Tokyo Subway Ticket
Complete guide to the Tokyo Subway Ticket — prices, what’s covered, where to buy, and whether it beats Suica for your trip.
Quick links
Tokyo’s subway system has 286 stations across two operators — and if you’re visiting, you’ll probably use both. The Tokyo Subway Ticket gives you unlimited rides on all 13 subway lines for a flat fee. No more fumbling with fare charts.
Best for: Visitors doing 4+ subway rides per day across multiple lines.
24, 48, or 72 hours
Ticket Options & Prices
| Duration | Adult | Child (6–11) | Break-even rides |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-hour | ¥800 | ¥400 | ~4 rides |
| 48-hour | ¥1,200 | ¥600 | ~3 rides/day |
| 72-hour | ¥1,500 | ¥750 | ~2–3 rides/day |
Key detail: The timer starts at first use, not at purchase. A “24-hour” ticket used at 2 PM is valid until 2 PM the next day.
All 13 lines, not JR
What’s Covered (and What’s Not)
✅ Covered — All 13 subway lines
Tokyo Metro (9 lines):
Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku, Fukutoshin
Toei Subway (4 lines):
Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku, Oedo
❌ NOT Covered
- JR lines (Yamanote, Chuo, etc.) — use Suica or JR Pass
- Private railways (Keio, Odakyu, Tokyu, etc.)
- Toei Bus, Toei Streetcar (Toden Arakawa)
- Yurikamome, Rinkai Line
Not at regular machines
Where to Buy
| Location | Availability |
|---|---|
| Narita Airport | JR East Travel Service Center, Keisei counters |
| Haneda Airport | Keikyu Tourist Information, monorail station |
| BIC Camera | Major branches (Yurakucho, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro) |
| Major Metro stations | Ticket counters (not all stations) |
| Hotels & travel agencies | Selected locations |
Note: You cannot buy these at regular Metro ticket machines. Look for the tourist ticket counters.
Honestly, get both
Subway Ticket vs Suica — Which Should You Get?
| Tokyo Subway Ticket | Suica / Pasmo | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Unlimited ride pass | Stored-value IC card |
| Coverage | Metro + Toei subway only | All trains, buses, shops |
| Cost | Fixed (¥800–1,500) | Pay per ride (~¥170–300) |
| Best when | 4+ subway rides/day | Mixed transport or light use |
| Shops & vending? | No | Yes |
Verdict: Get both. Use the Subway Ticket for subway-heavy sightseeing days, and Suica for everything else (JR, buses, shopping).
Insert, don’t tap
Practical Tips
Pro Tips – Use the 72-hour ticket for your first 3 days of sightseeing — it’s only ¥500/day – Activate it on a sightseeing-heavy day, not an airport transfer day (airports use JR or private lines, not subway) – The ticket is a paper ticket — insert it into the turnstile slot, don’t tap – If you need to transfer to a JR line mid-journey, exit the subway gates first, then tap your Suica at the JR gates – The Oedo Line is the deepest in Tokyo — factor in 3–5 min for escalators at some stations
Three days, mapped out
Sample Itinerary: 72-Hour Ticket in Action
Day 1: Shibuya (Ginza/Hanzomon) → Harajuku walk → Omotesando (Ginza/Chiyoda) → Roppongi (Hibiya/Oedo) → Shinjuku (Marunouchi/Oedo)
Day 2: Asakusa (Ginza/Asakusa) → Ueno (Ginza/Hibiya) → Akihabara (Hibiya) → Ginza (Ginza/Marunouchi/Hibiya) → Tsukiji (Oedo)
Day 3: Ikebukuro (Marunouchi/Yurakucho) → Shinjuku Gyoen (Marunouchi) → Meiji Shrine walk → Omotesando → Tokyo Tower (Oedo: Akabanebashi)
Ride count: 12–18 rides over 3 days → paid individually ≈ ¥3,000–4,500 → saved ¥1,500–3,000 with the 72h ticket.
Common questions
FAQ
Can I use the Subway Ticket on JR Yamanote Line?
No. The Yamanote Line is operated by JR East, not Tokyo Metro or Toei. You’ll need Suica or a separate JR ticket.
Is there an airport combo ticket?
Yes! There are combo tickets bundling the Subway Ticket with Keisei Skyliner (Narita) or Keikyu (Haneda) at a discount. Ask at the airport counter.
Can I pause the timer?
No. Once activated, it runs continuously. A 24-hour ticket activated at 3 PM expires at 3 PM the next day, whether you ride or not.
What happens if I accidentally enter a non-covered line?
You’ll need to pay the fare for the non-covered portion at the exit gate. The fare adjustment machine will handle it — just insert the Subway Ticket and pay the difference.
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