Best Subway Passes in Tokyo: A Complete 2025 Guide for Travelers

Navigating Tokyo’s vast subway network can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. With lines run by different operators and hundreds of stations, travelers often wonder which subway pass provides the best value. Fortunately, Tokyo offers a variety of passes designed for tourists, commuters, and short-term visitors—each tailored to different needs. This comprehensive guide explores the best subway passes in Tokyo, how they work, where to buy them, and which one suits your itinerary best.

Understanding Tokyo’s Subway System

Tokyo’s subway is operated by two main companies:

Tokyo Metro – Nine lines covering much of central Tokyo with over 180 stations.
Toei Subway – Four major lines operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation.

These systems are separate but integrated, and you can transfer between them at many stations. However, fare calculations can differ when you cross from one operator to the other, which is why combined subway passes are popular—they remove the stress of calculating transfers and fares.

Tokyo Subway Ticket (Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway)

Best for: Short-term visitors and tourists staying primarily within central Tokyo.

The Tokyo Subway Ticket is the most popular and cost-effective pass for tourists. It offers unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for a set duration—24, 48, or 72 hours—starting from the first time you pass through a ticket gate.

Typical prices (2025 guide):

24-hour: ¥800 (adult) / ¥400 (child)
48-hour: ¥1,200 (adult) / ¥600 (child)
72-hour: ¥1,500 (adult) / ¥750 (child)

Where you can use it:
All Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, covering 13 lines and 280+ stations including Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Ueno, and Roppongi.

Where to buy:
Narita and Haneda airports (tourist counters), major Tokyo Metro stations, tourist information centers, select hotels, and reputable online travel platforms.

Advantages:

Unlimited rides across both Metro and Toei.
Time-based validity (true 24/48/72 hours from first use).
Great for sightseeing-heavy days with many short hops.

Limitations:

Not valid on JR lines or private railways.
Generally intended for foreign visitors (passport may be required).

Who should choose it:
Travelers focusing on central attractions and planning to take 4–6+ subway rides per day.

Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket (Tokyo Metro Only)

Best for: Travelers whose plans keep them mostly on Tokyo Metro lines.

The Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket provides unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro lines only for 24 hours from first use. It’s slightly cheaper than combined passes and can be a superb bargain if your itinerary fits the network.

Indicative price: ¥600 (adult) / ¥300 (child)

Advantages:

Budget-friendly for Metro-centric routes.
Perfect for exploring Ginza, Omotesando, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, and many central neighborhoods.

Limitations:

Does not cover Toei Subway or JR lines.
Less flexible if your route requires Toei transfers.

Pro tip:
With thoughtful planning, you can visit Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara, Ginza, Shibuya, and even parts of Shinjuku primarily via Tokyo Metro, making this pass outstanding value.

Toei One-Day Economy Pass

Best for: Visitors exploring areas served mostly by Toei lines or combining subway with Toei buses and tram.

The Toei One-Day Economy Pass gives unlimited rides for one calendar day across Toei-operated services:

Toei Subway (Asakusa, Oedo, Mita, Shinjuku Lines)
Toei Buses
Toden Arakawa Line (Tokyo’s nostalgic streetcar)
Nippori–Toneri Liner (newer light rail)

Indicative price: ¥700 (adult) / ¥350 (child)

Advantages:

Covers unique corridors like the loop-like Oedo Line, which links many central districts.
Useful if you want to mix bus + subway + tram on the same day.

Limitations:

Not valid on Tokyo Metro or JR lines.
Best for Toei-focused itineraries or when you plan several bus/tram segments.

Great for:
Exploring Kagurazaka, Ryogoku (Sumo), Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Tsukishima, and other pockets where Toei routes shine.

Tokyo Combination Ticket (Tokyo Free Kippu)

Best for: Travelers who want one-day freedom across JR (urban area), Tokyo Metro, and Toei in a single pass.

