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.
電車賃はいくらですか？
How much is the train fare?
電車賃が値上がりした。
The train fare went up.
A more formal or general term for 'fare' (for any transport). Often used in official contexts.
鉄道運賃の改定が発表された。
A revision of railway fares was announced.
Literally 'ticket cost'. Used when referring to the price of a physical ticket.
切符代は往復で5000円です。
The ticket cost is 5000 yen round trip.
A formal term for 'boarding fare', used in official announcements or signs.
乗車料金は前払いです。
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.
東京までいくらですか？
How much is it to Tokyo?
電車賃、いくらかかる？
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.
The standard way to say 'pay the train fare'.
電車賃を払ってください。
Please pay the train fare.
彼は電車賃を払わずに乗った。
He got on without paying the train fare.
A more formal way to say 'pay the fare', often used in written or official contexts.
運賃はカードで支払えます。
You can pay the fare by card.
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.
駅で精算してください。
Please adjust your fare at the station.
精算機で不足分を払った。
I paid the shortfall at the fare adjustment machine.
The fare adjustment machine found at train stations.
精算機は改札の近くにあります。
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?