limited express (ticket-required)
A train service requiring a limited-express ticket in addition to the base fare. Used by JR, Seibu, Kintetsu, and others. Often abbreviated to 特急.
To ride a JR limited express, you need a limited-express ticket in addition to the basic fare ticket.
A train service making a limited number of stops, but not necessarily requiring a supplementary ticket. Used by Keiō, Keikyū, Hankyū, Hanshin, and others. Often abbreviated to 特急.
The Keiō Line limited express stops only at major stations between Shinjuku and Keiō-Hachiōji.
Common abbreviation of 特別急行, used in both ticket-required and fewer-stops contexts. Much more frequent in everyday speech and signage.
Express train, generally making more stops than a limited express and usually not requiring a supplementary ticket.
Compound of 特別 (special) and 急行 (express train). The term was coined in the early 20th century as railways introduced premium faster services.