Hello Hoomans! 👋

If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, figuring out how to get around Japan can look confusing at first. Trains, subways, buses, bullet trains, IC cards… there seems to be a lot to learn.

But don’t worry — Japan’s transportation system is actually much easier to use than it looks once you understand the basics.

In this Japan Transportation Guide, I’ll break down the main ways to travel around Japan, including local trains, Shinkansen, buses, IC cards, airport transfers, luggage and taxis.

I’ll also share a few practical things I learned while travelling around Japan, including one train mistake that could have caused me to miss my flight.

So let’s make getting around Japan a little less intimidating. 🚆

Key Takeaways

• Trains are usually the easiest way to travel between Japan’s major cities.
• IC cards make everyday train, subway and bus travel much simpler.
• The Shinkansen is worth considering when your time is limited.
• Google Maps is extremely useful for finding platforms, routes, transfers and departure times.
• Large stations can be confusing, so give yourself extra time when changing trains.
• Always listen to train announcements and check the carriage displays — some trains can split and send different carriages in different directions.
• Japan’s trains don’t run 24 hours, so always check the last train if you’re planning to stay out late.
• Luggage forwarding can make multi-city travel much easier.
• The Japan Rail Pass isn’t automatically the best option for every traveller; compare individual tickets before buying.
• Kyoto relies more heavily on buses than Tokyo or Osaka, so knowing your local options helps.

Japan Transportation Guide: Understanding How to Get Around Japan

When I first started planning Japan, I thought the hardest part would be deciding where to go.

Then I started looking at the transportation map.

Japan has JR trains, private railway companies, subway systems, buses, Shinkansen, ferries, domestic flights and taxis. It can look complicated at first, but you don’t need to understand the entire network.

You only need to understand the main types of transportation and when to use each one.

Japan’s railway network is extensive, punctual and covers most major destinations, while buses and other forms of transport fill the gaps.

Choose Your Transportation Based on Your Route

For most first-time visitors, your trip will probably involve a combination of:

• Local trains for shorter journeys
• Subways around major cities
• Shinkansen for long-distance travel
• Private railways such as Kintetsu, Hankyu and Keihan
• Buses for places trains don’t reach easily
• Taxis for short journeys or convenience
• Domestic flights for very long distances
• Ferries for island travel
• Walking when attractions are close together

The best option isn’t always the cheapest one.

Sometimes paying a little more for a faster train saves you hours. Other times, walking ten minutes is easier than changing trains twice.

That’s something I learned quickly while travelling around Japan.

Use Google Maps Without Becoming Obsessed With Every Detail

Google Maps became one of my most useful tools in Japan.

It can show you:

• Train departure times
• Platforms
• Transfer stations
• Walking directions
• Fares
• Different train options
• Bus routes
• Estimated journey times

You don’t need to memorise railway maps.

Just enter where you’re going and check the route before leaving.

I usually look at two or three options instead of automatically choosing the first one. Sometimes the fastest route involves several transfers, while another option takes five minutes longer but is much easier.

Give Yourself More Time Than Google Maps Suggests

This is especially important at major stations.

Stations such as Shinjuku, Tokyo and Osaka can be enormous.

Your phone might tell you that you have a five-minute transfer.

That’s five minutes if you already know where you’re going.

If you’re carrying luggage, looking for the correct platform and trying to figure out which exit you need, those five minutes disappear very quickly.

For important connections, I prefer having a little extra breathing room.

Travel should feel like an adventure, not a race through a train station.

IC Cards: The Easiest Way to Pay for Everyday Travel

If there’s one thing I recommend getting familiar with early, it’s the Japanese IC card.

Cards such as Suica, PASMO and ICOCA can make everyday travel much easier. Depending on the region and service, they can be used on trains, subways, buses and even at convenience stores, vending machines and other shops.

Suica, PASMO and ICOCA: What’s the Difference?

For a normal tourist, you don’t need to spend too much time worrying about which IC card is “best.”

Different railway regions have their own cards, but many can be used across a large part of the country’s transportation network.

Suica and PASMO are particularly familiar to travellers in Tokyo, while ICOCA is associated with the Kansai region.

The important thing is simply:

Get an IC card that works for your trip and keep it topped up.

