Is it cheaper to buy return Shinkansen?

Save Money on Shinkansen Travel: Opt for Separate One-Way Tickets

When planning your travels in Japan, the iconic Shinkansen bullet train is an indispensable mode of transportation. While it may seem convenient to purchase a round-trip ticket for each leg of your journey, this approach can significantly increase your expenses.

Contrary to popular belief, round-trip Shinkansen tickets do not offer any discounts or bundled benefits. In fact, they are simply double the price of a single-journey ticket. This means that purchasing individual one-way tickets for each segment of your trip is invariably more economical.

How to Maximize Savings

To optimize your savings, always opt for separate one-way tickets. Here’s a breakdown of the cost comparison:

• Round-trip ticket: Twice the price of a single-journey ticket
• Two one-way tickets: Equivalent to the cost of a single-journey ticket

By choosing one-way tickets, you effectively cut the cost of your Shinkansen travel in half. This strategy is particularly beneficial for longer distances or multiple legs of travel.

Additional Considerations

While purchasing separate one-way tickets is the most economical option, it’s important to note that it may involve more flexibility in your travel plans. You may need to make reservations for each leg of your journey separately, which could potentially impact your schedule.

However, the cost savings outweigh the inconvenience for most travelers. By opting for individual one-way tickets, you can significantly reduce your transportation expenses while still enjoying the speed and efficiency of the Shinkansen.