Everything about Suica and Pasmo IC cards: how to get one, top up, what they cover, and whether tourists still need one in 2026.
How to Get the Suica & Pasmo IC Card
Suica: buy at any JR East station (including Narita/Haneda airports) for ¥500 deposit + initial credit. Also available as a virtual card on iPhone/Android via Apple Pay or Google Pay, no physical card needed.
Suica & Pasmo IC Card Benefits
- Works on all Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, JR, private railways, buses, and monorail in Tokyo.
- Accepted at most convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson), vending machines, and restaurants.
- Slightly cheaper than buying paper tickets for each journey.
- No need to calculate fares or queue at ticket machines, just tap in and out.
- Mobile Suica on iPhone/Android means you never need a physical card.
Fare Reference (JPY)
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 |
Peak hours: No peak fare surcharge, distance-based flat fares at all times.
Suica & Pasmo IC Card vs Single-Journey Ticket
| Suica & Pasmo IC Card | Single-Journey Token / Ticket | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare benefit | Works on all Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, JR, private railways, buses, and monorail in Tokyo. | Standard full fare |
| Queue time | Tap and go, no queue | Buy at a machine each time |
| Initial cost | ¥500 | Journey cost only |
| Best for | Frequent riders | A single one-off journey |
Tips for Using the Suica & Pasmo IC Card
- Tap in and tap out with the same card at every gate. The fare is worked out when you exit.
- Top up before you travel, through the official Tokyo Metro app or website where available, or at station machines.
- If you lose the card, contact Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. & Toei Subway (Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation). Many systems can move the balance to a new card.
- Travelling to or from the airport? See the airport transfer guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Suica and Pasmo?
Functionally identical, both work on the same networks. Suica is issued by JR East; Pasmo by the private railways. Either card works everywhere. Most tourists get a Suica at the airport for convenience.
Can I get a Suica on my phone?
Yes, Suica is available as a digital card via Apple Pay (iPhone 8 and later), Google Pay (Android), or the Suica app. Add credit with a foreign credit card. This is the most convenient option as you never need to top up at a machine.
What happens if I run out of credit?
You cannot exit the fare gate without sufficient credit. Top up at any station ticket machine (accepts cash and some credit cards) or via the app. You can also add credit at convenience stores.
Can I get a refund on my Suica when leaving Japan?
Yes, return to any JR East station and get the remaining balance minus a ¥220 handling fee, plus the ¥500 deposit. Digital Suica balances can be transferred to a new card.
See also: Tokyo Metro ticket prices · Airport connection · Full Tokyo Metro guide
Source: Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. & Toei Subway (Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation). Fares and card terms change from time to time, so verify before travel.