Choose between a physical or mobile IC card

For most visitors, an IC card is one of the easiest ways to handle everyday transportation in Japan. You can tap it at train and subway gates, use it on participating buses, and even use it for small purchases at many shops and vending machines. Pasmo

If you’re using an iPhone, Welcome Suica Mobile is another option. The official JR East app lets visitors issue and top up a Suica directly on their phone using Apple Pay. JR East

If you’d rather have a physical card, Welcome Suica is available at selected JR East locations and vending machines at Narita and Haneda airports. It doesn’t require a deposit, but the remaining balance isn’t refundable. JR East

You can also use TOURIST PASMO, which is specifically designed for international visitors. It is currently available at Haneda and Narita airports, is valid for 28 days, and doesn’t require a deposit. Pasmo

Then give the reader the official links:

TOURIST PASMO – Official PASMO

Welcome Suica – JR East

Welcome Suica Mobile – JR East

Japan Train System: Understanding the Different Types of Trains

The Japanese train system looks complicated because there are several types of services.

But once you understand the basics, it’s pretty simple.

Local Train

Stops at most or all stations.

Best for:

Short journeys and neighbourhood travel.

Rapid Train

Skips some smaller stations.

Best for:

Getting around a city a little faster without paying a premium.

Limited Express

Stops at fewer stations and usually requires an additional fare or surcharge.

Best for:

Longer journeys where speed matters.

Shinkansen

Japan’s famous bullet train.

Best for:

Long-distance travel between major cities.

These categories are broadly consistent with JNTO’s current explanation of Japan’s rail network.

Riding the Shinkansen in Japan

There are few travel experiences that feel more Japanese than sitting beside the window while the Shinkansen flies through the countryside.

The trains are fast, comfortable and incredibly convenient.

For many visitors, the Shinkansen becomes the easiest way to connect cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima.

Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka by Shinkansen

For the classic first-time route, the Tokaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo with Kyoto and Shin-Osaka.

You can travel from:

Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka

without complicated connections.

The Nozomi is the fastest of the main Tokaido Shinkansen services, while Hikari and Kodama make more stops.

Reserved vs Unreserved Seats

When buying your Shinkansen ticket, you’ll generally see reserved and non-reserved options depending on the service.

A reserved seat means you have a specific seat on a specific train.

I prefer reserved seats when travelling during busy periods.

If you’re travelling outside peak periods and want more flexibility, a non-reserved option may work.

Don’t Panic About Buying Shinkansen Tickets

You can purchase tickets through ticket machines, ticket offices and official online reservation systems depending on your route.

The important thing is to check:

Departure station → arrival station → train → date → time → seat type.

And don’t be afraid to ask station staff for help.

Japanese railway stations may look intimidating, but there are plenty of signs and staff available to help travelers.

What About the Japan Rail Pass?

Now we need to talk about the famous Japan Rail Pass.

And I’m deliberately keeping this section short.

There is a common idea that every tourist visiting Japan should buy a JR Pass.

That’s simply not true.

Whether a Japan Rail Pass makes sense depends on your route, how many long-distance JR journeys you’re taking and the current price of the pass.

For a simple Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka itinerary, individual tickets may make more sense.

For a much longer trip involving several major JR journeys, a pass may be worth considering.

There are also regional passes that can make sense for travellers concentrating on a particular part of Japan.

Don’t buy a pass just because someone on the internet told you that you need one.

Compare the actual journeys on your itinerary first.

I’ll cover the Japan Rail Pass separately in much more detail, including when it makes financial sense, regional passes and how to compare the costs.

A Train Mistake I Almost Made in Japan

One thing I learned while travelling around Japan is that being on the right train doesn’t always mean you can completely switch off.

On my way back from Osaka to Kansai International Airport, I boarded a train that was going towards the airport. Everything seemed fine, so I found my place and relaxed.

At one of the stations along the way, there were announcements explaining that the train would split. Honestly, like most people, I wasn’t paying much attention to every announcement.

Luckily, I noticed what was happening.

The train was going to separate, with the first four carriages continuing towards Kansai Airport while the other four carriages would go in a different direction.

