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

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.

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.

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

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

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)

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

• 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

For official schedules, fares, and route maps, check the Tokyo Metro official site and Toei Subway.

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.