All routes · Japan Transportation
How to get from Nara to Kanazawa
Every practical way to travel from Nara to Kanazawa, compared on time, cost and changes.
Nara Station → Kanazawa Station
Your options
Train (Limited Express / Local)
Fastest- Journey time
- 3h
- Typical fare
- ¥8,480
- Changes
- 2
Via Nara → Kyoto → Kanazawa
Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga, then Limited Express Thunderbird
Book tickets on KlookJR Hokuriku Arch Pass (7-day)
Highway Bus
Cheapest- Journey time
- 4h 45m
- Typical fare
- ¥4,920
- Changes
- 1
Via Nara → Kyoto → Kanazawa
Journey times and fares are typical one-way figures for a standard seat, not live quotes. Peak-season, reserved-seat and green-car prices run higher — always confirm at the time of booking.
Some links are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Is a rail pass worth it?
This journey alone comes to about ¥16,960 return, so a nationwide pass will not pay for itself on this trip. A regional pass is the better question — check the one below against your full itinerary.
Frequently asked
- What is the fastest way to get from Nara to Kanazawa?
- Train (Limited Express / Local) — about 3h for a typical fare of ¥8,480.
- What is the cheapest way to get from Nara to Kanazawa?
- Highway Bus — about 4h 45m for a typical fare of ¥4,920.
- How long does it take to get from Nara to Kanazawa?
- Train (Limited Express / Local) — about 3h for a typical fare of ¥8,480.