I also noticed a few other passengers who hadn’t realised what was happening. I quickly told them, and we all moved towards the correct four carriages.

If I hadn’t noticed it, we could have ended up travelling in the wrong direction and potentially missed our flights.

So here’s a small lesson from my trip:

Don’t just check that you’re on the right train. Pay attention to the announcements, displays and carriage information too — especially when you’re travelling to an airport.

Japan’s train system is incredibly efficient, but some services can have details like this that aren’t obvious if you’re not paying attention.

Travelling Between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima

Once you understand the basic system, connecting Japan’s major tourist destinations becomes much easier.

Tokyo to Kyoto

The Shinkansen is the obvious choice for most travellers.

You can leave from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa and head directly towards Kyoto.

It’s fast, comfortable and saves a huge amount of time compared with travelling overland by slower services.

Kyoto to Osaka

This is one of the easiest city connections in Japan.

You can use JR, Hankyu or Keihan depending on where you’re staying and where you’re going.

Don’t automatically choose a train just because it’s JR.

Sometimes a private railway will leave you closer to your actual destination.

Kyoto or Osaka to Nara

Nara is an easy addition to a Kansai itinerary.

From Kyoto, you can use JR or Kintetsu.

From Osaka, Kintetsu is particularly useful if you’re heading towards Nara Park because Kintetsu-Nara Station is conveniently located for many major sights.

This is a good example of why Japan transportation isn’t just about JR.

Sometimes the railway that isn’t covered by your pass is actually the better choice.

Osaka to Hiroshima

The Sanyo Shinkansen is the easiest option for most travellers heading from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima.

Once you arrive in Hiroshima, local trains, trams and buses can take you onwards to the major sights.

If you’re visiting Miyajima, you’ll also need to connect through Miyajimaguchi and take a ferry.

Tokyo to Mount Fuji

This one depends heavily on which part of the Fuji area you’re visiting.

For Kawaguchiko and the Fuji Five Lakes, highway buses can be extremely convenient.

Other parts of the Fuji area are better reached by train.

So don’t simply search for “Mount Fuji station.”

Decide where around Mount Fuji you actually want to go first.

That small decision can completely change your transportation plan.

Getting Around Tokyo

Tokyo looks impossible on a map.

Then you start using it.

And somehow it begins to make sense.

Use Tokyo’s Trains and Subways

Tokyo has an enormous network involving JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway and private railway lines.

You don’t need to understand every line.

For most visitors, the easiest approach is:

Google Maps + IC card + a little patience.

Use the train or subway for longer journeys and walk between nearby attractions.

Don’t Change Trains Just to Save Five Minutes

Sometimes Google Maps gives you a route with three transfers that saves six minutes.

Don’t do it.

If another route takes slightly longer but has one fewer transfer, I’ll usually take the simpler option.

You’re on holiday.

You don’t get bonus points for winning against the Tokyo Metro map.

Getting Around Kyoto

Kyoto is different.

This is where many first-time visitors discover that trains aren’t always the answer.

Combine Trains, Buses and Walking

Some of Kyoto’s most famous temples aren’t directly beside train stations.

That’s why buses become important.

You might take a train for part of the journey, then a bus, then walk.

During busy periods, however, buses around major tourist areas can become extremely crowded.

If a train can get you reasonably close, I often prefer the train and walking combination.

Walk Whenever It Makes Sense

Kyoto is one of those cities where walking can become part of the experience.

Instead of jumping on another bus for a short distance, sometimes just walk.

You’ll pass small streets, restaurants, houses and shops that you would completely miss from a bus window.

Getting Around Osaka

Osaka is relatively straightforward for visitors.

The combination of JR, Osaka Metro and private railway lines gives you plenty of options.

Use Osaka Metro for City Sightseeing

For areas around Namba, Dotonbori, Shinsekai and other central neighbourhoods, Osaka Metro is often extremely useful.

Use Private Railways When They Make More Sense

Hankyu, Hanshin and Keihan can be useful depending on where you’re going.

Again, don’t get stuck thinking:

“I have to use JR.”

Your goal is to get somewhere efficiently.

Not to collect railway points.

Getting Around Nara and Hiroshima

Nara Is Best Explored on Foot

Once you’re near Nara Park, many of the major sights are walkable.

