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How to get from Kanazawa to Nara
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tsuruga, the Thunderbird limited express to Kyoto, and a Kintetsu or JR train to Nara, about 2 h 45 to 3 h 30 in total. Driving on the expressways takes about 3 h 30.
Best option: Train. The Shinkansen and limited express combination is the fastest and simplest way, with easy changes.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Hokuriku Shinkansen Kanazawa–Tsuruga, Thunderbird limited express Tsuruga–Kyoto, then Kintetsu Kyoto Line to Kintetsu-Nara or JR Nara Line to JR Nara | about 2 h 45 to 3 h 30 including changes | Shinkansen and Thunderbird about every 30–60 minutes; Kyoto–Nara trains very frequent | about ¥8,000–10,000 | At Tsuruga the change from Shinkansen to Thunderbird is designed to be quick; follow the signs. |
| car Hokuriku Expressway and Meishin Expressway towards Kyoto, then south to Nara (about 260 km) | about 3 h 30 | fuel plus expressway tolls of roughly ¥6,000–7,000 | Parking near Nara Park is limited at weekends and in autumn. | |
| bus Highway bus from Kanazawa to Kyoto or Osaka, then a train to Nara | about 5–6 h | several a day, including overnight | about ¥4,000–7,000 plus the train | Cheaper but much slower; book in advance. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Kintetsu-Nara station is closer to Nara Park and the deer than JR Nara.
- A Japan Rail Pass covers the JR legs but not Kintetsu; use the JR Nara Line if relying on the pass.
- Consider staying in Kyoto and visiting Nara as a half-day trip.
- Reserve seats on the Thunderbird at busy times such as Golden Week and autumn weekends.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Kanazawa to Nara?
No. Since the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Tsuruga in 2024, the fastest route is Shinkansen to Tsuruga, Thunderbird limited express to Kyoto, then a train to Nara. The whole trip takes about 2 h 45 to 3 h 30 with two changes. Check current timetables for exact connections.
Does the Japan Rail Pass cover Kanazawa to Nara?
The JR legs, Shinkansen to Tsuruga, Thunderbird to Kyoto and the JR Nara Line, are covered by the national Japan Rail Pass. The Kintetsu line from Kyoto to Nara is not, although it is slightly quicker and arrives closer to Nara Park. Regional JR West passes may also cover part of the route.
How long is the drive from Kanazawa to Nara?
About 3 h 30 for about 260 km via the Hokuriku and Meishin Expressways, with tolls of roughly ¥6,000–7,000. Traffic around Kyoto can add time. Parking near Nara's main sights fills at weekends, so use a car park a little outside the centre.
Is there a cheaper option than the train?
Highway buses from Kanazawa to Kyoto or Osaka cost less, about ¥4,000–7,000, but take longer, and you then need a train to Nara. Overnight buses save a hotel night. Book in advance, especially at weekends and in holiday periods, when seats sell out.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.