Tokyo Metro vs Toei
Tokyo’s subway has two operators — Tokyo Metro (9 lines) and Toei (4 lines). Here’s how transfers, fares, and passes work across both.
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Here’s the thing nobody warns you about Tokyo’s subway: there are two completely separate companies running it. Tokyo Metro operates 9 lines. Toei operates 4 lines. Different tickets, different passes, different fare systems. And if you transfer between them, you pay twice — unless you know the tricks.
Best for: Every Tokyo visitor who wants to understand why they’re paying extra at certain transfer stations.
Why there are two of them
The Two Systems Compared
| Tokyo Metro | Toei Subway | |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. (private) | Bureau of Transportation, Tokyo Metropolitan Govt |
| Lines | 9 lines | 4 lines |
| Stations | 180 | 106 |
| Base fare | ¥180 (IC: ¥178) | ¥180 (IC: ¥178) |
| Day pass | ¥600 (Metro only) | ¥700 (Toei only, includes bus & streetcar) |
| Combined day pass | ¥900 (both systems) or Tokyo Subway Ticket ¥800/24h for tourists | |
| Map color scheme | Warm tones (red, orange, brown, etc.) | Cool tones (blue, magenta, green, pink) |
Every line, color-coded
All 13 Subway Lines
Tokyo Metro — 9 Lines
| Line | Color | Code | Key Stations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginza | 🟠 Orange | G | Shibuya, Ginza, Asakusa, Ueno |
| Marunouchi | 🔴 Red | M | Shinjuku, Tokyo, Ikebukuro, Ginza |
| Hibiya | ⚫ Gray | H | Roppongi, Ginza, Akihabara, Ueno |
| Tozai | 🔵 Light Blue | T | Nihonbashi, Kudanshita, Nakano |
| Chiyoda | 🟢 Green | C | Omotesando, Meiji-Jingumae, Yoyogi-Uehara |
| Yurakucho | 🟡 Gold | Y | Ikebukuro, Yurakucho, Tsukishima |
| Hanzomon | 🟣 Purple | Z | Shibuya, Omotesando, Otemachi, Oshiage (Skytree) |
| Namboku | 🟢 Teal | N | Roppongi-Itchome, Komagome, Akabane-Iwabuchi |
| Fukutoshin | 🟤 Brown | F | Ikebukuro, Shinjuku-Sanchome, Shibuya |
Toei Subway — 4 Lines
| Line | Color | Code | Key Stations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asakusa | 🩷 Rose | A | Asakusa, Nihonbashi, Shinbashi, Gotanda |
| Mita | 🔵 Blue | I | Otemachi, Hibiya, Mita, Meguro |
| Shinjuku | 🟢 Leaf | S | Shinjuku, Kudanshita, Jimbocho, Motoyawata |
| Oedo | 🩷 Magenta | E | Shinjuku, Roppongi, Tsukiji, Ryogoku, Ueno-Okachimachi |
Dodge the double fare
Transfer Costs — The Trap and the Fix
The Problem
When you transfer between Metro and Toei, you exit one fare system and enter another. With Suica/Pasmo, you’re charged two separate fares.
The Fix: Transfer Discount
- Suica/Pasmo: Automatic ¥70 discount when transferring between Metro and Toei within 30 minutes at a designated transfer station
- Tokyo Subway Ticket: No issue — covers both systems
Common Transfer Stations (Metro ↔ Toei)
| Station | Metro Line(s) | Toei Line(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Marunouchi | Shinjuku, Oedo |
| Kudanshita | Tozai, Hanzomon | Shinjuku |
| Otemachi | Marunouchi, Tozai, Chiyoda, Hanzomon | Mita |
| Hibiya | Hibiya, Chiyoda | Mita |
| Ueno-Okachimachi | Ginza, Hibiya | Oedo |
| Asakusa | Ginza | Asakusa |
Pick the right pass
Which Pass Should You Get?
| Your situation | Best option | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist, 4+ rides/day | Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72h) | ¥800 / ¥1,200 / ¥1,500 |
| Only using Metro lines | Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket | ¥600 |
| Heavy Oedo/Asakusa line user | Toei One-Day Pass | ¥700 |
| Light subway use + JR | Suica/Pasmo (pay per ride) | ~¥180/ride |
Trust the app, mind Oedo
Practical Tips
Pro Tips – Google Maps / Navitime will show you the cheapest and fastest route — trust the app over guessing – The Oedo Line runs in a loop around central Tokyo — it’s like a deeper, less crowded Yamanote Line – Oedo Line stations are the deepest in Tokyo (Roppongi station: 42.3m). Budget 3–5 extra minutes for escalators – Rush hour (7:30–9:00 AM) on Tozai and Hibiya lines can hit 180% capacity — avoid if possible – Metro and Toei use different station numbering — M for Marunouchi (Metro), E for Oedo (Toei), etc. – At large stations like Shinjuku or Otemachi, Metro and Toei gates may be hundreds of meters apart even though they share a station name
Common questions
FAQ
Why does Tokyo have two subway operators?
Historical reasons. Tokyo Metro was originally a private company (Eidan) nationalized after WWII. Toei was built later by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to serve areas Metro didn’t cover. Merger talks have happened for decades but never materialized.
Is there a map that shows both systems together?
Yes. The official Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway Route Map is available at all stations and on both websites. The lines are color-coded — Metro uses warm tones, Toei uses cooler tones. Google Maps also shows both.
Can I use JR Pass on the subway?
No. JR Pass only covers JR-operated lines (Yamanote, Chuo, Keihin-Tohoku, etc.). Metro and Toei are separate operators.
Which line is least crowded?
Namboku and Fukutoshin lines are generally the least crowded. Tozai Line is the most crowded in all of Tokyo during rush hour.
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