24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Buying Train Tickets
Traveling around Japan by train is super convenient, but buying tickets can feel a little daunting if you don’t know the language. No worries—these 24 essential Japanese phrases will make your ticket-buying experience smooth and stress-free.
Whether you’re hopping on a local train or the famous Shinkansen, knowing the right phrases will help you sound polite and confident. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with locals and enjoy your journey even more.
From casual to formal expressions, we’ve got you covered with phrases that fit every situation at the ticket counter or machine. Learning a few key words can boost your confidence and make your trip more enjoyable.
We’ll break it down into easy chunks, so you can practice and remember without feeling overwhelmed. Soon enough, buying your train ticket in Japan will feel like second nature.
Learning these phrases isn’t just about language—it’s about embracing the culture and feeling empowered to explore with ease. Every phrase here is practical and ready to use.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the must-know Japanese phrases for buying train tickets!
Getting Started with Train Tickets
Before diving into the phrases, it’s good to know a bit about the ticket buying process in Japan.
Most stations have vending machines and ticket counters. You’ll often need to specify your destination and ticket type, and sometimes the time. Simple phrases go a long way here.
Understanding basic ticket-related vocabulary helps you ask the right questions and avoid confusion.
Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.
With these phrases, you’ll quickly spot the words you need and feel comfortable interacting with staff or machines.
Practice these little steps, and buying your ticket will become a breeze in no time.
Part 1: Casual Suggestions
1. きっぷをください (Kippu o kudasai) – “Ticket, please”
This is the most basic and friendly way to ask for a ticket.
“きっぷ” (kippu) means “ticket,” and “ください” (kudasai) means “please give me.” Just point to your destination or say this phrase to keep it simple.
Perfect for beginners who want to be polite but straightforward.
It’s a phrase you’ll use over and over again, so getting comfortable with it is key.
If you want to be more specific, you can add your destination after “きっぷ.”
Start here, and you’ll feel ready to take on more detailed questions soon!
2. ○○まで (…made) – “To (destination)”
Use this to tell where you want to go.
Simply say the station name followed by “まで” (made), which means “to.” For example, “しんじゅくまで” (Shinjuku made) means “to Shinjuku.”
This is super easy and helps staff know exactly which ticket you need.
Don’t forget to pronounce the station name clearly for better understanding.
One common mistake is to forget “まで,” which can confuse your destination.
Try practicing with popular station names to get comfortable using this phrase.
3. いちまい (Ichimai) – “One ticket”
Use “いちまい” (ichimai) to specify you want one ticket.
“まい” (mai) is a counter for flat objects like tickets, and “いち” (ichi) means one.
It’s a neat way to tell the clerk or machine how many tickets you need.
Counting correctly is important to avoid buying too many or too few tickets.
You can replace “いち” with other numbers like “にまい” (nimai) for two tickets.
Using counters like this is common in Japanese, so it’s a useful skill beyond ticket buying.
4. せいふく (Seifuku) – “Student discount”
If you’re a student, this is the phrase to mention.
“せいふく” (seifuku) means “uniform,” but for discounts, say “がくせいわりびき” (gakusei waribiki), which means “student discount.”
Asking about discounts can save you money.
Don’t forget to bring your student ID for verification.
A common mistake is assuming discounts are automatic—always ask!
It’s a good phrase to know if you qualify, so don’t hesitate to use it.
5. かいすうけん (Kaisūken) – “Multiple-use ticket”
This phrase refers to tickets you can use multiple times, like commuter passes.
“かいすう” (kaisū) means “number of times,” and “けん” (ken) means “ticket.”
It’s handy if you plan to travel the same route often.
Asking for this can save money in the long run.
Make sure to specify your route or station when asking for these tickets.
Knowing this phrase helps you explore cost-effective options.
6. じどうけんばいき (Jidō kenbaiki) – “Ticket vending machine”
This is the term for the ticket machines you’ll often use.
“じどう” (jidō) means “automatic,” “けん” (ken) is “ticket,” and “ばいき” (baiki) means “machine.”
Knowing this helps you ask for help if the machine confuses you.
Don’t hesitate to ask staff for guidance by saying “じどうけんばいきはどこですか？” (Where is the ticket vending machine?).
