The limited express Thunderbird connects Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Fukui, and Kanazawa. One round trip of this train operates to Wakura-Onsen. This train is the fastest way to get to Kanazawa from Osaka/Kyoto. If you go to Kanazawa from Osaka, simply take this limited express train.
This train is fully covered by JR Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, and Hokuriku Arch Pass.
In this post, I will explain you about the train information of limited express Thunderbird.
Route, schedule and trip time
Thunderbird runs one or two departure(s) in every hour and it runs more than 20 round trips a day. Average trip time is 2 hours and 45 minutes to get to Kanazawa from Osaka. Please see the route map below to find the trip time on the major segments and stations on the route:
You can find the timetable in the link below:
Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
Accommodation
Thunderbird is serviced by 681 or 683 series. 681 series is a bit older fleet than 683. But both fleets are basically same.
The seat pitch in a Green seat is 1,160 mm (46 inches). It is the standard of most JR trains. The seat layout is 2+1. It offers very spacious leg room and quite good seating.
The seat pitch of an ordinary seat is 970 mm (38 inches). It is a little bigger than the standard of JR trains. Some seats on Car #3 are exclusively available for women and small child. Some of JR trains offer this service for women travelers.
By the way, the seat pitch of most major airlines is 76 cm (30 inches) to 84 cm (33 inches). You can imagine how spacious an ordinary seat is. Unless you have a big body, an ordinary class seat is fine.
*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.
Train formation
Thunderbird train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
G | R | R | R | NR | NR | NR | R | R |
*G=Green seat R=Reserved seat NR=Non reserved seat
Smoking is not allowed on board.
Images
Green seat
Ordinary seat
Sanitary space
Other resources
I have a few more posts which explains you about the access to Kanazawa and surrounding area, such as Shirakawago, Takayama. Please refer the posts below to find more information. I believe these posts will help you to build your trip plan:
I hope this post will help you to create your trip plan.
Comments
Takeshisan,
I am planning to use the Hokuriku Area Pass.
Does this pass connect to Kyoto as well or stops at Tsuruga? If it stops at Tsuruga, what is the most economical way to connect to Kyoto and vice versa?
Thank you
Hi An,
Hokuriku Area Pass does not cover Kyoto as you probably know. You have to get another pass, such as Kansai Wide Area Pass to proceed to travel to Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass is way more expensive but it may be considerable.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-to-kansai-kanazawa-and-toyama.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Greetings Takeshi San,
I am flying end Aug’15 into Nagoya (D1) and flying out from Tokyo (D11), and plan this routing:-
D2: Nagoya ->Takayama, and Takayama->Shirakawago (rtn)
D3: Takayama->Kamikochi (rtn)
D4: Takayama->Toyama->Takeyama
D5: Takeyama Alpine route (rtn to Takeyama), and ->Toyama
D6: Toyama->Kyoto via Kanazawa
::Above D2-D6, use the Takayama Hokuriku Pass; and buy the Takeyama Alpine route 2 way ticket
D7&8 : Kyoto:: use 2 day Kyoto Pass
D9: Kyoto->Tokyo:: travel Shinkansen
D10: Tokyo:: travel individual train/subway trips
Appreciate your kind advice as to whether this routing and Pass usage is ideal, time and cost-wise.
Or perhaps the Takeyama Alpine Pass is more economical ; in which case I change the routing to Nagoya->Kyoto->Toyama->Takayama->Toyama->Tateyama->Tokyo.
I’m unclear as to the cost and coverage of this Pass.
Thank you.
Hi MsTan san,
I think your original plan is better. Both JR Central and JR West sell Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route ticket. But both pass include return fare to departure city (Nagoya to Nagoya or Kyoto to Kyoto) and you must go through Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. I don’t think these deals are suitable for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Greetings Takeshi San. Thank you very much for your kind assistance and very quick one at that. Have a good day. Tan San
Enjoy your trip, Tan san!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We are 2 adult and 1 child under six years old flying into Osaka in mid-October for 7 days.