You can combine trains with walking rather than trying to find transportation for every little journey.

Just remember that Nara Park is larger than it looks.

Your feet will probably do more work than your train ticket.

Hiroshima Has a Different Kind of Public Transport

Hiroshima’s trams are one of the easiest ways to move around the central city.

They’re particularly useful for places such as the Peace Memorial Park.

You can also use buses and trains depending on your route.

If you’re continuing to Miyajima, you’ll need the ferry connection after reaching Miyajimaguchi.

When You Should Use a Bus Instead of a Train

Trains are amazing in Japan.

But trains don’t go everywhere.

Buses become particularly useful for:

• Kyoto’s temples
• Mountain towns
• Rural areas
• Some Mount Fuji destinations
• Smaller villages
• Places away from major railway stations

Some buses use IC cards, while others may require cash or another payment method. JNTO recommends checking for the IC logo and understanding whether the bus uses a flat fare or distance-based system.

If you’re taking a rural bus, don’t assume your city IC card will work.

Check first.

Domestic Flights and Ferries in Japan

You don’t have to use trains for every journey in Japan.

The country is much larger than many first-time visitors realise.

When Flying Makes More Sense

For destinations such as:

• Hokkaido
• Okinawa
• Some remote islands
• Very long-distance routes

flying can save a huge amount of time.

But remember to include airport transfers, check-in, security and baggage collection when comparing a flight with a train.

A one-hour flight isn’t really a one-hour journey.

Use Ferries for Japan’s Islands

Japan has thousands of islands, so ferries are an important part of the country’s transportation network.

For example, reaching Miyajima involves a ferry after getting to Miyajimaguchi.

For longer journeys, overnight ferries can also be an interesting alternative to flying or taking a long train journey.

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Taking Taxis in Japan

I don’t use taxis for everything in Japan.

But when I need one, they’re incredibly useful.

Taxis make sense when:

• You’re carrying heavy luggage
• You’re travelling as a group
• You’re arriving late
• You’re staying somewhere rural
• Public transport requires several awkward transfers
• You’re simply too tired to continue

Japanese taxis are generally clean and reliable.

And here’s one small tip:

Show the driver your destination on your phone if you’re worried about pronunciation.

A Google Maps pin can be much easier than trying to pronounce a complicated Japanese address.

Japan Airport Transportation: Getting From the Airport to Your Hotel

Your first transportation decision happens before you even reach your hotel.

And after a long flight, this is not the moment you want to experiment.

From Narita Airport to Tokyo

Two popular options are:

Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner.

The better choice depends on where you’re staying.

For example, the Skyliner is particularly useful for areas around Ueno and Nippori, while the Narita Express connects with several major Tokyo stations.

Don’t simply choose the train with the shortest travel time.

Choose the one that gets you closest to your hotel.

From Haneda Airport to Tokyo

Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo.

You can use the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line depending on your destination.

This is one reason I prefer checking the complete route from airport → hotel, rather than just looking for the fastest airport train.

From Kansai International Airport

If you’re heading to Kyoto, the Haruka limited express is a popular option.

If you’re staying around Namba, Nankai Railway is particularly useful.

Airport limousine buses can also make sense if you’re staying near a convenient hotel stop and don’t want to drag luggage through multiple stations.

Luggage: The Secret to Less Stressful Japan Travel

This deserves its own section because carrying luggage around Japan can completely change your experience.

Especially when you’re moving between cities.

Use Luggage Forwarding

Japan’s luggage delivery services are incredibly useful.

You can send your suitcase from one hotel to another instead of dragging it onto trains and through stations.

This is especially useful when travelling:

Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka

You can carry a small overnight bag and let your main suitcase travel separately.

JNTO also recommends luggage forwarding and notes that major stations and tourist facilities have coin lockers, although busy locations can fill up quickly.

Use Coin Lockers for Day Trips

Coin lockers are perfect when you’re visiting somewhere for a few hours.

They’re available at many major stations in different sizes.

But don’t assume you’ll always find a large locker immediately.

Popular stations can fill up quickly.

Large Luggage and the Shinkansen

This is something you definitely want to know before boarding.

