Overview
Tokyo Metro is one of the world's most extensive rapid transit systems, serving the Japanese capital with a network of nine subway lines and 180 stations across 195 km (121 mi). As a visitor, you'll find it the cleanest, safest and most efficient way to navigate Tokyo, though the system can seem confusing at first because several distinct railway operators run trains throughout the city. Trains are colour-coded and clearly signed in both Japanese and English. To ride, you buy a ticket at a vending machine, pass through the entry barrier, travel to your destination, and exit through the gates. The system is extremely crowded during rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. on weekdays), so avoid these times if possible.
The network
Tokyo Metro operates nine subway lines serving central Tokyo and its suburbs. Each line has a colour code and both a Japanese name and English name. The lines are:
- Ginza Line (銀座線) – red line, one of the system's oldest, running north–south through central Tokyo
- Marunouchi Line (丸ノ内線) – red line, running north–south with major stops at Tokyo and Shinjuku stations
- Hibiya Line (日比谷線) – silver line, running north–south through central and eastern Tokyo
- Tozai Line (東西線) – blue line, running east–west across central Tokyo
- Chiyoda Line (千代田線) – green line, running north–south through northeast and central Tokyo
- Fukutoshin Line (副都心線) – purple line, opened in 2008, running north–south in west-central Tokyo
- Namboku Line (南北線) – black line, running north–south on the city's east side
- Yurakucho Line (有楽町線) – gold line, running north–south through central Tokyo
- Hanzomon Line (半蔵門線) – purple line, running north–south through southwest and central Tokyo
In addition to Tokyo Metro's subway lines, you will use other rail systems to move around Tokyo. The JR East Yamanote Line (山手線), a loop line operated by Japan Railways, is the defining rail line in the city; being inside the Yamanote loop is synonymous with being in central Tokyo. The Toei Subway (separate from Tokyo Metro) operates four additional lines and carries approximately 2.85 million passengers daily. Tokyo also has tram service via the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line, 都電荒川線) and light rail via the Nippori-Toneri Liner (日暮里舎人ライナー). Bus services are extensive; both Toei and private operators run routes throughout the city. Ferry services operate from terminals including Tokyo Port Ferry Terminal on an artificial island adjacent to Odaiba, accessible via the Yurikamome line, and Takeshiba Terminal near Takeshiba station on the Yurikamome line, which serves ferries to the Izu and Ogasawara Islands.
Tickets & fares
Tokyo Metro fares are distance-based. Regular paper tickets cost approximately:
- 1–6 km: 180 yen (children 90 yen)
- 7–11 km: 210 yen (children 110 yen)
- 12–19 km: 260 yen (children 130 yen)
- 20–27 km: 300 yen (children 150 yen)
- 28–40 km: 330 yen (children 170 yen)
These fares include a 10-yen station barrier-free fee. IC card fares (using PASMO or Suica) are slightly cheaper, at 1–2 yen less per distance band. Tickets are valid only on the day of purchase and become invalid when you exit through the ticket gate. Transfers between lines must be completed within 60 minutes using designated orange ticket gates at transfer stations.
Where to buy: Purchase tickets from automated vending machines at every Tokyo Metro station. Machines accept coins and notes.
IC Cards: Suica and PASMO are rechargeable prepaid cards accepted across Tokyo Metro and other transit operators. Suica card denominations range from ¥1,000 to ¥10,000 (including a ¥500 deposit); Welcome Suica, designed for foreign visitors, requires no deposit but is valid for only 28 days. PASMO cards require a ¥500 deposit and work on private rail, subway, and bus services.
Tourist passes and discount tickets: Several multi-day passes offer savings for visitors. The Tokyo One-Day Ticket (¥1,720 for adults, ¥860 for children) covers Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Toei buses, the Tokyo Sakura Tram, and the Nippori-Toneri Liner, as well as JR East trains in Tokyo's 23 wards. The Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket costs ¥700 for adults and ¥350 for children, while the Tokyo Subway Ticket covers both Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway for 24 hours (¥1,000 adults, ¥500 children), 48 hours (¥1,500 adults, ¥750 children), or 72 hours (¥2,000 adults, ¥1,000 children). The Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway One-Day Pass (PASMO) is ¥1,100 for adults and ¥550 for children and can be purchased on the day or in advance. Passes are available at station ticket machines and through the Suica app.
From the airport
Tokyo is served by two major airports. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), located 14 km (8.7 mi) south of central Tokyo in Ōta ward, is much closer to the city centre and the most convenient entry point for most visitors. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) lies nearly 70 km (43 mi) east of Tokyo near the town of Narita.
From Haneda: The most practical public-transport option is to take the Keikyu Line train from Haneda directly towards central Tokyo; the Keikyu Line connects to Tokyo Metro at multiple points, and you can continue to your final destination on the subway. Alternatively, you can use the Airport Limousine Bus service, which offers direct connections to major hotels and stations. The Tokyo One-Day Ticket or a Suica card provide good value if you plan multiple journeys.
From Narita: The Narita Express (N'EX) train and the Keisei Line's Skyliner train both connect Narita to central Tokyo stations including Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro, from where you can access Tokyo Metro. The journey takes 60–90 minutes depending on the service and final destination.
Etiquette & customs
Tokyo's rail system operates under strict social conventions that keep trains orderly and pleasant for all passengers. Observe the following customs:
- Queuing: Always queue in designated lines before boarding. Allow passengers to exit before you enter.
- Escalators: Stand on the left side of escalators and keep the right side clear for people who wish to walk up or down.
- Priority seating: Pink or silver priority seats are reserved for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and parents with small children. Offer your seat if you are able.
- Eating and drinking: Food and drinks are not permitted on Tokyo Metro trains. You may drink from bottles or cans on local trains, but eating is discouraged. Hot beverages are generally acceptable on longer-distance services.
- Phone use: Keep your mobile phone silent. Taking phone calls on the train is considered very rude. Text messaging and checking messages are acceptable.
- Luggage: Keep large bags and suitcases on the floor or luggage racks, not on seats or hanging in the aisles where they block other passengers.
- Noise and behavior: Speak quietly and avoid loud conversations. Listening to music without headphones or playing games loudly is unacceptable.
- Rush-hour behavior: During peak times (7–9 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. on weekdays), trains become extremely crowded. Be patient, stand securely, and move deeper into the carriage to make room for others boarding at subsequent stops.
Official links
Survival terms
- 地下鉄 (chikatetsu) – subway / metro
- 切符 (kippu) – ticket
- 線 (sen) – line
- 入口 (iriguchi) – entrance
- 出口 (deguchi) – exit
- 乗り換え (norikae) – transfer
- 普通運賃 (futsū unchin) – single fare
- 一日乗車券 (ichinichi jōshakin) – day pass
Download a transit app such as Google Maps or Hyperdia before your trip to check real-time train schedules and get turn-by-turn navigation, as this will save you time and confusion navigating between the many operators and lines.