Multiple Yamatoji rapid trains operate every hour between Osaka (JR Osaka Station) and Nara (JR Nara Station). The one way trip takes 45 minutes, costs 820 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The train also stops at Osaka's Tennoji Station (30 minutes, 510 yen one way).
By limited express, the one way trip from Osaka-Namba Station to Nara (Kintetsu Nara Station) takes about 30 minutes and costs 1200-1300 yen. By express, it takes just a few minutes longer, but costs only 680 yen. Trains also stop at Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Kintetsu trains.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Osaka has two major city centers and four major train stations. The two city centers are nicknamed Kita ("North") around Osaka/Umeda Station and Minami ("South") around Namba Station. While Kita is a large shopping and business area, Minami is Osaka's most famous entertainment district.
JR Osaka Station is located in the center of the Kita district. Two other railway companies and three subway lines have their own stations in the vicinity of JR Osaka Station. Note that some of them are named after the Umeda district rather than Osaka. The shinkansen trains stop not at Osaka Station, but at Shin-Osaka Station, one station north of Osaka Station by JR train.
In the Namba area (Minami), four railway companies (JR, Nankai, Kintetsu and Hankyu) and three subway lines have their separate stations, all named Namba Station. The fourth of Osaka's major railway stations is Tennoji Station in the southeast of central Osaka. It is served by JR, Kintetsu Railway, the Hankai Tramway and two subway lines.
The city of Osaka is served by over seven different railway and subway companies. Most relevant to foreign visitors of Osaka are the subway lines and the lines operated by JR West. The lines operated by the other private railway companies are useful for accessing neighboring cities and regions.
See also our separate page about the various passes available for the Greater Osaka Region.
The prepaid IC card available in Osaka is called Icoca. It does not give you any discounts over regular tickets, but it makes the process of taking trains easier, as you do not always need to buy a ticket before riding a train. Icoca cards can be purchased through ticket machines at JR stations. Local non-JR railway companies offer their own IC card, called Pitapa; however, Pitapa is a postpaid card that works more like a credit card and cannot be used by tourists.
Icoca can be used on most trains and buses in the Greater Osaka region (and many other major cities in Japan). Additionally, eight other IC cards from other major cities of Japan can also be used on the trains and buses of Greater Osaka, including Suica, Pasmo, Kitaca, Toica, Manaca, Sugoca, Nimoca and Hayakaken.
The Kansai One Pass is a special version of Icoca exclusively for foreign tourists that additionally qualifies for discounts at various attractions in the Kansai Region. It is available for sale at Kansai Airport and major railway stations in the Kansai Region.
Furthermore, the following 1-day passes are available for the Osaka area:
The following passes cannot be used on transportation, but they provide discounted admission to selected sightseeing spots in Osaka:
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