How to travel between Nara and Kyoto
Two railway companies, JR and Kintetsu, provide train connections between Kyoto and Nara:
By Japan Railways (JR)
Direct, 45 minutes, 710 yen one way, two connections per hour
Miyakoji rapid trains operate every 30 minutes between Kyoto Station and JR Nara Station. The one way trip takes 45 minutes, costs 710 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. For the same fare, the trip could also be made by twice-hourly local trains in 75 minutes.
By Kintetsu Railways
0-1 transfers, 35-45 minutes, 620-1130 yen one way, multiple connections per hour
Twice-hourly limited express trains take about 35 minutes and cost 1130 yen for the one way trip from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station. Alternatively, there are hourly direct express trains that take 45 minutes and cost 620 yen one way. There are additional connections by express trains if you do not mind transferring once at Yamato-Saidaiji Station. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Kintetsu trains.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate,