"Hakone Romancecar" timetable, fares, and how to buy tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Odakyu "Hakone Romancecar," which connects Shinjuku Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station. It covers timetables, fares for representative sections, stops, seating information, how to buy tickets, whether tickets need to be issued, and IC card compatibility. This popular express train provides easy access from central Tokyo to Hakone, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
*The timetable and fares are based on information as of March 14, 2026.
*The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, sales conditions, and purchase methods may change. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before use.
The "Hakone Romancecar" is an Odakyu Electric Railway limited express Romancecar that runs from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station via Odawara Station and the Hakone Tozan Line. Since its service to Hakone-Yumoto began in 1950, it has been a popular limited express train for accessing Hakone from central Tokyo. With 30 trains on weekdays and 39 on weekends and holidays, it has a very high frequency of service, and all seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. Currently, three types of Romancecar trains are used in common, and the train used varies depending on the day.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Train Name | "Hakone Romancecar" |
| Operating Company | Odakyu Electric Railway (Hakone Tozan Railway operates between Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto) |
| Main Operating Sections | Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (via Odakyu Odawara Line and Hakone Tozan Line) |
| Main Starting and Ending Stations | Shinjuku Station / Hakone-Yumoto Station |
| Number of Trains Running | 30 trains on weekdays, 39 trains on weekends and holidays |
| Estimated Travel Time | Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto: Fastest time approximately 75 minutes |
| Seating | All seats are reserved |
Table of Contents
- What is the "Hakone Romancecar"?
- "Hakone Romancecar" Timetable
- "Hakone Romancecar" Operating Sections
- "Hakone Romancecar" Stops
- "Hakone Romancecar" Fares
- How to Buy "Hakone Romancecar" Tickets
- Is a Physical Ticket Required?
- Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?
- "Hakone Romancecar" Seating Information
- Station Bento Boxes and Onboard Gourmet Food on the "Hakone Romancecar"
- Points to Note When Riding the "Hakone Romancecar"
- Summary
What is the "Hakone Romancecar"?
The "Hakone Romancecar" is Odakyu Electric Railway's flagship limited express Romancecar, connecting Shinjuku Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station. Since its service to Hakone-Yumoto began in 1950, it has been a popular mode of transportation for tourists from the Tokyo metropolitan area to Hakone for over 70 years. Currently, it is operated with three types of trains: GSE (70000 series), MSE (60000 series), and EXEα (30000 series), and the GSE has observation seats that can be used without an extra charge.
Train features and popular points
The appeal of the Hakone Romancecar lies in its convenience: you can reach Hakone-Yumoto from Shinjuku in as little as 75 minutes without changing trains. This is more than 30 minutes faster than taking connecting trains, and since all seats are reserved, you are guaranteed a seat even during high season. The observation seats on the GSE (70000 series) are popular seats where you can enjoy the scenery along the route from the driver's cab, and you can even see Mt. Fuji and the Tanzawa Mountains. With the timetable revision in March 2026, the fastest travel time between Shinjuku and Odawara has been restored to 59 minutes.
"Hakone Romancecar" Timetable
*The "Hakone Romancecar" operates several times an hour on both weekdays and weekends/holidays, so there are many services available.
Downbound (towards Hakone-Yumoto) timetable
| Stations Stopped At | Example 1 | Example 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Departing Shinjuku | Morning | Afternoon |
| Departing Machida | ― | ― |
| Arriving Odawara | ― | ― |
| Arriving Hakone-Yumoto | Fastest approx. 75 min | Approx. 80-90 min |
*The stations stopped at, such as Machida, Ebina, Hon-Atsugi, and Isehara, vary depending on the train.
Timetable for northbound trains (towards Shinjuku)
| Stations Stopped At | Example 1 | Example 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Departing Hakone-Yumoto | Morning | Afternoon |
| Departing Odawara | ― | ― |
| Departing Machida | ― | ― |
| Arriving Shinjuku | Fastest approx. 75 min | Approx. 80-90 min |
*This is a representative example.