The Tokyo Combination Ticket—often called Tokyo Free Kippu—offers unlimited rides for one calendar day on:

JR East lines within central Tokyo
Tokyo Metro
Toei Subway
Toei Buses and Toden streetcar

Indicative price: ¥1,600 (adult) / ¥800 (child)

Advantages:

Almost complete urban coverage in one ticket.
Ideal when your day includes both JR (e.g., Yamanote Line) and subways.

Limitations:

Calendar-day validity (midnight cutoff), not rolling 24 hours.
Slightly pricier than subway-only passes, but broader coverage can outweigh the cost if you ride JR several times.

Ideal use case:
A packed day bouncing between JR hubs (Shinjuku, Tokyo, Shibuya) and deep subway-access neighborhoods.

Welcome Suica (Prepaid IC Card)

Best for: Travelers who value flexibility over unlimited rides.

Welcome Suica is a prepaid IC card that deducts fares per ride across virtually all urban transit—JR, subways (Tokyo Metro and Toei), private railways, and buses. It also works for convenience stores, vending machines, and many shops.

Key points:

No deposit for the Welcome Suica variant.
Load as needed (e.g., ¥1,000–¥10,000).
Perfect if your daily ride count is low to moderate or if you’ll travel beyond Tokyo.

Limitations:

No unlimited-ride benefit.
Best for casual sightseeing days or longer stays where your usage fluctuates.

Who should pick it:
Travelers who prioritize tap-and-go convenience, dislike calculating passes, or plan side trips to Yokohama, Kamakura, or Chiba on different railways.

JR Tokyo Wide Pass (Regional Add-On)

Best for: Day trips and mini-getaways outside Tokyo on JR lines.

While not a subway pass, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass is popular when pairing a Tokyo visit with regional excursions. It grants three consecutive days of unlimited rides on JR East in the Kanto area, including some Shinkansen and limited express services.

Indicative price: ¥15,000 (adult) / ¥7,500 (child)

Highlights:

Shinkansen/limited express to Nikko, Karuizawa, Gala Yuzawa (seasonal), plus JR to Yokohama, Chiba, and more.
Not valid on Tokyo Metro, Toei, or private subways/railways.

When to consider it:
If you’re mixing Tokyo sightseeing days with regional day trips, combine this with Welcome Suica or a subway day pass on city-only days.

Which Tokyo Subway Pass Should You Choose?

Short-term tourist, heavy sightseeing (4–8+ rides/day): Choose the Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72h) for stress-free Metro+Toei coverage and rolling-hour validity.
Metro-only explorer on a budget: The Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket is the cheapest unlimited option if your route stays on Metro lines.
Toei-centric plan or bus/tram day: The Toei One-Day Economy Pass shines if you’ll ride the Oedo Line, Toei buses, and Toden in one calendar day.
One intense day everywhere (JR + subways): Grab the Tokyo Combination Ticket (Tokyo Free Kippu) for true multi-operator freedom.
Flexible, low-volume days or mixed-region travel: Use Welcome Suica to pay-as-you-go.
Regional add-on for escapes: Add JR Tokyo Wide Pass for out-of-town adventures (then use a subway pass or Suica back in the city).

Practical Money-Saving Examples

Two jam-packed sightseeing days: A 48-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket often beats pay-as-you-go if you expect 5–7+ subway trips per day, including quick hops between museums, shopping streets, and dinner spots.
One museum-and-cafés day in Metro territory: The Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket can be cheaper than the combined ticket if you’ll avoid Toei gates entirely.
JR loop + niche neighborhoods: If you’ll circle the Yamanote Line (JR) and then dive into neighborhoods via subways, the Tokyo Combination Ticket can pay off in one busy calendar day.