Avoid frustration by learning to spot and use these machines confidently.
It’s a useful term for independent travelers.
7. えき (Eki) – “Station”
“えき” (eki) means “station.”
You’ll use this word all the time when specifying destinations or asking for directions.
Combine it with the station name, like “とうきょうえき” (Tokyo Eki) for Tokyo Station.
It’s a simple but essential word for train travel in Japan.
Remember to listen for this word when announcements are made at stations.
Mastering this word helps you navigate train travel with ease.
8. のりば (Noriba) – “Platform / boarding area”
“のりば” (noriba) means “platform” or “boarding area.”
You might see signs with this word pointing to where you board your train.
Knowing this helps you avoid confusion and find your train quickly.
It’s also helpful to ask, “のりばはどこですか？” (Where is the platform?).
Avoid missing your train by getting familiar with this word.
It’s a small word with big importance for smooth travel.
Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions
9. 切符を買いたいです (Kippu o kaitai desu) – “I want to buy a ticket”
This is a polite way to express your intention to buy a ticket.
“切符” (kippu) means “ticket,” “買いたい” (kaitai) means “want to buy,” and “です” (desu) adds politeness.
It’s great for formal situations or when you want to show respect.
Using polite forms makes interactions smoother and more positive.
You can also add your destination after this phrase for clarity.
Good politeness practices can open doors to friendly exchanges.
10. すみません、○○までの切符はいくらですか？ (Sumimasen, … made no kippu wa ikura desu ka?) – “Excuse me, how much is a ticket to…?”
This phrase is polite and very useful to ask ticket prices.
“すみません” (sumimasen) means “excuse me,” “○○までの切符” (…made no kippu) means “ticket to…,” and “いくらですか？” (ikura desu ka) means “how much is it?”
It helps you check prices before buying.
Be sure to use the correct station name in the blank.
A common mistake is skipping “すみません,” which can sound abrupt.
Try this phrase to get used to polite conversations at the station.
11. 指定席をお願いします (Shiteiseki o onegaishimasu) – “Reserved seat, please”
Use this when you want to reserve a specific seat.
“指定席” (shiteiseki) means “reserved seat,” and “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) is a polite request.
Perfect for Shinkansen or limited express trains.
It ensures you have a guaranteed seat during busy travel times.
Don’t forget to specify your desired train or time if needed.
This phrase shows good manners and helps avoid seat troubles.
12. 普通席をください (Futsūseki o kudasai) – “Regular seat, please”
This phrase is for asking for a non-reserved, regular seat.
“普通席” (futsūseki) means “regular seat,” and “ください” (kudasai) means “please give me.”
It’s useful when you don’t need a reserved seat but still want a ticket.
Make sure to distinguish between reserved and regular seats to avoid confusion.
Using this shows you understand the seating options.
It’s a polite, straightforward phrase for everyday ticket buying.
13. 片道 (Katamichi) – “One-way”
“片道” (katamichi) means “one-way” ticket.
Use this word when you only need a ticket for a single trip without a return.
It helps specify your ticket type clearly.
Don’t confuse it with “往復” (ōfuku), which means “round-trip.”
Knowing this distinction saves you money and hassle.
It’s a small but important part of buying the right ticket.
14. 往復 (Ōfuku) – “Round-trip”
“往復” (ōfuku) means “round-trip.”
Use this when you want to buy tickets for both directions at once.
It’s convenient and sometimes cheaper than two one-way tickets.
Make sure you’re clear when asking to avoid only getting one-way tickets.
Try pairing this with your destination for smooth communication.
It’s a smart phrase for planning your journey efficiently.
15. 子供料金 (Kodomo ryōkin) – “Child fare”
This phrase means “child fare” or ticket price for kids.
Use it if you’re traveling with children to ask about their ticket prices.
“子供” (kodomo) means “child,” and “料金” (ryōkin) means “fee” or “charge.”
Staff will know to charge the correct discounted price.
Don’t forget to specify age if needed to avoid confusion.
It’s handy for families traveling by train.
16. 予約したいです (Yoyaku shitai desu) – “I want to make a reservation”
Use this phrase when you want to reserve tickets ahead of time.
