Magical Cat Bus Ride to the Airport (2 of 3)

In a previous article, I wrote about how wonderful it was using the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT) to get to Narita airport for the first time. In this article, I’ll continue to share my joy by showing you just how easy it is to purchase tickets to or from the airport via YCAT.

I’m telling you, it really couldn't be any easier. For those of you who might be worrying because you don’t speak or read Japanese, have absolutely no fear, as nearly all of YCAT’s services are available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

For reference, here's a link to my first article:

http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4007

About the only thing you'll need is to have an idea when you’ll be travelling (you can change or cancel later on, if you wish). One of the many great things about YCAT is that you can book up to a month in advance! Once you've decided when and what time you need to be at the airport, you can find detailed timetable information on all Narita terminals, as well as fare information at the following link:

http://www.ycat.co.jp/en/route/narita/

The same detailed information for Haneda airport can be found here:

http://www.ycat.co.jp/en/route/haneda/

Whenever you’re ready, simply visit their online Web Bus Booking page:

https://www.ycatyoyaku.jp/YCATBus/pc/information/

You’ll first be prompted to select a reservation date by clicking on a date on their calendar. After that, you’ll visit a new screen with departure times and number of available seats. Simply click on the time that best suits you. If you make a mistake or change your mind, just click the back button and have another go. Next, you’ll be asked to input your name, select the number of passengers – and whether you’d like to purchase be a one-way or round-trip ticket.

After you click the “Confirm” button, you’ll land on a receipt page with your reservation booking number. I recommend you print this page out for your records. It’ll make things just that much easier if you have it to show the counter staff when you arrive at YCAT.

All that’s left is to wait for your travel date to come up – and then it’s off to YCAT (Yokohama Station, Sogo-side) you go! You can, of course, purchase your tickets on the day, just show up at least ten minutes before departure time to do so.

YCAT provides a convenient link on how to access their offices:

http://www.ycat.co.jp/en/access/

Including a detailed floor map:

http://www.ycat.co.jp/en/information/floormap/

If you’re still having trouble, here’s a link with a step-by-step (with pictures) how to walk from Yokohama Station’s East Exit straight to their door:

http://www.ycat.co.jp/en/access/station2ycat.php

There’s nothing to it!

YCAT also services passengers from either Narita or Haneda airport to Yokohama Station, just look for the sign that says YCAT, or ask airport staff to point you in the right direction.

Why not hedge your bets by checking out their “Getting on the bus to…” videos here:

http://www.ycat.co.jp/en/route/

I like that YCAT’s gone out of their way to provide users with convenience, ease-of-use, and links to everything. And not only is it a cinch to book a reservation; but also, should you wish to confirm, change, or cancel your reservation, you can do so online at the Web Bus Booking page – just make sure you have that booking number handy!

Now that you've got your tickets and have time to kill until your bus leaves, in my final article I’ll tell you all about the things you can do and see while you wait!