How to Use the Tokyo Subway (2026): Metro vs Toei, Fares, Tap to Ride and Passes
Tokyo's subway is run by two companies, Tokyo Metro and Toei, but you don't need to think about that. Tap an IC card (Suica or PASMO) or a contactless bank card at the gate and the fare is worked out for you. A short Tokyo Metro ride costs ¥178 by IC card.
If you'll ride six or more times a day, the Tokyo Subway Ticket (¥1,000 for 24 hours, for overseas and out-of-region visitors) is cheaper. On 6 November 2026 we read the fares, the Tap to Ride rules and the Tokyo Subway Ticket page on Tokyo Metro's official site. Toei's lowest fare comes from Toei's own fare notices.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. Paying per ride is cheaper if you only take a few trains a day, and we say so.
Tokyo Metro or Toei: does it matter?
Tokyo Metro
Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku and Fukutoshin lines.
Toei Subway
Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku and Oedo lines. Run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Station signs, maps and Google Maps show both as one network. The only differences you'll notice: a change between the two companies costs a little more than staying on one, and a few transfer stations make you walk through a transfer gate.
How much does a ride cost?
These are Tokyo Metro adult fares including the ¥10 barrier-free fee. Primary-school children pay half. Toei has its own fare table, starting at ¥178 by IC card or ¥180 for a ticket.
Can I tap my credit card at the gate?
Yes, on all Tokyo Metro lines. Tokyo Metro calls it Tap to Ride. Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Discover and UnionPay cards with the contactless logo work, and so do phones with a card set up.
How do I ride, step by step?
- Look for the letter and number Every station has a code like G09 (Ginza Line, station 9). Signs and subway maps use these codes, so you can follow them without reading Japanese.
- Check the exit you want before you get off Big stations such as Shinjuku or Tokyo have many exits. Exit signs list the landmarks each exit leads to; your map app also shows the exit to use.
- Tap in and out IC card or bank card on the reader. A paper ticket goes in the slot and comes out again: take it.
- If the gate shuts Check your IC card balance and top up at the fare adjustment machine (のりこし精算機) next to the gates.You'll want data for live routes and exit numbers. A Japan eSIM is set up before you fly.Japan eSIM on Klook ↗
Is the Tokyo Subway Ticket worth it?
At ¥1,000 for 24 hours it pays off from six short rides (6 × ¥178 = ¥1,068). The 72-hour ticket at ¥2,000 is about ¥667 a day, so four rides a day are enough. It starts at your first ride, not at midnight.
Tokyo Subway Ticket
All Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. Discounts at sights when you show it. A QR version can be sent to phones. Not valid on JR or on trains that run beyond the subway.
Affiliate links. Tokyo Metro sells it online at the same price.Skip it if most of your trips are on the JR Yamanote Line, or if you'll only take two or three rides a day. Full Tokyo Subway Ticket guide →
What if…?
…my train keeps going past the subway?
Many lines run straight onto private railways (Tokyu, Tobu, Seibu, Odakyu). With an IC card the extra fare is charged at the exit. With a Tokyo Subway Ticket, pay the difference at the fare adjustment machine.
…I have big suitcases?
Avoid weekday commuter hours with big bags, or send them ahead with a luggage service.
…I see a pink sign on the platform?
Some lines have women-only cars on weekday mornings. Men should board a different car at the times shown on the signs.
…I miss the last train?
Last train times differ by line and station, so check yours before you go out. After that it's a taxi. Taxi apps in Japan →
What we checked
Tokyo Metro fares page: ¥178–¥324 IC / ¥180–¥330 ticket, children half, ¥10 barrier-free fee included.
Tokyo Metro Tap to Ride page: all lines, seven card brands, ticket-fare pricing, ¥70 Metro–Toei discount, adult fare only, not through onto JR East, not from Nakano.
Tokyo Metro travel tickets page: Tokyo Subway Ticket ¥1,000 / ¥1,500 / ¥2,000, from first use, for overseas visitors and some domestic visitors.
Toei fare notices (Bureau of Transportation, 2019 and 2022): lowest fare ¥178 by IC card, ¥180 by ticket.
Just landed?
From Haneda, the Keikyu line runs straight onto the Toei Asakusa Line. From Narita, the Skyliner ends at Ueno (Ginza and Hibiya lines) and N'EX stops at Tokyo Station (Marunouchi Line).
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