Our travel plans are:
Day 1: KIX to Kanazawa
Day 2: Kanazawa to Shirawago
Day 3: Kanazawa to Toyoma
Day4: Kanazawa to Osaka
Day 5: Osaka to Kyoto
Day 6: Osaka to Kobe
Day7: Osaka to KIX
What pass will be the best value and convenient for us?
Many thanks
Hi Chicosan,
Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is the perfect choice for your trip from day 1 to 5.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
You may add subway or/and bus deal in Kyoto on day 5 because this pass covers trip to Kyoto but does not cover most part of Kyoto.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
For trip to Kobe, single fare of Hanshin Tourist Pass is a good choice. Please find the detail at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
There are some deals available for trip to KIX.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
i will be traveling on nov 12 2015
will be staying in osaka for the 6 days
but will visit hiroshima, miyajima, himeji, kyoto and kanazawa during the stay in osaka
should i just get 7 days JR Pass for all my travel ?
Thanks
Hi Al,
You can combine two deals, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass and Hokuriku Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/hokuriku/
And add some deal to get KIX for the last day of your trip.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
It’s cheaper than JR pass 7 days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
we will be travelling in Japan in the beginning of November between Monday 2 November and Monday 9 November. Our planned route is Nagoya, Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nakazawa, Nagoya. What would be the most efficient way to travel by train? Can we apply the Japan Rail Pass for these connections?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Antti
Hi Antti,
I think you can use Takayama Hokuriku Area pass for the first or second half of your trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
This pass does not cover direct route between Nagoya and Osaka/Kyoto. But you can use it for the route, Osaka-Kyoto-Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Takayama-Nagoya or reverse.
You have two choices for Nagoya-Osaka/Kyoto. The first one is single ticket for Shinkansen. This is the easiest and fastest. The cost is around 10000 yen. If you want to save your cost, Kintetsu Rail Pass is the best choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
Takes a long time but it’s much cheaper. And also you can use this pass for getting Nara.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for your reply.
I am wondering if the Kansai Hokuriku 7 day pass will work better for my itinerary as I will be travelling to Kyoto on Day 5 and Kobe on Day 6, then Day 7 go to KIX. It is 1.5k yen more than Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass.
Thank you
Hi Chicosan,
That is a good deal too. But bus to Shirakaawago and reserved seat fee are not included in Kansai Hokuriku Pass. I think Takayama Hokuriku Pass plus extra is better choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I’ll be going from Kyoto to Kanazawa on the thunderbird on 4thOct, Sunday.
1. With the hokuriku area pass, can I just buy the ticket for Kyoto to tsuruga, and stay on the very same train and just show the area pass when they check tickets? Or do I have to get off at tsuruga and board again?
2. I am thinking of taking unreserved seats on the thunderbird from Kyoto to kanazawa, what are the chances that I won’t get a seat?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Sid,
1. You can show both single ticket and limited express ticket for Kyoto-Tsuruga, and Hokuriku area pass when the conductor check your ticket.
2. If you are solo traveller, I think you can get a seat. It’s hard to find side by side usually. But it’s very hard to say how busy it will be.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you for your reply Takeshi! Your article is very helpful!! Wonder if the hokuriku pass is the most economical for my trip:
Day1-2 Osaka
Day 2-3 Kyoto
Day3-5 Kanagawa
Day 5-6 Kobe
Day 6-10 Osaka
I’m planning to get the ICOCA Haruka and Hokuriku pass. Do you think this is the best value for my trip? Any inputs is highly appreciated! Thank you!
Hi Sid,
Why don’t you use Kansai Wide Area Pass before/after Hokuriku Area pass? Base fare and limited express surcharge (non reserved seat) for Kyoto-Tsuruga and Tsuruga-Kobe are slightly cheaper than Kansai Wide Area Pass. But if you start to use it on day 2, you can use this pass for Osaka-Kyoto transfer. And also when you go back to Osaka from Kobe, you can use this pass again. Total fare is not much different from Kansai Wide Area Pass at 8500 yen. But it’s much easier than handling single fare ticket.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
I agree with you to use ICOCA and Haruka. But I recommend you to add Kansai Wide Area pass for day 2 to 6.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you so much Takeshi! Will definitely take that into consideration! So if I do end up buying the Kansai wide pass, do I just show both passes to the conductor on the train from Kyoto to Kanazawa?
