"Super Hakone Romancecar" timetable, fares, and how to buy tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Odakyu's "Super Hakone Romancecar," which connects Shinjuku Station and Hakone-Yumoto 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. It is the fastest non-stop train connecting Shinjuku and Odawara, and this article organizes key points to check before your trip.

*The timetable and fares are based on information as of the revision on 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 "Super Hakone Romancecar" is the fastest limited express train among Odakyu Romancecars, connecting Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station non-stop with the fewest stops. In the March 1996 timetable revision, it was designated as the nickname for trains that bypassed Machida Station, in contrast to the "Hakone Romancecar," which primarily stopped at Machida Station. All seats are reserved, so advance seat number reservation is required for boarding. The original SE train (3000 series), which can be called the progenitor of Romancecar and was developed in 1957, was developed with the goal of "Shinjuku-Odawara in 60 minutes" from that time.

What is "Super Hakone"?

The "Super Hakone Romancecar" is the fastest limited express train among Odakyu Romancecars, connecting Shinjuku Station and Odawara Station non-stop with the fewest stops. Following the March 1996 timetable revision, when most "Hakone Romancecar" services began stopping at Machida Station, the trains that bypassed Machida Station were given the nickname "Super Hakone Romancecar." As of 2026, it operates only on a limited basis, with only 2 southbound services on weekends and holidays. The "Super" in its name comes from its bypassing Machida Station, and it has since been positioned as a Romancecar symbolizing speed.

Train Features and Popular Points

The biggest appeal of the "Super Hakone Romancecar" is its ability to connect Shinjuku and Odawara in a fastest 59 minutes. As Odakyu's flagship train, the goal of "Shinjuku-Odawara in 60 minutes" had been a long-cherished desire since the era of the SE train's initial development, and this goal was once again achieved with the March 2026 timetable revision. With fewer stops, passengers can enjoy the scenery while arriving in the Hakone area in a short amount of time. Instead of being available from stations along the line such as Machida Station and Hon-Atsugi Station, it is a suitable train for travelers who prioritize travel time from Shinjuku to Hakone.

Timetable for "Super Hakone Romancecar"

*The "Super Hakone" train operates only 2 southbound services on weekends and holidays, so the number of services is very limited.

Downbound (Towards Hakone-Yumoto) Timetable

*Please note that train numbers and times, such as "Super Hakone" No. 5, may change with each revision.

Upbound (Towards Shinjuku) Timetable

*For northbound journeys, please use the regular "Hakone Romancecar".

As of 2026, only 2 southbound "Super Hakone" services operate on weekends and holidays. Among these, some services connect Shinjuku and Odawara non-stop in a fastest 59 minutes. In the 1990s, they also operated on weekdays, but now their operation is limited. There are basically no regularly scheduled northbound services (from Hakone-Yumoto to Shinjuku).

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "Super Hakone" operates only on weekends and holidays; it does not run on weekdays. While it used to operate on weekdays as well, as of 2026, its operation is limited to weekends and holidays.

Operating Sections of "Super Hakone Romancecar"

Main Sections

• Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station (non-stop)
• 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. Since it arrives in Odawara non-stop, this train is ideal for travelers who want to efficiently start their Hakone sightseeing in the morning.

Stations Where the "Super Hakone Romancecar" Stops

Main Stops

• Shinjuku Station
• Odawara Station (Non-stop between Shinjuku and Odawara)
• Hakone-Yumoto Station

*The "Super Hakone" is the only train between Shinjuku and Odawara that does not make any stops.

Fares for "Super Hakone Romancecar"

Fares for Major Sections

*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.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the "Super Hakone Romancecar" is the sum of the basic fare (fare) and the limited express fare, just like other Romancecar trains. Although it is an express train with fewer stops, the fare is set the same as other series such as the "Hakone Romancecar." All seats are reserved, so there is no fare for unreserved seats. The limited express fare is not higher just because it is the "Super Hakone Romancecar"; it can be used with the same fare system as the regular "Hakone Romancecar."

