How early should I arrive for Shinkansen?

Plan Your Shinkansen Arrival Time for Optimal Comfort

When traveling on Japan’s high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains, the timing of your arrival at the station can greatly impact your comfort during the journey. The required arrival time varies depending on the type of ticket you hold.

Reserved Seats:

• For reserved seats, which guarantee you a specific seat assignment, arriving just before the train’s departure is sufficient.
• This gives you ample time to board and locate your seat without having to rush.

Non-Reserved Seats:

• Non-reserved tickets, on the other hand, do not provide a guaranteed seat.
• To ensure you secure a seat, it is essential to arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before the train’s departure.
• This allows you to line up in the designated area for non-reserved seating and have a good chance of getting a seat.

Consequences of Late Arrival for Non-Reserved Seats:

• If you arrive at the station less than 15 minutes before departure, you risk not obtaining a seat.
• In such cases, you will have to stand for the duration of your journey, which can be uncomfortable, especially on longer routes.

To avoid disappointment and ensure a comfortable Shinkansen experience, it is highly recommended to adhere to the arrival times based on your ticket type:

• Reserved Seats: Arrive just before departure.
• Non-Reserved Seats: Arrive 15 minutes before departure.

By planning your arrival accordingly, you can maximize your comfort and enjoy a pleasant journey on Japan’s renowned bullet trains.