On certain Shinkansen routes, luggage with total dimensions over 160 cm requires special arrangements, including a seat with an oversized baggage area. This applies to the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen systems.

So if you’re travelling with a huge suitcase:

Check the luggage rules before you board.

For a normal carry-on-sized suitcase, you generally won’t have this problem.

And honestly, if you’re doing a multi-city Japan trip, luggage forwarding is often the easier solution anyway.

I Learned the Hard Way That Japan’s Trains Don’t Run All Night

One thing I didn’t realise properly before my first trip to Japan was that the trains don’t run 24 hours.

On my first day, after checking into my hotel, I went out to explore Shibuya and the streets around Udagawacho. I was enjoying myself and completely lost track of time.

Then I realised something.

I had missed the last train. 😅

There wasn’t much I could do except wait until the morning when the trains started running again.

Luckily, I was in a busy part of Shibuya, so it wasn’t really a problem for me. The streets were still full of people, I met a few interesting people along the way, and I actually ended up having a pretty good night.

But it taught me an important lesson:

Always check the last train before heading out for the night.

Japan Transportation Costs: How Much Should You Budget?

Transportation costs in Japan vary hugely depending on your route.

A day spent moving around Tokyo using local trains and walking can be relatively inexpensive.

A long-distance Shinkansen journey can cost considerably more.

So instead of thinking:

“How much does transportation in Japan cost per day?”

think:

“What are my major transportation days?”

Your biggest costs will usually come from:

• Airport transfers
• Shinkansen journeys
• Domestic flights
• Long-distance buses
• Ferries
• Taxis
• Local trains and subways

For a city sightseeing day, grouping attractions together and walking between nearby areas can keep transportation costs surprisingly low.

Japan Transportation Tips That Will Save You Stress

After figuring out the system, these are the things I’d personally keep in mind.

1. Don’t plan a five-minute station transfer

Especially at huge stations.

Give yourself time.

2. Don’t carry your biggest suitcase everywhere

Use luggage forwarding when it makes sense.

3. Keep some cash

IC cards are great, but they’re not accepted everywhere.

4. Don’t automatically choose JR

Private railways can sometimes be faster or more convenient.

5. Don’t assume Kyoto works like Tokyo

Kyoto often requires a combination of buses, trains and walking.

6. Check the final destination on the train

Some lines have multiple services using the same platform.

7. Don’t travel with huge luggage during rush hour if you can avoid it

Your suitcase will become everyone’s problem.

8. Download your important information before leaving

Keep hotel addresses, tickets and important bookings available offline.

9. Check the last train

Japan’s trains are not a 24-hour service.

Most trains stop late at night, so don’t assume you can always catch a train home at 2 AM.

10. Don’t be afraid to ask station staff

If you’re completely lost, find the information counter or station staff.

Sometimes asking a human is faster than staring at Google Maps for ten minutes.

Japan Transportation Etiquette

Japan’s transportation system works so well partly because people follow some simple social rules.

You don’t need to memorise a giant list.

Just remember the basics.

• Let passengers get off before boarding.
• Queue behind the marked lines.
• Keep your voice down on trains.
• Avoid phone calls inside train cars.
• Don’t block doors with luggage.
• Remove your backpack when trains are crowded.
• Give priority seats to people who need them.
• Don’t eat or drink messily on local trains.

On long-distance trains such as the Shinkansen, eating and drinking are generally accepted, which is why grabbing an ekiben before departure is such a fun part of the experience.

And honestly, there’s something special about sitting by the window with an ekiben while Japan disappears outside.

How I Would Approach Transportation on a First Japan Trip

If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, don’t make transportation more complicated than it needs to be.

For a classic route like:

Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka

I’d keep it simple.

Use an IC card for everyday local transportation.

Use the Shinkansen for the big Tokyo-to-Kyoto journey.

Use local trains, subways and private railways within cities.

Use buses when they’re the most practical option, particularly in Kyoto.

Walk whenever two attractions are reasonably close.

Use taxis when they’re genuinely worth the time or energy.

And consider luggage forwarding when you’re changing cities.

That’s really it.

You don’t need to become a railway expert before your trip.

Conclusion

When I first looked at Japan’s transportation system, it felt like a giant puzzle.

