The Tokyo Subway Ticket gives short-term visitors unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours. As of June 2026, adult tickets cost ¥1,000 for 24 hours, ¥1,500 for 48 hours, and ¥2,000 for 72 hours.
For most travelers, the pass makes sense only if you will use Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway often. You usually need about 5 to 6 short covered subway rides to justify the 24-hour version, and about 10 to 12 covered rides total for the 72-hour version to feel clearly worthwhile.
I’m Kai Tanaka, a Tokyo-based travel writer who helps inbound travelers plan realistic city routes, and my rule is simple: buy this pass when your Tokyo days are subway-heavy, but do not treat it as an all-Tokyo transport pass. It is excellent for central Tokyo sightseeing, but weak for JR-heavy routes, airports, Odaiba, Disney, Yokohama, Kamakura, and most day trips.
This guide covers 2026 prices, what is included, what is not covered, break-even ride math, QR use, and when you should simply use Suica or PASMO instead. If you are mainly deciding between this pass and an IC card, read the full comparison here: Tokyo Subway Ticket vs Suica: Is the 72-Hour Metro Pass Worth It in 2026?.
Quick Answer: How Does the Tokyo Subway Ticket Work?
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Best overall value | The 72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket for active sightseeing over several consecutive days |
| Best for | Travelers taking multiple Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway rides across central neighborhoods |
| Not good for | JR-heavy routes, airport transfers, Odaiba, Disney, Yokohama, Kamakura, and day trips outside central Tokyo |
| Coverage | Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines only |
| Valid period | 24, 48, or 72 hours from first use, not calendar days |
| Best backup | Use Suica or PASMO for JR, buses, private railways, shops, lockers, airport routes, and anything outside the pass |
Buy the Tokyo Subway Ticket if you expect to take several covered subway rides across consecutive sightseeing days. Skip it if your Tokyo plans mostly follow JR lines, private railways, airport trains, Odaiba, Tokyo Disney Resort, Yokohama, Kamakura, or one-neighborhood-per-day travel.
The key point is that the Tokyo Subway Ticket is valid by operator, not by whether a train feels like a “subway.” It covers Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. It does not cover JR lines, the Yurikamome to Odaiba, most private railways, airport express trains, buses, shops, lockers, or vending machines.
Check current Tokyo Subway Ticket prices, availability, and 24/48/72-hour options
Tokyo Subway Ticket Prices in 2026
As of June 2026, the official Tokyo Subway Ticket prices are:
- 24-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket: ¥1,000 adult / ¥500 child
- 48-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket: ¥1,500 adult / ¥750 child
- 72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket: ¥2,000 adult / ¥1,000 child
Always check the latest official Tokyo Metro ticket page before buying, because prices, purchase methods, eligibility rules, QR ticket conditions, and sales locations can change.
The important detail is that these tickets are based on hours from first use, not calendar days. If you activate a 24-hour ticket at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, it remains valid until 3:00 PM on Wednesday. A 72-hour ticket activated at 10:00 AM on Monday remains valid until 10:00 AM on Thursday.
Should You Buy the Tokyo Subway Ticket?
The Tokyo Subway Ticket is worth buying if your itinerary involves several short subway rides between Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway stations over consecutive days. It is not a universal pass for all Tokyo travel.
Good Fit
- First-time visitors spending two or three full days sightseeing in central Tokyo
- Travelers visiting three or more neighborhoods in a single day
- Anyone staying near a Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway station
- Travelers who want to cap part of their transport budget in advance
- People comfortable checking whether a route uses Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, JR, or a private railway
Bad Fit
- Travelers who prefer one or two areas per day and walk between them
- Anyone staying beside a major JR station and relying mostly on the JR Yamanote Line
- Visitors whose plans focus on Odaiba, Tokyo Disney Resort, Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone, or airport transfers
- Travelers who do not want to think about train operators at all
- Anyone who values maximum flexibility more than small transport savings
Kai’s tip: The mistake I see travelers make is choosing the pass before checking their hotel station. Look up your nearest station name, then check whether it is Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, JR, or a private railway. A hotel near a subway station makes this ticket much easier to use; a hotel beside a JR-only station makes Suica or PASMO feel simpler.
Hotel location matters a lot. If you are still deciding where to stay in Tokyo for your first visit, check whether your nearest station is on Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, JR, or a private railway. A hotel near a subway station makes the Tokyo Subway Ticket much easier to use.
