The subway, trains. buses. Tokyo ticks all the boxes for public transport.
In fact, you’ll find that this is one of the best connected cities in the world, and whilst those packed commuter trains can be daunting, Tokyo is simple to travel across with a little know how.
Here we’ll guide you through navigating the subway, trains, taxis, and buses. Before you know it, you’ll be hoping on and off the Yamanote line like a pro, tapping your Pasmo card like a local and practicing your best Japanese with taxi drivers.
Let’s travel across Tokyo!
Pasmo and Suica Cards
YOUR TOKYO TRAVEL FRIEND
Yes, you can buy single tickets on all of Tokyo’s public transport. But the easiest way to pay for your journeys is with a pre-paid travel card – either a Pasmo or Suica Card.
Each is issued by a different operator, but that doesn’t matter for tourists. You can use them interchangeably on all train lines, subway lines and buses.
You can get one for as little as 1,000 yen, which includes a 500 yen deposit. You can pick either up at the stations at both Narita and Haneda Airport.
1
Subway
SIMPLE, SEAMLESS AND SPEEDY
The subway promises speedy travel across Tokyo. There are 13 lines to get your head around – the map is simple once you get used to it as the lines are colour-coded.
Nine of the 13 lines are operated by Tokyo Metro and four by Toei. They’re well intertwined and easy to navigate. The fare you pay depends on the distance travelled – you can pick up a common one-day ticket for unlimited travel on both lines.
Insider tip:
If you buy an individual ticket, it will only be valid on lines run by that operator. You’ll be ok with a common one-day ticket. A Pasmo or Suica card is a better option for seamless travel across both lines.
2
Trains
GET TO KNOW THE YAMANOTE LINE
As well as the subway system, Tokyo has an extensive railway network. You’ll find Japan Railways (JR) lines and commuter lines.
Look out for the JR Yamanote Line（山手線） – this is your best bet for scooting around the city. Also called the “JR Loop Line” or “Loop Line” it circles the Imperial Palace (the central point of Tokyo) and connects the city’s major hubs. With stops at Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Ueno it’ll cover you for most of your trips across the city.
If you’re in Shinjuku and travelling to Tokyo Station, look out for the JR Chuo Line（中央線） – it’s a useful one for this journey.
For single trips, you can buy individual tickets (starting at 140 yen). You’ll also be covered with a JR Pass or a Pasmo or Suica card.
Insider tip:
Trains and subways tend to stop running between midnight and 5.00am. If you’re out late partying, take a taxi. It will be your best bet for those early morning trips to the fish market too.
3
Buses
GOOD TO KNOW, JUST IN CASE
The bus network in Tokyo is extensive and smoothly operated, but so is everything else – with such a good and easy to use subway and train system, you won’t need to use the bus often if you’re sticking to the city centre. However, it’s good to be aware of how to use the bus system because if you want to venture into the outer suburbs, it can be a useful option.
Most buses in the city charge a flat fare of 210 yen for adults and 110 yen for kids. You can pay the fare into the machine at the front of the bus. Having exact change is helpful – some machines automatically give you change, others need the exact amount. Using your Pasmo or Suica card is the easiest way to pay. If not, a one-day bus pass is available for around 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children – you’ll get unlimited travel.
Single Trip
Adults: $2.17, Children: $1.86
Day Pass
Adults: $5.17 Children: $2.59
Just like buses at home, there’ll be priority seats for the elderly, disabled and pregnant women. When you want to get off, just push the button and wait for the driver to stop.
4
Taxis
AFTER A NIGHT OUT
For short distances and late-night jaunts, hop in a taxi. Cabs in Tokyo run on a meter and have a starting price of 750 yen for the first 2km. It then jumps up 90 yen for every 280m travelled.
Be aware, the meter also jumps up every 90 seconds you spend in traffic – which in Tokyo is often.
You’ll find taxi ranks outside train and bus stations, but they’re easy to flag on the street too. Look for the light on the top – if it’s on, the taxi is free. Hail it like you would a taxi in any major city and simply put your arm in the air.
You’ll get in the taxi on the left side and often the driver will open the door for you. It’s a good chance to practice your Japanese.
Insider tip:
Whilst many taxi drivers speak good English, always have your destination address written down in Japanese. The driver will put it in the Satnav to avoid any confusion.
Now you know how to get around the city thanks to our handy Tokyo transport guide, discover where to experience a unique Tokyo fish market, how to get to Mount Fuji and which districts to visit to see the best of the city.
Thinking of travelling to Tokyo? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
