Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information for the “HOMEWAY ROMANCECAR”

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Odakyu Electric Railway's “HOMEWAY ROMANCECAR” limited express train, which connects Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station, Fujisawa Station, and Karakida Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative routes, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This reserved-seat limited express train operates during the evening rush hour, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.

“HOMEWAY” is the name given to the Odakyu Electric Railway's limited express Romancecar trains that operate at night on southbound routes. These trains depart from Shinjuku Station from evening to night on weekdays, catering to commuters returning home towards the Odawara, Fujisawa, and Karakida areas. All seats are reserved, so a limited express ticket (seat reservation) is required to ride. Since passengers are guaranteed a seat, it is used by commuters and students returning home. As it is a train that operates at night, it is characterized by being primarily used by commuters rather than tourists. Odakyu's Romancecars are also known for using unique cars, such as those equipped with observation seats.

What is “HOMEWAY”?

“HOMEWAY” is the name of an Odakyu Romancecar train, chosen to mean "going home." Since the introduction of the SE series train in 1957, the Odakyu Romancecar has been a beloved symbol of the Odakyu Electric Railway. Currently, trains such as the GSE (70000 series), EXEα (30000 series), and MSE (60000 series) are used. “HOMEWAY” is generally the name given to southbound trains departing Shinjuku Station in the evening hours. Northbound trains and daytime trains are given different names such as “Hakone,” “Sagami,” and “Enoshima.”

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of “HOMEWAY” lies in the fact that you can travel with guaranteed seating during commuting hours. Since all seats are reserved, you can travel comfortably with a seat secured even during busy hours. The express fare is set relatively affordably, making it easy to incorporate into your daily travel. The GSE (70000 series) is known as a Romancecar with front observation seats and is a popular train among railway enthusiasts. The MSE (60000 series) is a blue-bodied train that is also compatible with direct operation to the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Some trains offer free Wi-Fi service, allowing you to make effective use of your travel time. From the windows at night, you can enjoy the night view that changes from the skyscrapers of Shinjuku to the suburban cityscape. Odakyu Romancecars have left a significant mark on the history of Japanese express trains, with the SE series train, which debuted in 1957, winning an international railway award. The body of the GSE (70000 series) is painted in a vivid vermillion color called rose vermillion. The seats are arranged to match the large windows, making it easy to enjoy the scenery. Express train fares are set according to the distance traveled, and are reasonably priced for short distances.

“HOMEWAY” Timetable

* “HOMEWAY” operates mainly at night.

Downbound (towards Odawara Station) Timetable

Timetable for northbound trains (towards Shinjuku Station)

“HOMEWAY” is a southbound train that operates in the evening and at night, so there are no example timetables for northbound trains from Odawara Station to Shinjuku Station.

The “HOMEWAY” service operates in the evening and night hours on southbound routes. It does not operate in the morning or during the day, so please check the departure time from Shinjuku Station and destination on the Ekitan website for your travel date. The number of trains, destinations, and stops may differ between weekdays and weekends and holidays.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The “HOMEWAY” train service has different operating frequencies and routes on weekdays and weekends and holidays. It operates as a nighttime southbound train and does not run during the morning or daytime hours. Destinations vary (Odawara area, Fujisawa area, and Karakida area), so it's necessary to check the destination before boarding.

“HOMEWAY” Operating Sections

Main Sections

• Shinjuku Station to Sagami-Ono Station (Odakyu Odawara Line)
• Sagami-Ono Station to Odawara Station (Odakyu Odawara Line)
• Sagami-Ono Station to Fujisawa Station area (Odakyu Enoshima Line)

Odawara Station, the terminal station of the “HOMEWAY”, is the closest station to Odawara Castle. From Odawara, you can transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway and head towards Hakone. From Fujisawa Station, you can transfer to the Enoshima Electric Railway and access Enoshima and Kamakura. The area around Hon-Atsugi Station is known as a starting point for hiking in the Tanzawa Mountains. Hadano Station is used for its famous spring water in Tanzawa and as a trailhead for Mount Oyama. The area around Machida Station is one of the central areas in northern Kanagawa Prefecture, with many commercial facilities. The area around Karakida Station is a residential area of Tama New Town. Shinjuku Station is a huge terminal station served by the Odakyu Line, as well as JR lines and various subway lines. From the keep of Odawara Castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Sagami Bay and the city of Odawara. Enoshima can be accessed from Fujisawa Station by the Enoshima Electric Railway, where you can enjoy a stroll along the seaside. Mount Oyama can be accessed by bus from Hon-Atsugi Station and other locations, and you can take a cable car up to the middle of the mountain.

“HOMEWAY” Train Stops

Main Stops

• Shinjuku Station
• Machida Station
• Sagami-Ono Station
• Ebina Station
• Hon-Atsugi Station
• Hadano Station
• Odawara Station

“HOMEWAY” Fares

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Surcharge

The fare for “HOMEWAY” is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. Odakyu's limited express surcharge is set in stages according to the distance of the journey. Since all seats are reserved, the limited express surcharge includes seat reservation. The basic fare is calculated according to the distance of the journey, and the limited express surcharge is set in stages for each section. Child basic fares and child limited express surcharges are set at approximately half the adult fare. Private railway limited express surcharges are set according to the journey section and do not fluctuate with high season and off-season like JR. The fare is divided into the “basic fare” for the journey to the destination itself and the “limited express surcharge” for riding the limited express train. Note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare ticket, as you must purchase both.

