Limited Express "Shonan" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR East Limited Express "Shonan" commuter train, a service connecting Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station with Odawara Station. It includes timetables, fares for major sections, stations served, seating information, how to buy tickets, whether tickets need to be issued, and IC card support status. This reserved-seat limited express train operates during weekday commuting hours, and this article organizes key points to check before use.
*The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, ticket sales conditions, and purchase methods may change. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before use.
The Limited Express "Shonan" is a JR East limited express train connecting Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station with Odawara Station. It was newly established in the March 2021 timetable revision, upgrading the previously operating Home Liner trains "Shonan Liner," "Ohayo Liner Shinjuku," and "Home Liner Odawara," which operated under a seat-reservation ticket system. It is operated using E257 series trains and is an all-reserved-seat limited express train that operates during weekday morning and evening commuting hours. While these Liner trains could be boarded with only seat-reservation tickets, the upgrade to the Limited Express "Shonan" has transformed it into a new seating service where all seats can be reserved in advance. Category Content Train Name Limited Express "Shonan" Operating Company JR East Main Operating Sections Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station and Hiratsuka Station (JR Tokaido Line) Main Origin/Destination Stations Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station / Odawara Station and Hiratsuka Station Number of Services Weekdays only, a total of a dozen or so trains in the morning and evening (no service on weekends and national holidays) Estimated Travel Time Tokyo to Odawara: Approx. 1 hour Seating All seats are reserved (Ordinary Car Reserved Seats and Green Car). 
Table of Contents
- What is the Limited Express "Shonan"?
- Limited Express "Shonan" Timetable
- Limited Express "Shonan" Operating Sections
- Limited Express "Shonan" Stations Served
- Limited Express "Shonan" Fares
- How to Buy Tickets for the Limited Express "Shonan"
- Is Ticket Issuance Required?
- Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?
- Limited Express "Shonan" Seating Information
- Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Food on the Limited Express "Shonan"
- Points to Note When Riding the Limited Express "Shonan"
- Summary
What is the Limited Express "Shonan"?
The Limited Express "Shonan" is a JR East commuter limited express train connecting Tokyo and Shinjuku with Odawara and Hiratsuka. It began operation with the timetable revision on March 13, 2021, as the successor to the long-loved Home Liner trains "Shonan Liner," "Ohayo Liner Shinjuku," and "Home Liner Odawara." The train uses the same E257 series train as the Limited Express (Odoriko), and is designed to provide a comfortable service for commuters to and from work while seated. As a commuter limited express train, it specializes in seated service and does not have onboard sales or entertainment features found on tourist trains, but it is supported by commuters who seek guaranteed seating and a comfortable journey.
Train Features and Popular Aspects
A major feature of the Limited Express Shonan is that, unlike conventional Liner trains, which had all unreserved seats, all seats are now reserved. Passengers can reserve a seat in advance to guarantee their seating, or they can choose an "unreserved seat ticket" to use any available seat without a reservation. The seats on the E257 series trains are equipped with power outlets by the window seats, allowing passengers to charge their smartphones and laptops during their commute. In addition, the fare system is clearly organized even for short-distance sections, making it easy to understand for commuters using commuter passes.
Limited Express "Shonan" Timetable
*The Limited Express Shonan operates only on weekdays; it does not operate on Saturdays, Sundays, or during the New Year holidays.
Southbound (for Hiratsuka and Odawara) Timetable
| Stations Served | Example (Evening Southbound Service) |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Dep. | Evening |
| Shinagawa Dep. | ― |
| Yokohama Dep. | ― |
| Odawara Arr. | Approx. 1 hour later |
*Southbound services mainly operate during the evening commuting hours.
Northbound (for Tokyo and Shinjuku) Timetable
| Stations Served | Example (Morning Northbound Service) |
|---|---|
| Odawara Dep. | Early Morning - Morning |
| Yokohama Dep. | ― |
| Shinagawa Dep. | ― |
| Tokyo Arr. | Approx. 1 hour later |
*Northbound services mainly operate during the morning commuting hours.