The "Hakone Romancecar" operates approximately three times per hour and is Odakyu's main limited express train connecting Shinjuku and Hakone-Yumoto. The stations it stops at vary depending on the train, with most stopping at Machida and Ebina stations, or Hon-Atsugi and Odawara stations. Some trains are split and coupled with the "Enoshima Romancecar" at Sagami-Ono station.
Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions
The "Hakone Romancecar" operates daily throughout the year. However, the train used may change due to regular vehicle maintenance. In case of severe weather such as typhoons or heavy snow, service may be suspended on the Odakyu Line or Hakone Tozan Railway Line, so please also check the daily service information.
"Hakone Romancecar" Operating Sections
Main sections
- Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station (Odakyu Odawara Line)
- Odawara Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Railway Line)
Hakone-Yumoto Station is the gateway to Hakone tourism and a transfer point for the Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Tozan Bus, and Hakone Pirate Ship. It is known as the starting point for accessing popular tourist destinations such as Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and Hakone Shrine.
"Hakone Romancecar" Stops
Main stops
- Shinjuku Station
- Machida Station
- Ebina Station (some trains)
- Hon-Atsugi Station (some trains)
- Isehara Station (some trains)
- Odawara Station
- Hakone-Yumoto Station
*The stations stopped at vary depending on the train.
"Hakone Romancecar" Fares
Fares for Representative Sections
| Section | Total Fare (Adult) | Basic Fare | Limited Express Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station | 1,910 yen | 910 yen | 1,000 yen |
| Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station | 2,470 yen | 1,270 yen | 1,200 yen |
*Actual fares may vary depending on the section of travel and the purchase method. Please check the latest fares on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.
Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Surcharge
The fare for the Hakone Romancecar is the sum of the basic fare and the limited express surcharge. The section between Odawara Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station is on the Hakone Tozan Railway line, and the fare of 360 yen for that section is included. Since all seats on the "Hakone Romancecar" are reserved, there is no unreserved seating option. For the same section, the fare is the same regardless of whether the train is operated by the GSE, MSE, or EXEα.
Combination with Hakone Free Pass
For sightseeing in Hakone, combining it with the "Hakone Free Pass" is a great deal. In addition to a round-trip ticket on the Odakyu Line, it allows unlimited rides on the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, ropeway, pirate ship, and buses in the Hakone area. If you use the Romancecar, you will need a separate limited express ticket in addition to the Free Pass.
How to Buy "Hakone Romancecar" Tickets
e-Romancecar (online reservation)
Odakyu Electric Railway's internet reservation service, "e-Romancecar," allows you to purchase ticketless limited express tickets without registering as a member. You can select your seat number using a seat map, and you'll receive a 50 yen discount on the ticketless limited express surcharge when you purchase online. Limited express tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM one month prior to the date of travel.
Ticket Offices and Automatic Ticket Machines
You can purchase limited express tickets at the ticket offices of major Odakyu Line stations and at automatic ticket vending machines dedicated to limited express tickets. If you would like an observation seat, window seat, or child-care support seat, please request it when purchasing your ticket. Observation seats can only be purchased online; reservations are not possible.
Travel Agencies
Some travel agencies also offer package deals that include Romancecar limited express tickets and Hakone Free Passes. Please contact individual travel agencies for details.
How to Purchase for International Visitors
The "Hakone Romancecar" is operated by Odakyu Electric Railway (a private railway company), so the JR Pass cannot be used. There are special tickets available for international visitors, such as the "Hakone Free Pass," but even when using these free passes, a separate limited express ticket is required to ride the Romancecar.
*The types of free passes and purchase conditions are subject to change.
Is a Physical Ticket Required?
Limited express tickets purchased through online services such as e-Romancecar, Romancecar@Club, and EMot can sometimes be viewed electronically on a smartphone screen, allowing you to board without issuing a paper ticket. If you purchase tickets at a ticket office or automatic ticket machine, you will receive a paper ticket before boarding.
Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?
When riding the Hakone Romancecar, you will need separate tickets for the basic fare and the limited express surcharge. Transportation IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used as the basic fare portion on both the Odakyu Line and the Hakone Tozan Railway Line. However, the limited express surcharge cannot be paid using the balance on the IC card; it must be purchased as a separate limited express ticket in advance.
Odakyu Electric Railway offers touch payment services for train fares using credit cards and other payment methods. Supported brands include Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and UnionPay. However, this service is not available at JR transfer gates at Shinjuku, Atsugi, and Fujisawa stations.
"Hakone Romancecar" Seating Information
Seat type (All seats are reserved)
The "Hakone Romancecar" is operated using one of the following train types: GSE (70000 series), MSE (60000 series), or EXEα (30000 series). All seats are reserved. There are no unreserved seats.
| Seat Type | Content |
|---|---|
| General Seats (Reserved) | Rotating reclining seats, power outlets at every seat |
| Observation Seats (GSE trains only) | No extra charge, offers panoramic view from driver's cab |
| Unreserved Seats | None (All seats reserved) |
| Large Luggage Storage Area | Available at car ends (e.g., EXEα) |
Distinctive seating
The observation seats on the GSE (70000 series) are popular seats that allow passengers to enjoy the panoramic front view without any extra charge. Due to the limited number of seats, reservations tend to fill up quickly when booking opens at 10:00 AM one month prior to the travel date. Window seats offer views of Mt. Fuji and the Tanzawa Mountains depending on the direction of travel. The EXEα (30000 series) has power outlets at all seats, and luggage space and barrier-free space are also provided at the car ends. The MSE is a train that can also operate on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and is characterized by its blue body.
Large luggage storage area
The EXEα (30000 series) has luggage space for suitcases. The GSE and MSE also have luggage space at the car ends.
Barrier-free facilities
EXEα now features a newly installed barrier-free space. If you will be using a wheelchair, we recommend contacting the Odakyu Customer Center in advance.
*Details of seating facilities may vary depending on the vehicle used.
Station Bento Boxes and Onboard Gourmet Food on the "Hakone Romancecar"
Since the timetable revision in March 2021, onboard sales service has been discontinued on all Romancecar trains. If you want to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at bento box shops or kiosks around Shinjuku Station or Odawara Station. Around Hakone-Yumoto Station, there are plenty of shops selling Hakone specialties such as onsen manju (hot spring steamed buns).
*Onboard sales are not available. Operating hours for station shops and restaurants may change.
Points to Note When Riding the "Hakone Romancecar"
Since all seats on the "Hakone Romancecar" are reserved, it is recommended to book early if you have decided on your travel dates. Observation seats have a limited number of seats and tend to fill up quickly after reservations open at 10:00 AM one month prior to the travel date, so early arrangements are important. Especially on weekends and holidays, many trains can be fully booked, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized.
Since there is no onboard sales service, please prepare any planned meals before boarding. Some trains split and merge with other Romancecar services at Sagami-Ono Station, so please check your seat number to avoid boarding the wrong car.
Summary
The "Hakone Romancecar" is a limited express train with all reserved seats, offering a convenient, direct journey from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, perfect for sightseeing in Hakone. With frequent service, it's easy to choose a train that suits your itinerary, and depending on the train car, you can enjoy the scenery along the route from the observation seats. A separate limited express ticket is required in addition to the basic fare ticket. It's recommended to reserve your seat in advance through Odakyu's official reservation service or at ticket offices or vending machines, and to prepare drinks and food before boarding if you don't plan to use the onboard sales service.
When traveling from Hakone-Yumoto to the hot spring areas or Lake Ashi, be sure to check the bus and Hakone Tozan Railway schedules upon arrival and plan your sightseeing with plenty of time to spare.
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