 8,000 yen and takes about nine hours. Willer, a highway bus operator, runs an overnight bus from SEBT to the Gojo Bus Center in Nara.

For further information, take a look at the Willer website.

Traveling to Nara by Plane

There are no direct flights to Nara from Tokyo, so travelers must either head to Itami (Osaka International Airport) or Kansai Airport.

As of October 2024, the roundtrip fare from Haneda to Itami Airport starts from 28,460 yen and up (Japan Airlines). The flight from Haneda to Kansai is 26,210 yen and up (All Nippon Airways). Both flights take about an hour. While the fare is expensive compared to other transportation methods, there are various discounts.

Low-cost carriers (LCC) fly from Narita to Kansai Airport, and the flight takes about an hour and a half. Although the fare varies according to the time and date of departure, LCCs are cheaper than JAL or ANA.

From the airport, travelers must head to Nara by bus or train. The ride takes two to three hours.

Click Here to Book Flights on Skyticket

Rental Cars for Those Who Love Driving

From Tokyo to Nara, the highway fare is 6,290 yen with a discount if you're using the electronic toll collection system. The distance spans 450 kilometers, and the cost of gasoline should be added to the fare.

The overall cost will be more expensive and take longer than other transportation methods. But it is an attractive option for those who have time or are interested in traveling in a camping car with friends.

MATCHA is currently offering a 10% discount coupon for rental cars, so please take advantage of this offer.

Click Here for 10% Discount off Nippon Rent-A-Car services

Nippon Rent-A-Car has sales offices at Itami and Kansai airports and in Nara as well. Those who want to drive around the area should take a look!

Cost-Effective Tickets

Photo by Pixta

Various railroad companies are offering discount tickets for international visitors.

For example, you can used the 7-day JR Hokuriku Arch Pass to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto via Kanazawa, then the JR West Kansai Area Pass or Kintetsu Rail Pass to explore the area around Kyoto - Osaka, including Nara, for several days.

The only thing you need to be careful about is that each pass can be used only on the train lines of a specific railway company. In order words, you cannot ride the Kintetsu Line with a JR pass.

The Kintetsu Rail Pass also offers reserved seat discounts on the Shimakaze and Kuroshio (limited express trains), along with the Urban Liner (rapid service). This is a pass forinternational visitors, so be sure to check the Kintetsu website for details.

Other Tips

Photo by Pixta

Nara, a city with a rich history, boasts several sightseeing spots.

The most convenient route from Tokyo to Nara is the Shinkansen. With the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass, travelers can save money, while traveling around comfortably. Those who have time should consider using a highway bus or book a rental car.

Each transportation method has its merits. Please use this article as a guide when searching for a route that best suits your trip. Since it only takes an hour by train to reach Osaka or Kyoto from Nara, it might be fun to tour the area!

This is an updated version of an original article published in August 2016.