Limited Express Thunderbird Timetable

The Limited Express Thunderbird operates from Osaka Station and Kyoto to Tsuruga Station where you can transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Many people using this limited express, fully reserved train are traveling from the Osaka/Kyoto to Kanazawa and other cities in the Hokuriku region.

Running to and from Tsuruga Station, the Limited Express Thunderbird connects with the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tsuruga through Kanazawa to Tokyo. In doing so, it completes a northern route from Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo that opens-up some of the best destinations in Central Japan. For more information, see our 'Limited Express Thunderbird' main page.

NOTE: All of the Thunderbird trains that arrive or depart from Tsuruga correspond with trains running to Kanazawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. This includes the first and very last trains. Be careful with the last train because the connection shinkansen train runs through Kanazawa and terminates in Toyama, not Tokyo.

Timetable From Osaka & Kyoto to Tsuruga

Numerous services run from Osaka to Tsuruga each day. The earliest service departs Osaka Station at 06:30 followed by Shin-Osaka at 06:34, Kyoto at 06:59 before arriving at Tsuruga Station at 07:45.

The latest service departs Osaka Station at 20:54 followed by Shin-Osaka at 20:58, Kyoto at 21:21 before arriving at Tsuruga at 22:16.

Timetable From Tsuruga to Kyoto & Osaka

Numerous services run from Kanazawa to Osaka each day. The earliest service departs Kanazawa Station at 05:35 followed by Kyoto at 07:52, Shin-Osaka at 08:16 before arriving at Osaka Station at 08:20.

The last service departs Tsuruga Station at 22:05 followed by Kyoto at 23:01 Shin-Osaka at 23:25 before arriving at Osaka Station at 23:29.

Limited Express Thunderbird Line Map

Running from Osaka Station to Tsuruga Station, the Limited Express Thunderbird stops at the following stations:

Osaka / Shin-Osaka / Takatsuki / Kyoto / Katata / Tsuruga*

*Please note, stations marked in bold are stops on all services. Those not marked in bold are only serviced by certain services throughout the day.

Plan Your Visit to Japan

The Limited Express Thunderbird is just one part of Japan’s fantastic rail network. Unfathomable in its size and efficiency, moving around the country by train is easy and comfortable opening-up all regions of Japan for exploration. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.