Getting around Tokyo: JR, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway

Understand Tokyo's three main rail systems, JR, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway, and which tickets cover each network, based on official transport and tourism information.

Last checked:

  • Tokyo
  • Transport
  • Independent travel

Tokyo’s urban railways are run by different companies. A common misunderstanding is that buying one subway ticket allows travel on every train. This page explains the three main systems and the coverage of each ticket using official information. Prices and times vary by date; the figures below are from official pages checked on 2026-10-28. Return to the Tokyo travel guide.

Key points

  • Tokyo Metro () operates 9 lines. Toei Subway () operates 4 lines: Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku and Oedo.
  • They are different operators, and each operator’s single-journey paper tickets are not interchangeable. Together, the two subway systems have 13 lines and more than 280 stations.
  • Subways are not operated by JR, so JR Passes cannot be used on subways.
  • The official Tokyo Subway Ticket covers all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, but not JR lines.

The three systems

System Operator Official information Important note
JR JR East and others Official pages state that several JR lines accept the JAPAN RAIL PASS JR Yamanote Line and other JR lines are not covered by subway tickets
Tokyo Metro Tokyo Metro 9 lines, 195 km, 180 stations; single fares 180 to 330 yen, based on distance Some lines run through to other railways, so check the train’s final destination before boarding
Toei Subway Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku and Oedo lines, 106 stations; single fares 180 to 430 yen, based on distance Asakusa Line connects Narita and Haneda airports

Ticket basics

  • Transport IC cards (Suica, PASMO) can be used at ticket gates and for transfers, so you do not have to buy a ticket each time. See Suica and transport IC cards for visitor options.
  • Tourist subway tickets are available for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Official information says passports must be shown; Tokyo Metro’s official page lists online purchasing.
  • Tokyo Metro also offers a 24-hour ticket valid only on its 9 lines, as well as a shared one-day ticket covering Tokyo Metro and Toei (official adult price 1,100 yen, child 550 yen). See Tokyo subway ticket comparison for details.
  • If using a paper ticket, use the same ticket to exit the gates and do not throw it away during the journey.

Common transfer questions

  • From Tokyo Station to Asakusa: The official suggestion is to take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda and transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
  • From Tokyo Station to Shinjuku: Take the JR Chuo Rapid Line, about 14 minutes.
  • To airports: Official information states that the Asakusa Line connects Narita and Haneda airports. For choosing a route, see Haneda and Narita airports to central Tokyo.
  • First and last train times vary by line and date, so they are not listed here. Check the operator’s website or Route planning and timetable tools before departure.

Limitations of this page

  • Prices for Toei Subway’s own passes: The Toei Transportation website was blocked by bot verification on 2026-10-28 and could not be accessed, so this page does not list those prices.
  • For nationwide Shinkansen and JR Pass information, see Shinkansen and JR Pass and regional rail passes.

Sources