Kintetsu Limited Express operates on routes in the Kansai area. To ride an express train, you need a limited express ticket in addition to a regular passenger ticket. We will show you how to buy and reserve a limited express ticket!
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Kintetsu Railway connects Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, and Aichi, linking a wide range of destinations where travelers can experience Japan’s rich history, beautiful natural landscapes, and distinctive food culture. This content features highlights along the Kintetsu lines, including must‑see sightseeing spots, recommended restaurants and hotels, as well as useful tips to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. The cover photo shows Ago Bay in Mie Prefecture. Known as the birthplace of cultured pearls, the bay is famous for its calm waters and scenic islands, and a leisurely cruise is a wonderful way to take in its tranquil beauty.
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Table of Contents
- What is the Kintetsu Limited Express?
- Release Date for Express Tickets
- How to buy Kintetsu Limited Express tickets
- Combined Ticket (Regular + Limited Express) Now Available as E-Ticket!
What is the Kintetsu Limited Express?
Kintetsu Limited Express trains run on routes such as from Osaka Namba to Nagoya, from Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to Ise-Shima, and from Osaka to Nara. All seats on Kintetsu Limited Express trains are reserved. When using the train, you will need to purchase an express ticket in addition to a regular ticket. You can purchase a ticket by specifying the date of travel, train, carriage, seat, and travel section.
Kintetsu Limited Express also operates comfortable express trains such as The Sightseeing Limited Express"SHIMAKAZE," "AONIYOSHI," and "HINOTORI."
Sightseeing Limited Express"SHIMAKAZE": Travel from Osaka, Kyoto & Nagoya to Iseshima
Sightseeing Limited Express "AONIYOSHI" for Travels Between Osaka, Kyoto & Nara
The Meihan Limited Express "HINOTORI" connecting Osaka & Nagoya, Cheaper than Shinkansen
Release Date for Express Tickets
Limited express tickets go on sale from 10:30 one month prior to the date of travel (the same day of the previous month). The Sightseeing Limited Express"SHIMAKAZE" and "AONIYOSHI" are popular and may be fully booked on weekends and during peak tourist seasons, so we recommend that you make your reservation early once your plans are decided!
How to buy Kintetsu Limited Express tickets
There are three ways to buy express tickets. We will list them in order of recommendation.
①Book and buy online
②Buy at the station ticket counter
3) Buy your ticket from the "Limited Express Ticket Vending Machine" on the station platform.
1. "Ticketless Express Tickets" - Book & Buy online
You can easily reserve and purchase tickets for Kintetsu Limited Express trains online. Select the train you want to ride and make a reservation. Select the date of use and departure time, and then either type in the station name directly or click on the station name on the route map to select the departure or arrival station.
You can choose your preferred seat and change it up to three times free of charge before the train departs.
If you purchase online, you will not be issued a paper ticket, but rather it will be a ticketless express ticket. Payment can only be made by credit card.
2. Purchase at the station ticket counter
You can purchase express tickets at the ticket counters of stations where Kintetsu Limited Express stops. Tell the attendant at the counter which express train you want to board. You can pay by credit card or cash. You can purchase tickets in person, but there is often only one person at the counter, so you may have to wait.
3. Purchase at the "Limited Express Ticket Vending Machine" on the station platform
At stations where Kintetsu Limited Express trains stop, there are ticket vending machines for limited express tickets inside the station ticket gates (inside the station or on the platform). Select the section of the limited express train you want to ride on the screen, and after payment, the limited express ticket will be issued. Payment can be made by cash, credit card, or IC card.
Combined Ticket (Regular + Limited Express) Now Available as E-Ticket!
Sales have begun for easy-to-reserve express train tickets that can be used for travel between Osaka and Nagoya, and between Osaka/ Nagoya and Ise/Kashikojima. You can purchase express train tickets and regular train tickets in a few simple steps.
① Select the train you want to ride from the website below.
② Select your departure and arrival stations, date, time, and number of passengers.
③ Upon purchase, you will receive a QR code (electronic ticket). The QR code cannot be printed. Please be sure to bring your smartphone with you on the day of travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Kintetsu limited express tickets on the day of travel?
Yes. You can purchase tickets on the day of travel via the internet, at station ticket counters, and at station ticket machines. However, "SHIMAKAZE" and "AONIYOSHI" are popular trains with limited service, so if you wish to ride them, we recommend making a reservation as early as possible, starting from the release date (one month before the travel date).
Can I use a credit card when purchasing Kintetsu Limited Express tickets?
Yes. Most common credit cards are accepted (VISA, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, etc.). Online payments are by credit card only.
What is the easiest way to buy a Kintetsu Limited Express ticket?
Purchasing online is the easiest option. You can purchase tickets before your arrival in Japan. We have also started selling electronic tickets that include both express train tickets and regular train tickets for foreign visitors. These tickets are very convenient for travel to Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Ise Shima, so please consider them.
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