A pneumatic radial tire comprises a carcass comprising an inner and outer plies, a belt comprising at least one ply of cords laid at an angle of from 0 to 35 degrees with respect to the tire circumferential direction, and a rubber bead apex disposed in each bead portion. The outer carcass ply comprises a main portion extending continuously between the bead portions, and a pair of turnup portions each turned up around a bead core from the axially inside to outside of the tire. The inner carcass ply is disposed inside and adjacent to the main portion and extending at least from the tread portion to the bead portions. The inner carcass ply is not wrapped around the bead core, and the radially inner end thereof is located radially inward of the radial outer end of the bead apex.