Tips for Using Tokyo Subway Passes

Know how validity works: Most time-based passes start counting from the first gate entry. A 24-hour pass tapped at 10:00 will expire at 09:59 the next day.
Keep tickets handy: Paper passes must be inserted at both entry and exit gates. IC cards (Welcome Suica) are just taps.
Plan smart transfers: Even with unlimited rides, long underground transfers can eat time. Use Google Maps or official apps to minimize walking between platforms.
Avoid peak crush hours: Trains are most crowded around 07:30–09:30 and 17:30–19:30. If you can, shift your sightseeing to mid-morning and late evening.
Mix and match: It’s normal to use a subway pass for heavy days and Welcome Suica for lighter days. You don’t have to pick just one solution for your whole trip.
Mind the calendar vs. rolling time: Some passes (like Tokyo Free Kippu, Toei One-Day) are calendar-day products, while Tokyo Subway Tickets are hour-based from activation.
Tourist eligibility: Combined tourist tickets may require a passport and are intended for short-stay visitors—have your document ready.
Kids’ fares: Many passes offer discounted child versions—helpful for family trips.
Airport access: These subway passes don’t cover Narita Express or monorail to Haneda (except when a pass explicitly includes JR or a specific line). Consider separate airport transport tickets or Suica for those segments.
Refunds and changes: Most day and hour passes are nonrefundable once activated. Double-check terms at purchase.

Quick Comparison Table (At a Glance)

Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72h): Unlimited Tokyo Metro + Toei; rolling hours; best all-around for central sightseeing.
Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket: Cheapest unlimited option if you’ll stay on Metro only.
Toei One-Day Economy Pass: Unlimited Toei subway/bus/tram for a calendar day; great for Oedo Line + buses.
Tokyo Combination Ticket (Tokyo Free Kippu): Unlimited JR (urban) + Metro + Toei for one calendar day; perfect for JR-heavy hops.
Welcome Suica: Prepaid IC; pay-as-you-go; unmatched flexibility for mixed/low usage and shopping convenience.
JR Tokyo Wide Pass: Three-day JR regional freedom; pair with Suica or a subway pass on city days.

Final Thoughts

Tokyo’s subway pass ecosystem is flexible enough to match almost any travel style. For most short-term visitors focused on city sights, the Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72-hour) delivers unbeatable convenience and value. If your day leans Metro-only, downshift to the Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket. Need full coverage with JR sprinkled in? The Tokyo Combination Ticket is your one-day powerhouse. And when in doubt—or when your plans stretch beyond the city—Welcome Suica remains the simple, universal fallback.

Pick the pass based on where you’ll go, how often you’ll ride, and whether JR factors into your route. Do that, and you’ll glide through Tokyo like a local—without overpaying or second-guessing the gates.

FAQs

What are the main subway passes available in Tokyo?

Tokyo offers several popular options: the combined Tokyo Subway Ticket (valid on both Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway for 24, 48, or 72 hours), the Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket (Metro-only), the Toei One-Day Economy Pass (Toei Subway, Toei Buses, Toden streetcar, and Nippori–Toneri Liner), the Tokyo Combination Ticket (JR urban lines + Metro + Toei for one calendar day), and flexible prepaid IC cards such as Welcome Suica. For regional add-ons, travelers sometimes pair a city pass with the JR Tokyo Wide Pass for day trips outside the metropolis.

Which pass is best for a short first-time visit focused on sightseeing?

For 1–3 intense sightseeing days in central Tokyo, the Tokyo Subway Ticket is often the best all-around value. It covers both Tokyo Metro and Toei lines, so you will not worry about operator boundaries when hopping between major sights like Asakusa, Ueno, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, and Roppongi. If you expect to ride subways frequently (four or more trips per day), an unlimited option typically beats pay-as-you-go fares.

How do “hour-based” passes differ from “calendar-day” passes?

Hour-based passes activate on first gate entry and remain valid for a rolling duration (for example, exactly 24, 48, or 72 hours). Calendar-day passes expire at the end of service on the day of use, regardless of start time. The practical impact is that hour-based products are friendlier for late arrivals and staggered sightseeing schedules, whereas calendar-day passes reward early starts.

Are these passes valid on JR trains or private railways?

Subway-only products (Tokyo Subway Ticket, Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket, Toei One-Day Economy Pass) are not valid on JR lines or private railways. If you need JR access—especially the Yamanote Line—consider the Tokyo Combination Ticket for a single day of cross-operator freedom, or use a prepaid IC card for occasional JR segments.

When should I choose the Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket instead of the combined ticket?

Pick the Metro-only pass when your route can remain on Tokyo Metro lines all day. With careful planning—using transfer stations like Omotesando, Otemachi, or Nihombashi—you can reach many high-interest areas without touching Toei. This choice saves money on days when Toei lines are unnecessary.

What makes the Toei One-Day Economy Pass attractive?

It bundles unlimited Toei Subway rides with Toei Buses, the nostalgic Toden Arakawa Line, and the Nippori–Toneri Liner for one calendar day. Travelers focusing on Oedo Line loops, exploring sumo-centric Ryogoku, or combining bus-plus-subway for neighborhood-hopping often find this the most cost-effective choice.

Is the Tokyo Combination Ticket (Tokyo Free Kippu) worth it?

It can be, especially if your day includes several JR segments (e.g., hopping around the Yamanote Line) plus Metro and Toei. Because it is calendar-based, you get the best value by starting early and packing in multiple rides across operators. If you only plan one JR trip, a subway pass plus a separate JR fare (or IC card) may be cheaper.

What is Welcome Suica and how does it compare to unlimited passes?

Welcome Suica is a prepaid, contactless IC card that deducts the exact fare for each ride across nearly all local trains, subways, and buses. It is ideal for flexible travelers, low-ride days, and itineraries that cross different companies. Unlike unlimited passes, it does not cap your spend—but it removes friction, works for small purchases in shops, and is easy to top up.

Can I combine passes across different days of my trip?

Yes. Many visitors mix and match: for heavy sightseeing days, use an unlimited pass; for lighter days with just one or two rides, tap a prepaid IC card. This blended approach prevents overpaying and adapts to real-world plans, weather, and energy levels.

How do I estimate whether an unlimited pass will save money?

Start with a rough plan of stops and transfers, then count expected rides. If your day involves four to eight short subway hops, an unlimited pass often beats individual fares. Consider operator boundaries: if your route crosses between Metro and Toei multiple times, a combined ticket quickly becomes cost-effective. If you will ride JR more than twice in a day, evaluate the Tokyo Combination Ticket.

Where can I buy these passes?

You can typically purchase at airport counters (Haneda and Narita), major Tokyo Metro stations, Toei service points, and some tourist information centers. Certain passes are available via reputable online platforms for voucher pickup. Prepaid IC cards are usually sold at JR East Travel Service Centers and ticket machines supporting IC issuance.

Do I need my passport to buy tourist-focused tickets?

Some combined or discounted products are intended for short-stay international visitors and may require a passport at purchase. Carry your passport when buying at airport counters or tourist service centers to avoid issues. If you lack eligibility for a tourist-only product, you can still rely on IC cards or operator-specific day passes available to everyone.

How do I activate and use the pass at gates?

For paper or QR-coded passes, insert or scan at both entry and exit gates. For IC-based access, simply tap. Keep your pass or card readily accessible—do not store it next to other contactless cards to avoid read errors. If a gate rejects your ticket, show it to the nearby station staff for quick assistance.

Do these passes cover airport transfers?

Most city passes do not include premium airport trains (such as Narita Express) or certain airport lines. Some might cover the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda only if they explicitly include JR segments. In many cases, travelers buy a separate airport ticket (or use IC) and then begin their subway pass after reaching the city.

What about children’s fares and family travel?

Many passes offer child pricing, and IC cards also support child configurations when issued appropriately. If you are traveling as a family, confirm age rules and bring passports for verification. Strollers are welcome on subways, but avoid peak crush hours for comfort and safety.

How crowded is the subway and when should I travel?

Peak hours are typically weekday mornings and early evenings. If possible, plan intra-city moves in mid-morning, early afternoon, or after dinner. Unlimited passes make it painless to break your day into shorter hops and off-peak moves—an underrated benefit compared to optimizing each fare individually.