“予約” (yoyaku) means “reservation,” “したい” (shitai) means “want to do,” and “です” (desu) adds politeness.
It’s helpful for busy travel periods or special trains.
Be prepared to provide details like date, time, and destination.
Reservations help secure your seat and avoid last-minute crowds.
Using this phrase shows you’re organized and polite.
Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions
17. 切符ちょうだい (Kippu chōdai) – “Give me a ticket”
This is a very casual and direct way to ask for a ticket.
“ちょうだい” (chōdai) means “give me,” used informally among friends or in casual settings.
It’s best used with close friends or in comfortable situations.
Be careful not to use this with strangers or in formal settings.
It’s a fun phrase to recognize but use with caution.
Great for sounding like a local when the mood’s right!
18. どこ行くの？ (Doko iku no?) – “Where are you going?”
A casual phrase you might hear from locals or friends.
“どこ” (doko) means “where,” “行く” (iku) means “go,” and “の？” (no?) makes it a question.
It’s useful for informal conversations about travel plans.
Use it with people you know or in relaxed environments.
It’s a natural part of everyday Japanese speech.
Learning this helps you understand casual chat at stations.
19. これでいい？ (Kore de ii?) – “Is this okay?”
A casual way to confirm your ticket or choice.
“これ” (kore) means “this,” “で” (de) is a particle meaning “with,” and “いい？” (ii?) means “is it good?”
Great for double-checking you got the right ticket.
Use it in relaxed conversations with staff or friends.
It shows you care about accuracy but keeps things light.
It’s an easy phrase that fits many situations.
20. まっすぐ行って！ (Massugu itte!) – “Go straight ahead!”
Use this casual phrase when giving or asking for directions.
“まっすぐ” (massugu) means “straight,” and “行って” (itte) means “go.”
It’s useful for navigating large stations or finding platforms.
Helpful to understand station staff or locals giving quick directions.
Short and easy to remember for travelers on the go.
It’s a handy phrase for moving around confidently.
21. 乗り換えはどこ？ (Norikae wa doko?) – “Where is the transfer?”
“乗り換え” (norikae) means “transfer” or “change trains.”
Use this phrase to ask where to switch lines.
“は” (wa) marks the topic, and “どこ？” (doko?) means “where?”
It’s useful in complex train stations with multiple lines.
Don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure about your route.
Knowing how to ask this helps you avoid getting lost.
22. 急行ありますか？ (Kyūkō arimasu ka?) – “Is there an express train?”
“急行” (kyūkō) means “express train,” and “ありますか？” (arimasu ka?) means “is there?” or “do you have?”
Ask this if you want to find faster train options.
It’s handy when you’re in a hurry and want to avoid local trains.
Make sure to listen carefully to the staff’s response.
Using this phrase can save you time on your trip.
It’s a quick way to check your travel options.
23. この電車は○○に行きますか？ (Kono densha wa … ni ikimasu ka?) – “Does this train go to…?”
Use this phrase to confirm the train’s destination.
“この電車” (kono densha) means “this train,” “は” (wa) marks the topic, “○○に” (…ni) means “to …,” “行きますか？” (ikimasu ka?) means “does it go?”
It’s useful if you’re unsure if you’re boarding the right train.
Helpful to avoid getting on the wrong train in busy stations.
Always double-check if the destination matches your plans.
It’s a smart phrase to stay confident and safe.
24. おつりをください (Otsuri o kudasai) – “Please give me my change”
Once you pay, use this phrase to request your change politely.
“おつり” (otsuri) means “change (money),” and “ください” (kudasai) means “please give me.”
It’s polite and expected when paying cash.
Don’t forget to ask if you want to avoid confusion or missing your change.
It’s a simple phrase that shows good manners.
Using this helps wrap up your ticket purchase smoothly.
Concluding Thought
Learning these 24 essential phrases is a fantastic step toward feeling confident and comfortable buying train tickets in Japan. Each phrase opens up smoother communication and a better travel experience.
Whether you prefer casual talk, polite requests, or native-like expressions, these phrases fit all occasions and help you navigate stations like a pro.
So go ahead, practice a bit, and enjoy your adventures on Japan’s amazing train system with a smile!