Now, after travelling around the country, I think that’s actually part of the fun.

The trains are fast.

The stations are huge.

The signs can be confusing.

And somehow, after a few days, you start walking through them like you’ve been doing it forever.

The biggest lesson I learned from using Japan transportation is that you don’t need to plan every single train perfectly.

Have your major journeys figured out.

Know how you’re getting from the airport to your hotel.

Keep an IC card ready.

Give yourself extra time at big stations.

And don’t be afraid to change your plan when another option makes more sense.

Most importantly, don’t let the transportation map scare you away from exploring somewhere.

Japan is much easier to get around than it first appears.

Sometimes the best part of the journey isn’t even the destination.

It’s sitting beside the Shinkansen window, watching the countryside disappear behind you, and realising:

“Okay… I think I’ve finally figured this Japan thing out.” 🇯🇵

Continue Planning Your Japan Trip

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, these guides can help you with the next steps:

• Japan Travel Guide – My main guide to planning your Japan trip.
• Japan 7-Day Itinerary – A practical one-week route covering Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
• Japan Travel Cost & Budget Guide – A breakdown of accommodation, food, transport and other expenses.
• Best Time to Visit Japan – Weather, seasons, crowds and when to plan your trip.
• Osaka Castle Guide – Everything you need to know before visiting one of Osaka’s most famous landmarks.

FAQ

Is getting around Japan difficult for first-time visitors?

Not really.

It can look complicated before you arrive because there are so many railway companies and lines. But once you have Google Maps and an IC card, getting around Japan becomes much easier.

Major stations have English signs and staff who can help if you get stuck.

What is the easiest way to travel around Japan?

For most first-time visitors, trains are the easiest option.

Use local trains and subways inside cities and the Shinkansen for longer journeys between major cities.

Buses, taxis and flights become more useful depending on your destination.

Do I need a Suica or PASMO card in Japan?

You don’t absolutely need one, but I highly recommend using an IC card for everyday travel.

Suica, PASMO and other IC cards can make local trains, subways and buses much easier to use, although acceptance isn’t universal.

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth buying?

Not automatically.

It depends entirely on your itinerary.

If you’re only travelling between a few cities, individual tickets may be better. If you’re taking several long-distance JR journeys, a pass may make more sense.

I’ll cover the Japan Rail Pass separately in much more detail.

What is the best way to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka?

The Shinkansen is usually the most convenient option.

A classic route is:

Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka

The Tokaido Shinkansen connects these major destinations, with Nozomi offering the fastest service among the main options on this route.

Can I take large suitcases on Japanese trains?

Yes, but oversized luggage has specific rules on some Shinkansen routes.

For luggage over 160 cm in total dimensions on the relevant Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen services, you’ll need to follow the oversized-baggage arrangements.

For multi-city trips, luggage forwarding can be much easier.

Is public transportation expensive in Japan?

It depends on how far you’re travelling.

Local train and subway journeys are generally manageable, while Shinkansen and long-distance travel can add significantly to your budget.

Walking between nearby attractions is one of the easiest ways to reduce your daily transportation costs.

Is it better to use JR or private railway companies?

Neither is automatically better.

JR is extremely useful, but private companies such as Kintetsu, Hankyu and Keihan can sometimes provide a more direct or convenient route.

Choose the train that gets you where you actually want to go.

Does Kyoto have good public transportation?

Yes, but it works differently from Tokyo.

Kyoto has trains and subway lines, but buses are important for reaching many famous temples and attractions.

For some routes, combining a train with walking is better than relying entirely on buses.

Can I travel around Japan without speaking Japanese?

Yes.

Major transportation hubs have English signage, and apps such as Google Maps make route planning much easier.

You may encounter more difficulty in rural areas, but even then, having your destination saved on your phone goes a long way.

Do Japanese trains run all night?

No.

Most trains stop running late at night and resume in the early morning.

If you’re planning a late night out in Tokyo or Osaka, check the last train before you head out.

Should I book Shinkansen tickets in advance?

It depends on when you’re travelling.

During busy periods and holidays, booking ahead is a good idea.

During quieter periods, you generally have more flexibility.

If you’re travelling with oversized luggage, make sure you understand the luggage arrangements before booking.