What apps or tools should I use for planning?

Use a reliable navigation app with live routing and platform guidance. Pay attention to operator icons in route results: if you aim to stay on Metro-only or Toei-only tickets, filter or re-route accordingly. Station maps in-app can shorten interchange walks and help you pick exits for museums, shrines, or shopping streets.

Can I get a refund or partial credit if my plans change?

Policies vary by product and point of purchase. As a rule of thumb, passes are nonrefundable once activated. Unused tickets purchased at counters may be refundable subject to fees, but online vouchers can have different terms. Always confirm conditions before purchasing, especially if your itinerary is fluid.

How should I plan if I will take day trips out of Tokyo?

Consider splitting your itinerary into “city days” and “regional days.” On city days, use a subway pass or IC card. On regional days, evaluate a JR regional product such as the Tokyo Wide Pass if it matches your destinations, or buy standard JR tickets/IC taps for shorter excursions. Avoid activating a subway-only pass on days dominated by intercity travel.

What are typical pitfalls to avoid?

Mixing operators unintentionally: If you buy a Metro-only pass but route through a Toei gate, you will be blocked or charged separately. Double-check routes.
Starting late with calendar-day passes: You lose value if you begin at night; consider an hour-based pass the next morning instead.
Forgetting operator icons in apps: Watch for “M” (Metro), “E/O” (Toei), and “JR” symbols to stay within coverage.
Overbuying unlimited time: On low-ride days, tap IC to keep costs down.

How can I minimize walking during transfers?

Target transfer stations with short passageways for your specific lines (for example, using recommended interchanges shown in your routing app). Follow overhead color-coded signage and line symbols. If you have luggage, consider surface routes or one extra ride that avoids long underground corridors—unlimited passes make these adjustments cost-free.

Is there an accessibility strategy for travelers with mobility needs?

Most major stations provide elevators, tactile paving, and accessible gates. Plan routes via stations with reliable elevator coverage and avoid complex multi-level transfers at rush hour. Station staff can escort you or provide directions; unlimited passes ensure you are not penalized for re-routing to a station with better facilities.

What if I get off at the wrong station?

With an unlimited pass, simply re-enter and correct the route. With an IC card, tap out and back in; the system will charge the appropriate fares. If a paper ticket stops working due to an incomplete trip, present it at the fare adjustment window for assistance.

How do these passes interact with contactless credit cards on gates?

Some gates accept international contactless cards, but acceptance and fare capping policies are not identical to local IC systems. For seamless multi-operator use, a local IC card or a dedicated pass remains the most predictable option. If you rely on a foreign card, verify operator coverage and be prepared for occasional fallback to ticket machines.

Can I share a pass with a companion?

No. Each pass or IC card is intended for one person. Passing a ticket back through gates violates terms and can incur penalties. If traveling together, each person should hold their own pass or card for simultaneous gate entry.

Final decision framework: which pass should I pick today?

Count rides: Expecting 4–8+ subway trips? Lean toward an unlimited pass.
Check operators: If you will cross Metro↔Toei often, choose a combined pass; if you can stay Metro-only, pick Metro 24-hour.
JR usage: Multiple JR hops in one day? Consider the Tokyo Combination Ticket; otherwise, use IC for occasional JR segments.
Timing: Late arrival or staggered sightseeing? Prefer hour-based validity. Early full-day blitz? Calendar-day passes can work.
Flex days: On low-ride or mixed-region days, rely on Welcome Suica.

Any last tips to avoid overpaying?

Plan operator-aware routes, start hour-based passes at the first big sightseeing push, and keep a prepaid IC card as your safety net. Mixing one or two unlimited days with IC on lighter days usually delivers the best balance of cost, convenience, and flexibility—so you can enjoy Tokyo’s world-class transit without fare anxiety.

Tokyo Transportation Guide: Getting Around the City with Ease