How Many Rides Do You Need to Break Even?
Tokyo subway fares are distance-based. Many central short rides sit in the lower fare bands, while longer rides cost more. The exact break-even point depends on your routes, but this rough math works for most sightseeing plans:
| Ticket | Price | Cost Per Day | Practical Break-Even | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24-hour | ¥1,000 | ¥1,000 | About 5 to 6 short covered subway rides | Useful for one packed subway-heavy day |
| 48-hour | ¥1,500 | ¥750 | About 8 to 9 covered rides total | Good for two active sightseeing days |
| 72-hour | ¥2,000 | About ¥667 | About 10 to 12 covered rides total | Best overall value for active visitors |
For example, a subway-focused day might look like this:
- Hotel to Asakusa
- Asakusa to Ueno
- Ueno to Ginza
- Ginza to Roppongi
- Roppongi back to your hotel
If all of those rides are on Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway lines, the pass can save money. If the route keeps pulling you onto JR lines, private railways, buses, or airport trains, the Tokyo Subway Ticket will not cover those parts.
My Recommended Booking Choice
If your break-even math points toward two or three active sightseeing days, I would usually compare the 72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket first. It has the lowest cost per day, gives you room for spontaneous short rides, and works best for travelers who are moving between several central Tokyo neighborhoods.
Why I’d book this one
- The 72-hour version is the easiest to justify: you do not need a perfectly packed day; you just need repeated Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway use over several days.
- It helps control one part of your transport budget: reviewers often mention the value of knowing their subway cost in advance, especially when moving around a large city.
- The booking page lets you check the current product details before committing: confirm the 24/48/72-hour option, QR or voucher instructions, pickup or redemption details, and cancellation rules for your selected date.
Check Tokyo Subway Ticket availability and choose the right 24/48/72-hour option
| Choice | Best For | Price | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Subway Ticket 72-hour | Three active central Tokyo sightseeing days | Check current booking page | Best overall value if your routes are subway-heavy |
| Tokyo Subway Ticket 48-hour | Two full sightseeing days | Check current booking page | Good when your Tokyo stay is short but busy |
| Tokyo Subway Ticket 24-hour | One packed day with many covered subway rides | Check current booking page | Useful, but easiest to overbuy |
| Suica or PASMO only | JR-heavy routes, airports, Odaiba, Disney, day trips, or flexible wandering | Pay as you go | Simpler when operator rules would slow you down |
What Does the Tokyo Subway Ticket Cover?
The pass covers unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines during the valid period.
Tokyo Metro Lines
- Ginza Line
- Marunouchi Line
- Hibiya Line
- Tozai Line
- Chiyoda Line
- Yurakucho Line
- Hanzomon Line
- Namboku Line
- Fukutoshin Line
Toei Subway Lines
- Asakusa Line
- Mita Line
- Shinjuku Line
- Oedo Line
These 13 lines connect many major sightseeing areas, including Asakusa, Ueno, Ginza, Roppongi, Nihombashi, Akasaka, Omotesando, Tsukiji, and parts of Shinjuku and Shibuya.
What Is Not Covered?
This is where many travelers get confused. The Tokyo Subway Ticket does not cover every train in Tokyo.
- JR lines: including the JR Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Keiyo Line, and Narita Express
- Airport trains: including Keisei Skyliner, Narita Express, Tokyo Monorail, and many airport access routes by themselves
- Private railways: such as Odakyu, Keio, Tokyu, Tobu, Seibu, Keisei, and Keikyu lines
- Odaiba access: the Yurikamome and Rinkai Line are not covered
- Tokyo Disney Resort access: JR routes to Maihama are not covered
- Buses, shops, lockers, and vending machines: the pass is not electronic money like Suica or PASMO
The Through-Service Trap
Some Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway trains continue beyond their own tracks onto private railway lines. For example, some subway services may continue onto Keikyu, Keisei, Tokyu, Tobu, Seibu, or other railway lines. If you stay on the train beyond the covered subway section, the Tokyo Subway Ticket may not cover your full ride.
If this happens, do not panic. Use a staffed gate and ask how to pay the additional fare. Carrying Suica, PASMO, and some cash as backup makes this much easier.
