Rail Passes & Tickets
Types of Tickets
- A basic fare ticket is required for boarding any trains.
- In order to board a Limited Express, a limited express ticket is required in addition to a basic fare ticket.
- For reserved seats on a Limited express, a reserved seat ticket is required in addition to a basic fare ticket and limited express ticket.
- All seats on the Ltd. Exp. Hokuto, Ltd. Exp. Suzuran, Ltd. Exp. Ozora, and Ltd. Exp. Tokachi are reserved. For taking the train, a reserved seat limited express ticket or a vacant seat only ticket is required in addition to a basic fare ticket.
Types of Tickets
| Train Types in Hokkaido | Stops | Car & Seat Type | Ticket(s) Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local train Rapid train |
Every station Skips some stations |
All seats non-reserved (Except sightseeing trains) |
|
| Semi-rapid/Rapid/Special Rapid Airport |
Skips some stations | Non-reserved |
|
| Reserved |
+ 
|
||
| Limited express train 1 | Major stations | Non-reserved |
+ 
|
| Reserved |
+ 
|
||
|
Green car (Only on some trains) |
+ 
+ 
|
||
|
Limited express train 2 (All seats reserved) Hokuto, Suzuran, Ozora, Tokachi |
Major stations | Ordinary car |
+
or
+ ★Vacant seat only ticket |
|
Green car (Except Suzuran) |
+
+
|
||
| Shinkansen | Shinkansen stations | Ordinary car |
+
|
| Green car |
+
+
|
||
| Gran Class |
★Vacant seat only ticket: A ticket sold only for the Ltd. Exp. Hokuto, Ltd. Exp. Suzuran, Ltd. Exp. Ozora, and Ltd. Exp. Tokachi. You need to decide the boarding date and section but not train and seat number. Any vacant seats (only in ordinary cars) on your desired train can be used. However, if a passenger with a reserved seat ticket for that seat comes, you need to move to another seat.
The price of the vacant seat only ticket is the same as that of the reserved seat limited express ticket. If you decide the boarding time before boarding, you can reserve a seat without additional charge by reserved seat ticket vending machine etc. (Only if there are vacant seats)
You need to stand if seats are full. (Refunds cannot be made for the reason that seats are full)
Car Types of Limited Express Train
There are two types ̶ Ordinary Cars and First-class cars (Green Cars).
The difference between Ordinary cars and First-class cars (Green Cars)
Compared to Ordinary Cars, First-class cars (Green Cars) offer more spacious seating, allowing you to have a more comfortable and relaxing trip.
Ordinary Car
First-Class Car (Green Car)
Spacious seating
Reserved Seat
The date, car, time of departure and arrival and seat number are arranged in advance, so you are guaranteed seating.
Non-Reserved Seat
You can ride at any time of your choosing in a Non-reserved seat car, with seating depending on availability (ticket must be used on the same day of purchase). As there is no designated seating, seating may potentially be unavailable during crowded times.
Passenger Classification
| Adult | Age 12 and older |
|---|---|
| Child | Age 6 – 11 |
| Baby | Age 1 – 5 |
| Infant | Less than 1 year old |
Fares for Children
Childrens' Basic fare, Limited express, Express and Reserved seat tickets are 50% of the adult price (rounded down by 10 yen or less). Childrens' First-class car (Green Car), Berth, and numbered boarding tickets at boarding are the same price as adult tickets.
Fares for Babies and Infants
Babies and infants travel for free, except tickets in the following cases:
- When three or more babies accompany one adult or child (tickets are required for the third and any additional babies).
- When a baby or infant occupies his or her own reserved seat, Green Car seat, berth, etc.
- When a baby travels alone.
- When a baby travels in a tour group.