Service type Limited express Predecessor Biwako Liner Current operator(s) JR West | Status Operational First service 2 June 2003 Start Osaka | |
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The Biwako Express (びわこエクスプレス, Biwako Ekusupuresu) is a limited express train service operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) between Osaka and Maibara or Kusatsu in Japan since June 2003. It replaced the previous Biwako Liner services.
Contents
Service pattern
As of April 2016, one weekday morning service (Biwako Express 1) runs from Maibara to Osaka, and two weekday evening services (Biwako Express 2 & 4) run from Osaka to Kusatsu and Maibara respectively, with the journey time from Osaka to Maibara taking approximately 1 hour 25 minutes.
Rolling stock
Services were initially operated using the nine-car 681 series or 683 series EMUs used on Thunderbird services.
Biwako Express 1 and 4
Biwako Express 1 and 4 (between Osaka and Maibara) are formed as follows, with car 1 at the Maibara end.
Biwako Express 2
Biwako Express 2 (Osaka to Kusatsu) is formed as follows, with car 1 at the Osaka end.
History
The Biwako Express services were introduced from 2 June 2003.
The services were made entirely no-smoking from 1 June 2009.