Kai’s tip: What catches people out is not the train color — it is the operator boundary. Before you enter the gate, check the route details in your map app and look for the operator name, not just the destination. If the route says JR, Keisei, Keikyu, Tokyu, Tobu, Seibu, Odakyu, Keio, Yurikamome, or Rinkai, assume you need Suica, PASMO, or a separate fare unless the current ticket instructions clearly say otherwise.
Google Maps Does Not Know You Have a Pass
Google Maps often suggests the fastest route, which may use JR or a private railway even when a subway route exists. Check the operator name and line logo before entering the gate. Sometimes paying a separate fare is still better than forcing a slower subway-only route.
When Should You Activate the Pass?
The clock starts from your first use, so timing matters.
Kai’s tip: I always tell readers not to start the clock for one late-night ride after arrival. Use Suica or PASMO that evening, sleep, then activate the subway ticket before your first proper sightseeing ride the next morning. That one decision can turn a weak 24-hour ticket into a useful one.
| Situation | Best Move | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Arriving in Tokyo at night | Use Suica or PASMO for the first ride | Save the subway ticket for a full sightseeing day |
| Starting sightseeing in the morning | Activate before your first covered subway ride | You can use most of the valid period efficiently |
| Only visiting one neighborhood today | Do not activate yet | You may not take enough rides to justify it |
| Planning three active Tokyo days | Use the 72-hour ticket from the first full day | The cost per day is low if your route is subway-heavy |
Activating a 24-hour ticket at 9:00 PM just to take one short ride is usually wasteful. Activating it at 9:00 AM before a full sightseeing day is much better.
If the Tokyo Subway Ticket sounds like a fit for your itinerary, compare the latest 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour options before your trip:
Check current Tokyo Subway Ticket options and redemption instructions
How to Buy and Use the Tokyo Subway Ticket
You can buy the Tokyo Subway Ticket online before your trip, or in person at selected airports, stations, hotels, and sales locations in Japan. The exact process depends on where you buy it, so always follow the latest instructions from the official ticket page or your booking platform.
Option 1: Buy Online or Use a QR-Based Product
Some Tokyo Subway Ticket products are QR-based, while others may involve a voucher, issue process, or redemption step. Depending on the product and platform, your QR code may be used to issue, display, or redeem your ticket.
Reviewers generally like the value once the ticket is issued, but several comments point to the same practical issue: finding the correct QR-compatible machine or redemption point can take a little attention. Treat the QR step as part of the setup, not something to solve while rushing for a train.
A safe general process is:
- Choose your ticket: Select the 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour version based on your itinerary.
- Read the product instructions: Check whether you receive a QR ticket, voucher code, or other redemption method.
- Check where it can be used or redeemed: Some QR or voucher products may require a supported ticket machine or station office.
- Issue or redeem the ticket before trying to travel: Do not assume every QR code can be scanned directly at every gate.
- Enter through the gate correctly after receiving the ticket: If staff help you issue the ticket, make sure your first ride is properly started so you can exit smoothly.
- Keep a backup payment method: Use Suica, PASMO, or cash for routes outside the pass coverage.
The safest rule is simple: do not assume a QR voucher can be used at any gate without checking the current instructions first. If redemption is required, use the supported ticket machines or station offices listed in the official QR guidance or by your booking platform.
For the most current details, check the official Tokyo Subway Ticket QR guidance before your trip.
Option 2: Buy in Japan
If you prefer to buy in person, the Tokyo Subway Ticket may be available at selected airports, station counters, hotels, tourist information centers, and sales locations. Availability can vary, so check the official sales information before relying on one location.
- Bring your passport: The Tokyo Subway Ticket is designed for short-term visitors, and eligibility may need to be checked.
- Do not assume every station sells it: Some stations may only handle certain ticket types or redemption methods.
- Ask staff if unsure: Station staff can direct you to the correct machine, counter, or nearby station office.
Online vs In-Person: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Buy Online / QR-Based Product | Buy in Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Can be arranged before or during your trip | Requires finding a sales point in Japan |
| Instructions | Vary by platform and product type | Usually explained at the sales point |
| Redemption | May require a supported machine or station office | May be issued directly, depending on location |
| Passport | Requirements vary by product and pickup method | Bring your physical passport as a backup |
| Cancellation policy | Varies by platform and selected product | Usually limited once issued |
Should You Use the Tokyo Subway Ticket With Suica or PASMO?