Combination with the 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, Hakone Pirate Ship, and buses in the Hakone area. If you use "Super Hakone," you will need a separate limited express ticket in addition to the Free Pass.

How to Buy Tickets for the "Super Hakone Romancecar"

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. Due to the limited number of services and high demand for this popular train, seats can sell out immediately after reservations open at 10:00 AM one month before the boarding date. By using the membership-based "Romancecar@Club," you can also register your preferred seat information in advance.

 

 

Station 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 machines dedicated to limited express tickets. If the train operates with a car that has observation seats, you must request observation seats when purchasing your ticket.

Travel Agencies

Some travel agencies also offer package deals that include Romancecar limited express tickets and the Hakone Free Pass. Please contact individual travel agencies for details.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

The "Super Hakone" 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 FREEPASS, but even when using these free passes, a separate limited express ticket is required to board the Romancecar.

*The types of free passes and purchase conditions are subject to change.

Do I Need to Issue a Ticket?

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 station ticket office or automatic ticket machine, you will receive a paper ticket before boarding.

Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payment?

When riding "Super Hakone," you will need separate tickets for the basic fare (fare) portion and the limited express fare portion. 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 fare portion cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card; you must purchase a separate limited express ticket in advance.

Odakyu Electric Railway offers touch payment services for boarding 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 ticket gates at Shinjuku, Atsugi, and Fujisawa stations.

Seating Information for "Super Hakone Romancecar"

Seat Types (All Seats Reserved)

The "Super Hakone" is operated using GSE (70000 series) and other trains, and all seats are reserved. There is no unreserved seat setting.

Distinctive Seating

When operated by the GSE (70000 series), you can enjoy the front view from the observation seats without any additional charge. Because this train has very few services, if you would like an observation seat or a window seat, we recommend making your reservation as soon as booking opens at 10:00 AM one month before your boarding date. In the past, the VSE (50000 series) was used as the flagship train with observation seats, but it was retired in 2023.

Large Luggage Storage Area

There is a space for luggage at the car ends of the trains (GSE, MSE, etc.).

Barrier-Free Facilities

The trains used are equipped with barrier-free facilities. If you plan to use a wheelchair, we recommend that you contact the Odakyu Customer Center in advance.

*Details of seating facilities may vary depending on the vehicle used.

 

 

Enjoy Ekiben (Train Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on "Super Hakone"

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 ekiben shops or stores around Shinjuku Station. Around Hakone-Yumoto Station, there are plenty of shops selling Hakone's local specialties, such as onsen manju (hot spring steamed buns). There are also day-trip hot spring facilities and cafes with footbaths around Hakone-Yumoto Station, so you can relax as soon as you arrive.

*Onboard sales are not available. Operating hours for station shops and restaurants may change.

Points to Note When Riding "Super Hakone"

The "Super Hakone" operates only 2 southbound services on weekends and holidays, so if you wish to use it, it is recommended that you check the operating days and times in advance. Due to the limited number of services, early reservations are important. Also, please note that the train runs non-stop between Shinjuku and Odawara, so you cannot board at intermediate stations (such as Machida Station, Ebina Station, or Hon-Atsugi Station).

Since there is no onboard sales, please prepare any meals you plan to eat before boarding. There are no regularly scheduled northbound services (towards Shinjuku), so you will need to use the regular "Hakone Romancecar" for your return trip.

Summary

The "Super Hakone Romancecar" is a highly express limited express train with all reserved seats that travels from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station without making any intermediate stops, and heads to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Due to its limited operation, mainly for southbound services on weekends and holidays, it is important to check the boarding date and departure time in advance and reserve your limited express ticket early. Since it does not stop at stations such as Machida Station and Hon-Atsugi Station, if you are traveling from an intermediate station along the line, you should also compare it with the regular "Hakone Romancecar."

This train is suitable for travelers who want to get to Hakone in a short amount of time. The return journey may be on a different train type, so be sure to check the round-trip schedules together.

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.
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.