Keisei 3500 series

Data (as of 23 May 2026)

History

The 3500 series is Keisei's first train with air conditioning. It is also the first train made of stainless steel (though partially), to meet the weight limit of bridges (air conditioning was so heavy that the train had to be lighter than others). Each unit is formed of four coaches, but designed to be able to form six easily. The series was introduced to through-services towards the Toei Asakusa Line but initially not to Keikyu.

Many units were dramatically refurbished in 1996-2001. Front ends have been remodelled as if being completely a different train type, and become able to run Keikyu as well. However, the refurbishment costed more than estimated, and thus the company decided not to renovate all. Therefore, 10 out of 24 four-carriage units remained unchanged.

In the 2000s and 2010s, unrefurbished units had been used for stopping services on the Keisei Main, Chiba (including Chihara) and the Kanamachi Lines, while refurbished units were mainly used for the through-services and fast services on the Main Line. All unrefurbished units retired by 2017, and withdrawal of the refurbished units commenced in the following year.

A four-car refurbished unit was leased out to Shibayama Railway in 2013-26 with green bands.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 3500 series trains are formed of four or six (2+4) coaches. Some four-car units have been converted to be compatible with driver-only operation since 2022. No eight-car operation in these days unless there is a lack of available train, and thus they are no longer used for the through-services.

Since Keisei has been introducing brand new 3200 series, the retirement of the 3500 series is imminent.

Photo

Unrefurbished units had a little signboard in the middle of the gangway, showing the type of service.