Quick Facts
- Opened
- December 1927 (Asia's first subway)
- Operators
- Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway
- Stations
- 285 (180 Tokyo Metro + 105 Toei)
- Lines
- 13 (9 Tokyo Metro + 4 Toei)
- Daily riders
- ~8.7 million
- Network
- 304 km
- Payment
- Suica / Pasmo IC card, Tourist passes
- Notable
- World's most used rapid transit by ridership
The Tokyo subway system comprises two separate operators — Tokyo Metro (9 lines, 180 stations) and Toei Subway (4 lines, 106 stations) — forming a combined network of 13 lines and 285 stations across 304 km of track, carrying over 8.7 million passengers every day.
Tokyo Metro was opened in December 1927 as the first subway line in Asia. Today it is the world's most used rapid transit system by annual ridership. Despite operating as two separate companies, the lines are interoperable with IC cards and shown on the same maps, making navigation seamless for visitors.
Paying for the Tokyo subway is simple and cashless: tap in and out with a Suica or Pasmo IC card. Both cards work on every subway line, JR trains, buses, and even vending machines and convenience stores. Top up at any station or via app. Fares are distance-based — most journeys within central Tokyo cost ¥180–¥300.
For tourists, the Tokyo Metro 24/48/72-hour ticket is excellent value: unlimited rides on all 9 Tokyo Metro lines for ¥600 (24h), ¥1,000 (48h), or ¥1,500 (72h). It does not cover Toei lines or JR.
Narita Airport is connected to central Tokyo via the Narita Express (N'EX, JR) or the Keisei Skyliner — neither is the subway. From Narita to central Tokyo takes 50–80 minutes. Haneda Airport, however, is served by the Keikyu Line with direct connections to subway stations, making it the more convenient airport for subway users.
The Tokyo subway is famously punctual — average delays are measured in seconds, not minutes. The busiest station is Shinjuku, which handles over 3.5 million passengers daily, making it the world's busiest station.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Suica IC card · Pasmo IC card · Tokyo Metro 24/48/72-hr tourist ticket · Tokyo Subway Ticket (combined Tokyo Metro + Toei) · Cash at ticket machines.
💡 Get a Suica card at Narita/Haneda airport on arrival — it covers all trains, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines. No need to buy separate tickets ever.
Peak hours: No peak fare surcharge — distance-based flat fares at all times — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Tokyo Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Tokyo Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Suica IC card, Pasmo IC card, Tokyo Metro 24/48/72-hr tourist ticket, Tokyo Subway Ticket (combined Tokyo Metro + Toei), Cash at ticket machines.
💡 Get a Suica card at Narita/Haneda airport on arrival — it covers all trains, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines. No need to buy separate tickets ever.
| Journey | Off-Peak (JPY) | Peak (JPY) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (up to 6 km) | ¥180 | ¥180 |
| Standard (6–11 km) | ¥210 | ¥210 |
| Standard (11–20 km) | ¥260 | ¥260 |
| Standard (20+ km) | ¥300 | ¥300 |
| Tokyo Metro Tourist 24-hr ticket | ¥600 | ¥600 |
| Tokyo Metro Tourist 48-hr ticket | ¥1,000 | ¥1,000 |
| Tokyo Metro Tourist 72-hr ticket | ¥1,500 | ¥1,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for the Tokyo subway?
Tap in and out with a Suica or Pasmo IC card — the easiest and cheapest method. Buy a Suica at Narita/Haneda airport or any JR station for ¥500 deposit + initial credit. It works on all Tokyo trains, buses, and at most convenience stores and vending machines.
What is the Tokyo Metro tourist ticket?
The Tokyo Metro 24/48/72-hour ticket (¥600/¥1,000/¥1,500) gives unlimited rides on all 9 Tokyo Metro lines. It does not cover Toei Subway lines. For combined coverage, buy the Tokyo Subway Ticket (covers both operators) at airports and selected tourist spots.
How do I get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?
The Narita Express (N'EX, JR) takes 53 minutes to Shinjuku for ¥3,070, or the Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno in 41 minutes for ¥2,520. Neither is the subway — both are separate express train services. From central stations you then connect to the subway.
How do I get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo?
The Keikyu Line from Haneda connects directly to Toei Asakusa Line stations and Shinagawa (JR/subway) in 20–30 minutes for ¥410–¥730. Haneda is significantly closer to central Tokyo than Narita and is the easier airport for subway users.
Is the Tokyo subway easy to navigate in English?
Yes — all station names, maps, and announcements are in English. Station numbers (e.g., G-01 for Shibuya on the Ginza Line) make navigation simple without reading Japanese. Free Wi-Fi is available at most stations.
What is the difference between Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway?
Tokyo Metro operates 9 lines and is partially privatised. Toei Subway operates 4 lines and is run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Both appear on the same maps and both accept Suica/Pasmo. Transferring between the two companies incurs no extra fee with an IC card.
When does the Tokyo subway close?
Most lines run from approximately 05:00 to midnight (00:30 for some lines on weekends). There is no 24-hour service. Last trains are heavily publicised — apps like Google Maps show last train times. Missing the last train means a taxi, which is expensive in Tokyo.
Is the Tokyo subway crowded?
Peak hours (07:30–09:30 and 17:30–20:00 on weekdays) are very crowded, especially at Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. Trains are punctual to the second but packed during rush hour. Travelling outside peak hours is significantly more comfortable.
Source: Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. & Toei Subway (Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.