Translation guide
How to talk about the cost of a train ticket or ride in Japanese.
The cost of a train ride, in general.
The most common and natural word for 'train fare'. Used for the cost of a train ride.
How much is the train fare?
The train fare went up.
A more formal or general term for 'fare' (for any transport). Often used in official contexts.
A revision of railway fares was announced.
Literally 'ticket cost'. Used when referring to the price of a physical ticket.
The ticket cost is 5000 yen round trip.
A formal term for 'boarding fare', used in official announcements or signs.
The boarding fare is prepaid.
Asking or stating the exact amount of money for a train ride.
The most natural way to ask 'how much' for a fare. Often used with 電車賃 or simply by itself.
How much is it to Tokyo?
How much does the train fare cost?
A general word for 'fee' or 'charge'. Often used in compounds or formal settings.
Actions related to paying for a train ride.
Paying the difference when you travel beyond your ticket's coverage.
The verb for 'adjust the fare' or 'pay the difference'. Used at fare adjustment machines.
Please adjust your fare at the station.
I paid the shortfall at the fare adjustment machine.
The fare adjustment machine found at train stations.
The fare adjustment machine is near the ticket gate.
The English word 'train fare' is not used in Japanese. Always use a native Japanese term like 電車賃 or 運賃.
In modern Japan, many people use IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo) and simply say 'チャージする' (to charge) or 'ピッとする' (to tap). You can ask 'Suicaで払えますか？' (Can I pay with Suica?).
料金はいくらですか？
How much is the fare?