普通(ふつう)列車(れっしゃ)

The most basic train service class in Japan, stopping at every station. Often shortened to 普通(ふつう) in conversation and on station signs.

Types

Typical service classes, from most stops to fewest (names and order vary by railway):

• 普通(ふつう)/各駅停車(かくえきていしゃ): local (stops at all stations)
• 快速(かいそく): rapid
• 急行(きゅうこう): express
• 特急(とっきゅう): limited express
• 新幹線(しんかんせん): bullet train

Common collocations

• 普通(ふつう)列車(れっしゃ)の切符(きっぷ): local train ticket

Similar words

• 各駅停車(かくえきていしゃ): local train (lit. stopping at each station) — synonym, more descriptive
• 鈍行(どんこう): slow train — colloquial, slightly old-fashioned

Usage

No additional fare is required beyond the basic ticket price.