1. What kind of ticket do I need to board a train?

• A basic fare ticket is required for boarding.
• In order to board a Limited Express, a limited express ticket is required in addition to a basic fare 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.
• For reserved seats, a reserved seat ticket is required in addition to a basic fare ticket and limited express ticket.

Ticket Types

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 Formation (Example)

Long Distance (Sapporo - Kushiro, etc.) Limited Express Train

Short Distance (Sapporo - Asahikawa, etc.) Limited Express Train

Local/Rapid Train (Some trains have reserved seats)

Car Types of Limited Express Train

There are two types of car: Ordinary and Green.

The difference between Ordinary and Green cars is…

Green cars have wider seats for a more comfortable and relaxing trip.

Reserved Seat

Because the date, train, departure time, arrival time, and seat number are determined, a seat is guaranteed.

Non-reserved Seat

You may sit in any vacant seat of a Non-reserved car (on the date of your choosing). Because a seat cannot be reserved, you may be unable to sit if the train is crowded.

Passenger Classification