The Limited Express Shonan primarily operates on weekday mornings with northbound services (from Odawara and Hiratsuka towards Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shinagawa) and weekday evenings with southbound services (from Tokyo towards Odawara and Hiratsuka). Some services may take a route that bypasses Yokohama Station and uses the Tokaido Freight Line. Please note that the schedule is concentrated during commuting and return-home hours, and there are no services during the daytime or late at night.
Important Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions
The Limited Express Shonan operates only on weekdays; it does not operate on Saturdays, Sundays, or national holidays. Even on weekdays, there may be service suspensions due to timetable changes during high seasons, so please check the operating days carefully.
Limited Express "Shonan" Operating Sections
Main Sections
- Tokyo Station to Odawara Station
- Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station
- Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station to Hiratsuka Station
Odawara Station is the gateway to Hakone tourism and is close to Odawara Castle and Odawara Fishing Port. Hiratsuka Station is close to the Shonan coast and is known for its Tanabata Festival. This route is useful not only for commuting but also for weekday sightseeing and business trips. Fujisawa Station is known as a base for Enoshima tourism and is a convenient train for travelers taking a weekday afternoon off.
Limited Express "Shonan" Stations Served
Main Stations Served
- Tokyo Station
- Shinjuku Station
- Shinagawa Station
- Yokohama Station
- Fujisawa Station
- Hiratsuka Station
- Odawara Station
*The stations served vary depending on the service.
Limited Express "Shonan" Fares
Fares for Major Sections
| Section | Total Fare (Adult, Estimated) | Basic Fare Ticket | Limited Express Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station to Odawara Station (Ordinary Car Reserved Seat) | 2,620 yen | 1,600 yen | 1,020 yen |
| Tokyo Station to Ofuna Station (Ordinary Car Reserved Seat) | 1,670 yen | 910 yen | 760 yen |
*Limited Express Fares vary depending on the operating kilometers: 760 yen for up to 50km, 1,020 yen for up to 100km, and 1,580 yen for up to 150km. The fare is the same throughout the year and does not vary by season.
Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Fare
The Limited Express Shonan fare is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express fare. The limited express fare is divided into three tiers according to the operating kilometers (up to 50km, 100km, and 150km) and remains the same throughout the year. There are no unreserved seats in ordinary cars; either a reserved seat limited express ticket or an unreserved seat ticket is required. Some trains have Green Cars, but due to its origin as a commuter liner, many passengers choose the less crowded ordinary car reserved seats.
Unreserved Seat Ticket and Green Car
Unreserved seat tickets can be purchased for the same price as reserved seat limited express tickets, and after boarding, you can use the vacant seat with the red lamp above the seat. If you wish to use a Green Car, you must reserve a seat in advance; unreserved seat tickets are not applicable. If you wish to use a Green Car, you must purchase a Green Car ticket after specifying the car number and seat location in advance.
How to Buy Tickets for the Limited Express "Shonan"
Eki-net (Online Reservation)
JR East's online reservation service, "Eki-net," allows you to purchase ticketless limited express tickets using credit card payment. A flat 100 yen discount is applied to the limited express fare as part of the "Eki-net Ticketless Discount." Limited express tickets go on sale one month prior to the travel date. Membership registration is free, and you can check seat availability and make reservations anytime from your smartphone.
Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi
You can purchase limited express tickets at the Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi at the station. Unreserved seat tickets can also be purchased at the same Midori-no-madoguchi and ticket machines.
Onboard Purchase
While it is possible to purchase a limited express ticket from the conductor on board after boarding, an onboard surcharge of 260 yen will be added to the fare compared to purchasing in advance at the station. Since you will have to stand if there are no vacant seats, we recommend purchasing your ticket before boarding.
How to Purchase for International Visitors
The Limited Express Shonan is primarily a weekday-only limited express train for commuters, so opportunities for international visitors to use it for sightseeing purposes are limited. However, since it is a JR East train, you can use the Japan Rail Pass or JR East Pass to travel on JR lines. Even when using a pass, you will need to purchase a reserved seat ticket (or an unreserved seat ticket) separately.
*Please pay attention to the pass usage conditions.
Is Ticket Issuance Required?
If you complete the credit card payment using the "Eki-net" ticketless service, you can board the train by linking your smartphone screen or transportation IC card. If you purchase tickets at a Reserved Seat Ticket Machine or at a Midori-no-madoguchi, you will need to receive a paper limited express ticket before boarding.
Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?
Since the entire Limited Express Shonan operating section is within the Suica area, you can use your IC card to pass through the ticket gates for the basic fare portion. However, the limited express fare portion cannot be paid using the IC card balance and must be purchased as a separate limited express ticket in advance. If you have a commuter pass, the basic fare portion is covered by your pass, but the limited express fare is required separately.
On the Limited Express Shonan operating sections, credit card touch payment service for gate entry is not offered. Transportation IC cards are limited to use for the basic fare portion; limited express fares must be purchased separately. There is a possibility that touch payment service may be introduced in the future, so it's best to check the official website for the latest information.
Limited Express "Shonan" Seating Information
Seat Types (All Seats Reserved)
The Limited Express Shonan consists of Ordinary Car Reserved Seats and Green Cars; there are no unreserved seats. Ordinary cars also include unreserved seat tickets. Green Cars are only available on some services, so please check the train configuration before traveling.
| Seat Type | Content |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Car Reserved Seat | Standard 4-row seating, with power outlets by the window seats. |
| Unreserved Seat Ticket | The price is the same as an Ordinary Car Reserved Seat; use a vacant seat with a red lamp above it. |
| Green Car | Premium seats with footrests (advance seat reservation required) |
| Unreserved Seats | None (All seats are reserved) |
Unique Seating Features
The E257 series trains used on the Limited Express Shonan are the same vehicles as those used for the Limited Express (Odoriko), and the window seats have power outlets. A notable feature is the seating arrangement, designed to accommodate business bags, as these trains are primarily used during commuting and return-home hours. Another characteristic is that, being converted from the Limited Express (Azusa) and Limited Express (Kaiji), they retain the same facilities and equipment as the Chuo Line limited express trains.
Large Luggage Storage
The train is equipped with a large luggage storage area, making it convenient for travelers with suitcases or other large bags.
Accessibility Features
The E257 series trains are equipped with accessibility features. However, the availability of wheelchair-accessible seats varies by car, so if you wish to use them, it is recommended that you consult with JR East's ticket offices or telephone reservation center in advance.
Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and Onboard Food on the Limited Express "Shonan"
There is no onboard sales on the Limited Express Shonan. As this train is primarily used by commuters, if you want to enjoy food and drinks, it is recommended to purchase them before boarding at shops or Ekiben vendors at stations such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, or Odawara. Around Odawara Station, there are also plenty of souvenir shops selling local specialties such as fish paste products and pickled plums.
*Onboard sales are not available. Availability at station shops and for Ekiben may change.
Points to Note When Riding the Limited Express "Shonan"
The Limited Express Shonan operates only on weekdays during morning and evening commuting hours. If you wish to use it on weekends, national holidays, or during the daytime, please use the regular Tokaido Line trains or the Limited Express (Odoriko). All seats are reserved, so if you want to be sure to get a seat, it is recommended that you reserve your seat in advance. Morning northbound trains are during rush hour, so if you want to be sure to get a seat, it is a good idea to reserve your seat early. Note that you can ride the Limited Express Shonan with an unreserved seat ticket, but be aware that you may not be able to get a seat if the train is fully occupied.
Since there is no onboard sales, please prepare any food or drinks you may need before boarding. If you are using an unreserved seat ticket, you may not be able to find a seat if the train is fully occupied, so we recommend reserving a seat in advance, especially during high seasons.
Summary
The Limited Express "Shonan" is a JR East commuter limited express train connecting Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station with Odawara Station and Hiratsuka Station, operating during weekday morning and evening commuting and return-home hours. All seats are reserved, so both a basic fare ticket and a limited express fare are required; however, it is possible to ride without a seat reservation for the same price using an unreserved seat ticket. This train is an upgraded version of the former Home Liner, and is a suitable option for commuters who want to commute comfortably while seated. Since its launch in 2021, it has become established as a seated service that meets the commuting needs of people along the JR Tokaido Line.
Please note that timetables, fares, and seating information are subject to change. Before using the Limited Express "Shonan," which offers comfortable seating service, please check the latest information.
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