When using a free pass

Even when using special tickets such as the Hakone Free Pass, a separate limited express surcharge is required to ride the Romancecar. The free pass only includes the basic fare; the limited express surcharge is not included. This is an important point to keep in mind when using the Romancecar.

How to Buy Tickets for “HOMEWAY”

Romancecar@Club (Internet Reservation)

Odakyu Electric Railway's internet reservation service, “Romancecar@Club,” allows you to purchase limited express tickets using a credit card. e-Romancecar can be used without membership registration, while Romancecar@Club requires membership registration. In both cases, purchased limited express tickets can be used ticketlessly. Limited express tickets go on sale one month before the date of travel. When making a reservation, you specify the date of travel, section of travel, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. In addition to credit cards, cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after reservation are subject to conditions and fees.

Station Ticket Offices and Limited Express Ticket Vending Machines

You can purchase limited express tickets at ticket vending machines and ticket offices at major Odakyu stations. Ticket offices can get crowded during commuting hours, so it's convenient to book online in advance. Many ticket vending machines support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies handle Odakyu Railway's special tickets and travel packages to the Hakone area.

How to Purchase for Foreign Tourists

The “HOMEWAY” train is operated by Odakyu Electric Railway and is therefore not covered by the JR Pass. Odakyu Electric Railway offers special tickets for foreign tourists, but in all cases, the limited express surcharge for the Romancecar is required separately. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for foreign tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Do I Need to Get a Physical Ticket?

With the “Romancecar@Club” ticketless service, you can board without receiving a paper ticket. If you purchased your ticket at a station ticket machine or ticket office, you will need to carry a paper limited express ticket with you when you board. If you do receive a paper ticket, it is best to pick it up well in advance of your departure, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?

While you can use transportation IC cards such as PASMO and Suica on the Odakyu Line, only the basic fare portion is covered. Limited express surcharges cannot be paid using the IC card balance, so you must purchase a limited express ticket in advance. It's common to use an IC card in combination with a ticketless limited express ticket. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their service area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

Seating Information for “HOMEWAY”

Seat Types

The “HOMEWAY” service operates with all reserved seating. The trains used are Romancecar trains such as the GSE, EXEα, and MSE. When making a reservation, you may be able to choose between a window seat or an aisle seat. If you wish to sit together with your travel companion, making a joint reservation will make it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating

The GSE (70000 series) is most notable for its panoramic front seats, made possible by the placement of the driver's cab on the second floor. These seats are very popular and often sell out immediately after tickets go on sale. The EXEα (30000 series) is a train with a calm interior designed with commuter use in mind, offering high capacity. The MSE (60000 series) is a train that can operate directly on subway lines and is characterized by its blue body. Some trains have power outlets at each seat, allowing passengers to charge their devices while traveling. On evening southbound trains, the city lights flowing past the windows create a gentle end to the day. Tables are provided at the seats, allowing passengers to enjoy light meals on board. Window seats are suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it is recommended to check the seat location and make a reservation in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Some train cars have luggage racks at the ends. Please use those for large suitcases.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Some train cars have wheelchair-accessible seating. If you plan to use this service, we recommend contacting Odakyu Electric Railway in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on “HOMEWAY”

“HOMEWAY” does not offer in-car sales services. Previously, some Romancecar trains offered a service called a cafe, but this is no longer available. It is recommended to purchase drinks and snacks at shops within Shinjuku Station premises before boarding. There are many shops around Shinjuku Station that sell ekiben (station bento boxes) and prepared foods. At Odawara Station, you can purchase Odawara's famous kamaboko (fish cake) and ekiben made with local seafood. Odawara kamaboko is known as a traditional specialty product that has been around since the Edo period. At Shinjuku Station, you can purchase a wide variety of bento boxes and prepared foods, giving you the pleasure of choosing before boarding. If you eat or drink on board, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors to ensure a pleasant experience. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans inside the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding “HOMEWAY”

The “HOMEWAY” train has all reserved seats, so you cannot board without purchasing a limited express ticket. Since the destinations are divided into the Odawara area, Fujisawa area, and Karakida area, be sure to check your destination before boarding. As it is a train that runs during commuting hours, it may sell out quickly, especially on Friday nights. Even if you are using a special ticket such as the Hakone Free Pass, the limited express surcharge is required separately. Observation seats are particularly popular and may sell out immediately after going on sale. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since there is no onboard service, be sure to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Seats are assigned, so check the car and seat number on your ticket to avoid mistakenly sitting in someone's seat. Checking the day's service status on a train information website like Ekitan before boarding will help you react calmly to delays or cancellations.

Summary

“HOMEWAY” is a limited express Romancecar train operated by Odakyu Electric Railway in the evening and night hours heading southbound. Its biggest appeal is that all seats are reserved, guaranteeing a seat even during commuting hours. It also offers the opportunity to ride in unique Romancecar cars, including the GSE's front-facing observation seats.

Enjoy a comfortable journey with “HOMEWAY,” a great way to end your day.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service “Ekitan,” and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.