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JR pass use on train lines

lilytran
lilytran
about 8 years ago
3 responses

Hi there,

I'm just a bit confused as to what trains I can use the JR pass for. I understand that it covers JR lines and also shinkansen (except Nozomi and Mizhuko). But it says it also covers limited express trains, express trains and local trains. How do I know which limited express trains, express trains and local trains it covers?

So for example, I searched up on Hyperdia my train ride from Kansai airport to JR Namba. One of the suggested routes was to go from Kansai Airport to Tennoji via Limited express haruka 40. And then from there take the JR Yamatoji Line Local to JR Namba. So when it says JR "something" line I know its covered by the JR Pass. But how do I know if the Limited Express Haruka 40 is covered because it doesn't say JR anywhere.

And then there are other routes that says to take it from Kansai Airport to Shinimamiya via Nankai Ltd. Exp. Rapit 2. And from there take the JR Yamatoji Line Rapid Service for JR-NAMBA. Does the JR pass cover Nankai Ltd Express as well since its a limited express?

So my main question is how do I know which limited express trains, express trains and local trains are covered by the JR pass?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Lily

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 8 years ago
Expert

Hi Lily,

We have a very useful map here with all lines covered in Japan. It does not matter if you use a limited express train or local train on these. The JR Pass covers both.

For Hyperdia, make sure the option [Private Railway] is not selected, this way you are always sure that the JR Pass covers the line. The Haruka Express is included too, the Nankai line ever is not. You can also see this from the colors in Hyperdia, JR = Green, while other links are Purple.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

lilytran
lilytran
3 posts
about 8 years ago

Thank you so much for clarifying that Daniel! It's been a great help.
Just another question. We would like to make reservations for some of our train rides. Do you know how much in advance we can actually do this? Once we exchange our vouchers for our JR pass, can we reserve seats for trips that we plan on taking days and weeks later?

Kind regards,

Lily

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 8 years ago
Expert

Hi Lily,

Train reservations can be made starting 1 month in advance of the departure date. Both for JR Pass users and normal tickets.

Hope this helps :)
Daniel

lilytran
lilytran
3 posts
about 8 years ago

Hi Daniel,

You are seriously great! Thank you so much for your help again!

I really appreciate it.

Kind regards,

Lily


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