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How to get from Hiroshima to Nara
Take the Sanyo Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka (about 1 h 30 on the fastest trains), then a JR or Kintetsu train to Nara, about 3 h in total. Continuing via Kyoto with the Kintetsu Limited Express takes a similar time.
Best option: Train. The Shinkansen covers most of the distance in under 90 minutes, and frequent local trains finish the trip to Nara.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, then JR via Osaka to Nara on the Yamatoji Line (Yamatoji Rapid) | about 2 h 45 to 3 h | frequent | about ¥11,000–12,500 | The JR route is covered by the Japan Rail Pass (Nozomi needs an extra ticket). |
| train Shinkansen to Kyoto, then the Kintetsu Limited Express or Express to Kintetsu-Nara | about 2 h 45 to 3 h 15 | frequent | about ¥12,000–13,500 | Kintetsu-Nara station is closer to Nara Park than JR Nara. |
| bus Highway buses from Hiroshima to Osaka, then a train to Nara | about 6 to 7 h | several a day, including overnight | about ¥5,000–7,000 plus the train | Cheapest but much slower. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Kintetsu-Nara is a few minutes' walk from Nara Park; JR Nara is about 20 minutes' walk away.
- Leave large luggage in coin lockers at Shin-Osaka or Kyoto if passing through.
- Arrive in Nara early to see the deer park and Todai-ji before tour groups.
- Many travellers base themselves in Osaka or Kyoto and visit Nara from there.
Common questions
How long does it take from Hiroshima to Nara?
About three hours by train: around one and a half hours on the fastest Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, then about an hour on JR trains to Nara via Osaka. Going via Kyoto and the Kintetsu line takes a similar time and arrives closer to Nara Park.
Is there a direct train from Hiroshima to Nara?
No. Nara is not on the Shinkansen network, so you change at Shin-Osaka or Kyoto. From Shin-Osaka, JR trains run to Nara via Osaka station; from Kyoto, Kintetsu and JR trains run to Nara. Changes are straightforward and well signposted in English.
Does the Japan Rail Pass cover Hiroshima to Nara?
Yes, if you use JR trains all the way: Hikari or Sakura Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, then JR lines to JR Nara. Nozomi and Mizuho trains need an additional ticket with the pass. The Kintetsu line from Kyoto is a private railway and is not covered.
What is the cheapest way from Hiroshima to Nara?
Highway buses to Osaka followed by a train to Nara are cheapest, roughly ¥6,000–8,000 in total, but take six hours or more. Overnight buses save a hotel night. The Shinkansen costs more but takes only about three hours door to door. A rail pass can make the train better value.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.