And can I pick up all three passes at kix and activate them later?
Thank you once again!
Hi Sid,
Yes. You can show those at same time. And also you can pick up those at KIX. When you pick up, you can choose which day you want to start.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you so much Takeshi!!! Will buy both the Kansai wide and hokuriku pass as suggested!!
Hi Takeshi
Appreciate your advice on my planned trip below:
Passmo card
Day 1-2 Tokyo
Day 3 Mt Fuji
Travel by highway bus from Tokyo to Takayama
JR Takayama Hokuriku 5 Days Pass
Day 4 Takayama
Day 5 Shirakawago
Day 6 Kanazawa
Day 7 Japanese Alps (Tateyama/Shinhotaka)
Travel from Takayama to Kyoto using the above JR Pass
Kyoto 1 Day Pass & 2 Days Pass
Day 8 Kyoto
Day 9-10 Kyoto
Travel from Kyoto to Osaka by xx(please advice)
Osaka Amazing 2 Days Pass
Day 11-12 Osaka
Travel from Osaka to Kansai Airport by bus
Day 12 Kansai Airport (midnight flight)
Is JR 14 days pass worth compared to the above plan?
We are ladies traveller of three.Looking forward to your reply.Thank you
Hi ms aini,
Pasmo does not give you any discount.If you travel lots, the following deals may be better.
Tokyo
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
For Mt. Fuji
If you go to 5th station, Mt. Fuji round trip ticket is the best choice.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/mt-fuji-round-trip-ticket-is-back-in-2014-perfect-choice-for-just-trip-to-fuji-san.html
When you use Takayama Hokuriku pass, don’t forget to exchange the pass in Tokyo. You cannot exchange it at Takayama.
There are lots of choices between Kyoto and Osaka. It depends on the location in both cities. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi
Thank you so much for your reply. I am really grateful bump into your website and received word of advice from you. May God bless you always for being kind and helpful ^_^
No problem, ms aini!
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello,
Due to i bought JR Pass 7 days, So I would like to know, I can use JR pass for this Thunderbird? If i can use, i have to reserve the seat or not.
Thank you so much.
Assi
Hi Assi,
It is covered fully. Reservation is not mandatory but recommended.
Reserved seat fee is covered by JR pass. Why don’t you go for booking it? 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi, I plan to use the Limited Express Train from Osaka to Kanazawa on 9 May 2015. Our group has 3 adults and 1 kid (5 year old). Since we still dont need to pay the ticket for five-year-old kid, I intend to buy unreserved seat ticket so that my kid can sit individually in his seat.
1. Is it crowded on 9 May? I note that it has passed the Golden week but it is in Saturday. How big is he chance of getting a seat for four of us?
2. Is the non-reserved car non-smoking? How to ensure that we board a non-smoking car? It will be a nightmare if we accidentally board into the smoking car.
Thanks.
Hi Linda,
1. It’s not a peak period, but it’s weekend. You can get a seat as long as you take this train at Osaka
2. All cars are non smoking.
In case that all seats will be full, you may be asked by conductor to share the seat with your kid because he’s free. In basic rule, you cannot use a seat for child passenger who doesn’t pay. As long as there are empty seats, you can use it for your child.
Just for your info.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I am travelling to Japan from 6June to 12 June. My questions are:
1. For ICOCA and Haruka pass, the one way pass can it be Osaka to Kansai Airport? As I saw many people bought this pass is from Kansai Airport to Osaka/Kyoto.
2. If can’t use the pass, may I know how can I travel from Osaka to Kansai Airport? What is the cost?
3. For Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass, can I go Kanazawa from Kyoto? If yes, which train should I take? I told by the JTB where this pass only can use JR limited express and the train schedule are very less.
Thanks a lot.
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
1 and 2. Unfortunately no. Please find other deal.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
3. You can take this train, Limited Express Thunderbird. It runs every hour. You can find the timetable at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail