Tokyo2026-04-135min

Tokyo Subway Guide — How to Ride, Subway Pass & Tips (2026)

How to ride the Tokyo subway as a tourist. Subway pass prices, JR vs Metro lines, how to transfer, and practical tips from frequent visits.

How to Ride the Tokyo Subway — A Tourist's Complete Guide

The Tokyo subway system (Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway) looks overwhelmingly complex on a map, but it's actually straightforward once you're in it. Tokyo has 13 subway lines carrying roughly 8 million passengers daily — one of the largest subway systems in the world.

Tokyo subway route map — Source: Tokyo Metro

I visit Tokyo 1–2 times a year. The subway was my biggest worry on my first trip. Turns out, you don't need to memorize any maps. Every station has an alphabet + number code (e.g., G09 = Ginza Line, Ginza Station). Just match that code on Google Maps and you're set.

Key Info

Lines: Tokyo Metro (9) + Toei (4) = 13 subway lines

Hours: First train ~05:00 / last train ~00:00 (last trains are earlier than many cities)

Single ride: ~¥210 (varies by distance)

Subway Pass: 24hr ~$5 / 48hr ~$7.50 / 72hr ~$10 (Klook prices, 2026)

How to ride: Search route on Google Maps → note station code (letter+number) → board that line

Subway Pass — Almost Essential

A single Tokyo subway ride costs ~¥210 (~$1.50). Ride 3–4 times a day and you're over $6. The 24-hour pass costs ~$5 — unlimited rides. You break even after just 2 trips.

Pass options (2026 Klook prices):

24 hours: ~$5

48 hours: ~$7.50

72 hours: ~$10 (covers a 4-day/3-night trip easily)

Key detail: it's time-based, not date-based. Start using a 24-hour pass at 3pm and it's valid until 3pm the next day. Effectively two days of use.

Buy Tokyo Subway Pass

How to Buy & Activate the Pass

Step 1: Buy on Klook → receive QR code voucher

Step 2: At any Tokyo Metro/Toei station, find the ticket machine with QR scanner → scan code → receive physical card pass

Tokyo subway ticket machines for pass exchange

Scanning QR code to exchange Tokyo subway pass

Step 3: Enter through gates with the yellow card slot — insert your pass card

Yellow ticket gate for Tokyo subway pass

Most Metro/Toei stations have exchange machines. Look for the machine with a QR reader — it looks slightly different from regular ticket machines. Korean/English language option available.

The timer starts when you first insert the card at a gate, not when you exchange it. So you can pick up the card early and start using it later.

JR Lines vs Metro Lines — The Key Distinction

The most important thing about Tokyo's subway: JR and Metro are different companies. Your subway pass only works on Metro/Toei lines. JR lines require separate payment.

How to tell them apart:

On Google Maps, look at the line icon: circle (○) = Metro/Toei → pass works

Square (□) or "JR" label = JR line → pass doesn't work, pay separately

Real examples:

Shinjuku → Shibuya: Google Maps suggests JR Saikyo Line (square), but the Fukutoshin Line (circle) takes just 10 minutes longer

Ginza → Disneyland: Must use JR Keiyo Line — separate fare (~¥410)

Even when Google Maps recommends JR, there's often a Metro alternative just 5–10 minutes longer. If you have a pass, always check for the Metro route.

Finding Your Way in Stations

Every station has an alphabet + number code. For example:

G09 = Ginza Line (G), Ginza Station (stop #9)

M25 = Marunouchi Line (M), Ikebukuro Station (stop #25)

Tokyo subway station sign with alphabet and number code E36

Google Maps shows these codes when you search for directions. Inside the station, follow the code to find your platform. No need to memorize the map — just follow the numbers.

Large stations like Shinjuku have dozens of exits. Google Maps will specify "Exit #X" — follow it exactly.

Subway Etiquette

Tokyo subway riders are exceptionally orderly. Knowing basic etiquette helps:

Queuing: Floor markings show where to stand. Line up at the marked spots, not in front of the doors. Let passengers exit first

Floor markings showing where to queue at Tokyo subway platform

Stairs: Separate lanes for going up and down

Women-only cars: Some lines run these during weekday rush hours (~until 8:30am)

No phone calls: Talking on the phone in the train is considered rude

Don't walk and phone: Avoid using your phone while walking in stations

Rush hour (7–9am) is extremely crowded. Skip it if possible, or wait for the next train.

Tips From Frequent Visits

72-hour pass covers transportation for a 4-day Tokyo trip

Time-based system means 24hr pass effectively covers 2 days

Check line icons on Google Maps: ○ = pass works, □ (JR) = pay separately

JR routes often have Metro alternatives just 5–10 min longer

Station codes (G09, M25) are all you need — no memorizing maps

Use yellow gates for pass cards — regular gates won't work

Last trains run around midnight — earlier than many cities

No need for Suica/ICOCA cards if you have the subway pass

Narita Airport ↔ city is outside pass coverage — use Skyliner or limousine bus separately

If you're building a Tokyo itinerary, try the TripFlowy planner to automatically combine subway-accessible spots into a full day. For getting from Narita to the city, see our Skyliner guide. For the return trip, check the limousine bus guide.

Buy Tokyo Subway Pass

From ~$5 (24hr)24hr / 48hr / 72hr options available

via Klook

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FAQ

How much is the Tokyo subway pass?

24hr ~$5, 48hr ~$7.50, 72hr ~$10 on Klook (2026). Time-based, not date-based — a 24hr pass started at 3pm lasts until 3pm the next day.

Can I use the Tokyo subway pass on JR lines?

No. The subway pass only covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. JR lines (marked with squares on Google Maps) require separate tickets. Most tourist destinations are reachable by Metro though.

Where can I exchange the Tokyo subway pass?

At ticket machines with QR scanners in most Tokyo Metro/Toei stations. The machine looks slightly different from regular ones. Korean and English languages available.

Is the Tokyo subway hard to navigate?

Easier than it looks. Use Google Maps for routes — every station has an alphabet+number code (like G09). Match the code at the station and you'll find your platform. No need to memorize the map.

What time is the last train in Tokyo?

Around midnight (varies by line). Earlier than many major cities. If you're out late, check the last train time on Google Maps or plan for a taxi.

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