Transportation in Tokyo: Getting Around

Tokyo’s public transportation system is truly world-class and makes the sprawling city easily accessible, and allows Japanese to commute in to Tokyo from other prefectures.

Trains & Subway

Tokyo’s railway and subway train are efficient, punctual, and clean. They are so reliable, in fact, that at some Japanese companies if you are late for work and dare blame public transportation for your tardiness, you will be expected to submit a “Delay Certificate” from the station to convince your boss that you are telling the truth. All of which is made even more astounding because the Tokyo train network is by far the world’s busiest, fulfilling 3.5 billion journeys every year. Of the 50 busiest stations in the world, all but 5 are in Japan with Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station and its roughly 3.5 million daily commuters taking the top spot.

But, as convenient as it is, the railway network can be confusing to visitors. Due to its sheer size the topological maps look like computer chip circuit boards and the stations themselves are a labyrinth of underground passage ways, department stores, stairs, and elevators. Compounding this is the fact that different companies operate different lines. This means that to make a journey from A to C with a change at B, you need to exit and re-enter ticket gates at B if A-B and B-C happen to be on lines run by different companies. Fortunately, English language information pamphlets and signs are a common sight at all the stations in 2026.

In Tokyo, the biggest operator is the East Japan Railway Company (“JR East” or “JR”) which runs the famous Yamanote Line. This 35km track has been looping the capital and connecting all the major stations since 1925, and is used by millions of people every day. The area inside the Yamanote Line is largely covered by the two subway companies: Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro.

Suica vs. Pasmo: What’s the Difference?

The distinction between Suica and Pasmo is a frequent point of confusion, but in practice, they are interchangeable. Suica is issued by JR East, while Pasmo is issued by a group of private railways and subways. Both cards work on all trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo. They can also be used as “electronic money” for vending machines and convenience stores. In 2026, most travelers prefer using Mobile IC cards on their smartphones, as physical card sales can sometimes be restricted due to supply chain issues.

Tip: Setting Up Your Digital Card Before Arrival

To hit the ground running, you can add a digital Suica or Pasmo to your smartphone before you even board your flight. This is the most convenient way to travel in 2026, as physical card availability remains limited for tourists.

• iPhone Users: Open the Wallet app, tap the “+” sign, select “Transit Card,” and search for Suica or Pasmo. You can fund the card using any credit card already in your Apple Wallet.
• Android Users: Note that most international Android devices still lack the specific FeliCa hardware required for Japanese IC cards. Only Android phones purchased in Japan (or specific high-end global models) can typically use this feature.

Is it expensive?

Fares are calculated on the distance travelled. A single journey within central Tokyo will typically cost between ¥150 and ¥300. You can use the Japan Rail Pass on JR lines within the city, but with current pricing, the pass is rarely worth it for city-only travel. A reasonable estimate for travel costs for a full day of sightseeing in the capital is ¥1,000–¥1,500.

What about day passes?

There are several day-passes available, but they often come with limitations. The Tokyo Metro offers a 24-hour pass for ¥600, but this won’t cover the JR Yamanote Line. The JR Tokyo 1-Day Ticket (Tokyo Free Kippu) allows you to ride JR, subways, and Toei buses within the 23 wards, but at ¥1,600, it only saves money with very heavy usage.

Buses

Tokyo Toei buses cover most of the area within the Yamanote loop. The fare is a flat ¥210 (¥110 for children). Unless you are staying some distance from a station, you will probably not need to use the buses. They accept both Suica and Pasmo, making the payment process identical to the trains.

Taxis

Tokyo is one of the easiest cities in which to hail a taxi. As of 2026, the starting fare in the 23 special wards is ¥500 for the first 1.1km, and then approximately ¥100 for every 250 meters thereafter. During the night (10 PM – 5 AM), these prices rise by 20%.

Taxi drivers usually speak little English, but most cars now feature tablets for address entry. Remember that the left rear passenger door is automatic, and that the rear right door does not open to stop passengers from stepping into traffic.