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Question about train fares

Luana
Luana
about 8 years ago
13 responses

Hi, I need to ask you a question about train fares. On your advice since I will not travel around the country extensevely, I will not buy the JR Pass but I am a little bit confused about two type of fares. For example, on a train from Shinjuku to Tobu-Nikko there is the train fare (1940 Yen) and aside the fare for reserved seat (2060 Yen). Is it complusory to get also the reserved seat; can I get only the fare without it? I know that with JR Pass the reservation are free but since I will not have it I wonder whether I have to pay also the reserved seat fare. Thank you.

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

I guess you find these prices in Hyperdia? Here you should always look at the total. This consists of the Fare and the Seat fee. You will always pay both these on limited express trains and shinkansen.

Local trains don't have a seat fee.

Then there is a fee for reserving a seat, this is optional and usually costs between 200-800yen.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Luana
Luana
13 posts
about 8 years ago

Thank you Daniel, very helpful. Yes I saw it in Hyperdia. So on top of fare and seat fee is there also a fee for reserving a seat? Since you are expert, can you tell if the purchase of a ticket for a train with seat fee must be done in advance or if it is possible just before the departure of the train? Much appreciated your help.

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 8 years ago
Expert

The general advise I can give you here is: A non reserved seat is fine if you get on the train from the first station but seat reservations are almost needed if you do so at a later served station.

Luana
Luana
13 posts
about 8 years ago

Ok thank you. But is it possible for trains that require a seat fee to buy the ticket very shortly to the train departure? Let's say that the train from Shinjuku to Nikko leaves at 7,30; can I buy the ticket with reserved seat fee just before departure (i.e. half an hour before leaving?). Probably the anser is depending on avaiability...? Thank you

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 8 years ago
Expert

Generally its no problem to buy tickets, though in the weekend and holidays it is better to buy tickets 1-2 days in advance.

Luana
Luana
13 posts
about 8 years ago

Thank you Daniel-san, I can't wait to be there (1 month to go.... )! :)


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