For most travelers, yes. The Tokyo Subway Ticket works best as a subway pass, not as your only payment method in Tokyo.
The simplest setup is:
- Tokyo Subway Ticket: use it for Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway rides during your valid period
- Suica or PASMO: use it for JR lines, private railways, buses, airport routes, convenience stores, lockers, vending machines, and anything outside the pass coverage
Trying to navigate Tokyo using only the Tokyo Subway Ticket can lead to longer or more complicated routes. Sometimes a JR train is simply faster. For example, if you are traveling between Shinjuku and Shibuya, the JR Yamanote Line may be more direct, even if navigating the massive Shinjuku Station takes a bit of practice.
Kai’s tip: I would not force every journey onto the subway just because I had the pass. If a JR or private railway route saves meaningful time, use Suica or PASMO and move on. The pass is there to reduce friction on covered subway rides, not to turn every Tokyo route into a puzzle.
If your main question is whether you should buy the Tokyo Subway Ticket or just use Suica, read the full comparison here: Tokyo Subway Ticket vs Suica: Is the 72-Hour Metro Pass Worth It in 2026?.
Which Tokyo Transport Passes Should You Compare?
The Tokyo Subway Ticket is not the only transport pass in Tokyo. Some similar-looking products have different rules, so make sure you are buying the right one.
| Pass or Option | Covers | Best For | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Subway Ticket 24/48/72-hour | Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway | Short-term visitors using both subway systems over multiple hours or days | No JR, private railways, buses, Odaiba routes, or airport trains by itself |
| Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket | Tokyo Metro only | One busy day using only Tokyo Metro lines | It does not cover Toei Subway, JR, or private railways |
| Common One-day Ticket for Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway | Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway | One calendar day of subway rides | It is day-based, not a 24-hour countdown from first use |
| Tokyo Combination Ticket | Tokyo Metro, Toei transport, and some JR lines within central Tokyo | One unusually transit-heavy day | It costs more, so it only makes sense for a very busy transport day |
| Tokyo City Pass | Subway access bundled with selected attractions or services | Travelers who specifically want the included sightseeing bundle | Prices and inclusions vary by plan, so compare the current offer carefully |
| Suica or PASMO only | Most trains, buses, shops, lockers, and vending machines on a pay-as-you-go basis | Maximum flexibility with no operator rules | No unlimited ride discount for normal travel |
If your itinerary is mostly Tokyo Metro, the Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket may be cheaper for a single day. If your itinerary mixes JR and subway lines heavily, Suica or PASMO may be easier, even if it does not save money on each ride.
For most active first-time visitors, the Tokyo Subway Ticket is strongest when you use it for two or three consecutive sightseeing days and keep Suica or PASMO as a backup.
Sample Itineraries Where the Pass Works Well
The Tokyo Subway Ticket works best when your days involve several short moves between subway-friendly areas.
Good 72-Hour Use Case
- Day 1: Asakusa, Ueno, Ginza
- Day 2: Tsukiji, Roppongi, Akasaka, Omotesando
- Day 3: Nihombashi, Tokyo Station area, Shinjuku by subway route
This kind of itinerary can naturally create enough Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway rides to justify the 72-hour ticket.
Weak Use Case
- Day 1: Shinjuku and Shibuya by JR
- Day 2: Tokyo Disney Resort
- Day 3: Yokohama or Kamakura
This itinerary may be fun, but it is not a strong Tokyo Subway Ticket itinerary. You would likely use JR or private railways often, so Suica or PASMO may be simpler.
Before You Decide: My Booking Rule
If your plan includes two or three central Tokyo sightseeing days, a hotel near a subway station, and several short moves between neighborhoods, the Tokyo Subway Ticket is worth checking before your trip. If your plan includes airports, Odaiba, Disney, Yokohama, Kamakura, or heavy JR use, treat the pass as optional rather than essential.
Why this booking route works well
- You can compare 24, 48, and 72 hours in one place: useful if your schedule is fixed but your sightseeing intensity is not.
- You can check the latest QR or voucher instructions before departure: important because the redemption step is where travelers most often hesitate.
- You avoid buying the wrong version at the last minute: the 72-hour option is usually the strongest value, but the 24-hour ticket can be better for a single packed day.
Compare current Tokyo Subway Ticket options before your trip
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tokyo Subway Ticket
Can I use the Tokyo Subway Ticket on the JR Yamanote Line?
