Can I use a Suica card for bullet train?

Shinkansen Travel: Don’t Rely on Your Suica Card

While the Suica card is a convenient and popular way to navigate the Japanese railway system, it’s important to note that it cannot be used for purchasing bullet train tickets (Shinkansen). We recently learned this firsthand during our trip, and were surprised to find out that our Suica cards were not accepted at the ticket machines for Shinkansen travel.

Our initial thought was to simply tap our Suica cards for the journey, as we had been using them successfully for local trains. However, the machines displayed an error message, leaving us scrambling for alternative solutions.

We eventually had to purchase our Shinkansen tickets directly from the station ticket office, where we were thankfully able to pay with a credit card. This experience highlighted the crucial difference between local trains and Shinkansen travel.

Here’s why you can’t use a Suica card for Shinkansen tickets:

• Shinkansen tickets are separate from the local railway network. They are considered a separate service and require dedicated tickets.
• Shinkansen tickets involve higher fares and more complex routing, often requiring reservation and specific seating. Suica cards are primarily designed for shorter journeys and basic fares.

What to do instead:

• Purchase Shinkansen tickets at the station ticket office. This can be done with cash or credit card.
• Use the ticket machines specifically designed for Shinkansen tickets. These machines are readily available at major Shinkansen stations.
• Purchase tickets online through the JR-East website. This allows you to reserve your seats in advance and provides a convenient option, particularly for popular routes.

Remember: If you’re planning a Shinkansen journey, don’t rely on your Suica card for tickets. Be prepared to purchase your tickets separately and explore the available options for booking. This will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip on Japan’s iconic bullet trains!