No. The Tokyo Subway Ticket does not cover the JR Yamanote Line or any other JR line. Use Suica, PASMO, or a separate JR ticket for those rides.
Does the 24-hour ticket expire at midnight?
No. The ticket works on a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour countdown from first use. If you activate a 24-hour ticket at 6:00 PM, it remains valid until 6:00 PM the next day.
Can I use a Tokyo Subway Ticket QR code directly at the gate?
It depends on the product type and purchase route. Some QR-based or voucher products may require a redemption or issue step at a supported ticket machine or station office, while other ticket types may have different instructions. Always follow the current instructions from the official ticket page or your booking platform.
What happens if my train continues beyond Tokyo Metro or Toei lines?
Some subway trains run through to private railway lines. If you stay on the train beyond the covered subway section, your Tokyo Subway Ticket may not cover the full ride. Use a staffed gate and ask how to pay the additional fare.
Can I use the Tokyo Subway Ticket from Haneda or Narita Airport?
Not by itself for most airport routes. Airport access often involves private railways, JR lines, or airport services that are not fully covered by the Tokyo Subway Ticket. Use Suica, PASMO, or a separate airport ticket when needed.
Can I use the Tokyo Subway Ticket for Odaiba?
Not fully. The Yurikamome and Rinkai Line are not covered by the Tokyo Subway Ticket. Some subway routes can get you part of the way, but you will usually need Suica, PASMO, or a separate fare for the final connection.
Can I use the Tokyo Subway Ticket for Tokyo Disney Resort?
No. Tokyo Disney Resort is usually reached via JR Maihama Station, and JR lines are not covered by the Tokyo Subway Ticket.
Is the 24-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket worth it?
Sometimes, but it is the hardest version to justify. It is worth considering if you have a packed sightseeing day with about 5 to 6 covered subway rides. If you only visit one or two areas, Suica or PASMO may be simpler.
Is the 72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket worth it?
Yes, for many active first-time visitors. The 72-hour pass has the lowest cost per day, so it can pay off naturally if you take about 3 to 4 Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway rides per day. It becomes clearer value around 10 to 12 covered rides total.
Should I still get Suica or PASMO?
Yes. Even if you buy the Tokyo Subway Ticket, Suica or PASMO is useful for JR lines, private railways, buses, airport transfers, convenience stores, vending machines, lockers, and routes where the subway pass is not the best option.
Can I use the Tokyo Subway Ticket and Suica on the same ride?
No. Choose one payment method for each ride. Use the Tokyo Subway Ticket for covered Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway rides, and use Suica or PASMO for routes outside the pass coverage.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Tokyo Subway Ticket Pass?
The Tokyo Subway Ticket Pass is worth buying if you plan to explore several Tokyo neighborhoods over consecutive days and your routes mostly use Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway.
The 72-hour ticket is the best overall value for most active visitors. The 48-hour ticket can also be a good deal for two busy sightseeing days. The 24-hour ticket is more situational and only makes sense if your day involves several covered subway rides.
The pass is not ideal if your itinerary depends heavily on JR lines, the Yamanote Line, airport trains, Odaiba, Disney, Yokohama, Kamakura, or day trips outside central Tokyo. In those cases, Suica or PASMO may be simpler.
The best Tokyo transit setup for many travelers is a combination: use the Tokyo Subway Ticket for frequent Metro and Toei rides, then use Suica or PASMO whenever JR or a private railway is faster.
If your travel dates are already fixed, compare the latest 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour options, including QR ticket conditions, redemption instructions, eligibility notes, and cancellation rules, before your trip:
Check current Tokyo Subway Ticket availability, QR details, and 24/48/72-hour options
Prices, ticket rules, purchase methods, QR redemption steps, sales locations, transport schedules, and pass conditions can change. Always check official sources and your selected booking page before finalizing your trip.
Hi, I’m Kai. I’m a Tokyo-based travel writer, tourism industry insider, and the author of a published guidebook for international visitors to Japan. With over 10 years of professional experience at a leading Japanese tourism company, my mission is to help you skip the tourist traps and navigate Japan’s best destinations like a local. I believe the perfect day trip is like a traditional kaiseki meal: a beautiful balance of precise planning and unforgettable seasonal discovery. When I’m not out conducting field research, you’ll usually find me drafting new itineraries with one of my favorite fountain pens!