Tokyo Subway Ticket: Is the 24, 48 or 72-Hour Pass Worth It?
The Tokyo Subway Ticket gives unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines from ¥1,000 a day. How many rides you need for it to pay off, what it does not cover, and the cheaper alternatives.
Tokyo's subway is run by two companies, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway, with 13 lines between them. The Tokyo Subway Ticket lets you ride all of them as much as you like for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
Is it worth it? Here is the quick math.
The short answer
- Riding the subway 4 or more times a day? The pass usually pays off, especially the 48 and 72-hour versions.
- Mostly using the JR Yamanote Line? It does not help: JR is a different company and is not included.
- Light sightseeing, 2–3 rides a day? Just tap an IC card.
Prices
| Pass | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | ¥1,000 | ¥500 |
| 48 hours | ¥1,500 | ¥750 |
| 72 hours | ¥2,000 | ¥1,000 |
The clock starts when you first use it, and it covers all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.
Who can buy it: overseas visitors, and Japanese visitors who live outside Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures. Tokyo Metro sells it online, and it is also sold through travel booking sites.
Tokyo Metro: Tokyo Subway Ticket
How many rides do you need?
A single Tokyo Metro ride costs ¥178–¥324 with an IC card (¥180–¥330 with a paper ticket), depending on distance. Most rides in central Tokyo are at the lower end.
| Pass | Cost per day | Rides per day to break even (at about ¥200 per ride) |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | ¥1,000 | 5 rides |
| 48 hours | ¥750 | about 4 rides |
| 72 hours | ¥667 | 3–4 rides |
A typical sightseeing day (hotel → Asakusa → Ueno → Ginza → Shibuya → hotel) is already 5 rides. The longer passes pay off quickly, and you never have to think about fares or top up a card.
It's not just about money
Even if you only break even, the pass saves time: no checking fares, no topping up, and you can hop off at any station that looks interesting.
What it does not cover
- JR lines, including the JR Yamanote Line loop, the Chuo Line and the Narita Express
- Private railways such as Keisei, Keikyu, Odakyu and Tokyu
- Airport trains, unless you buy a combo (Keisei sells a Skyliner + Tokyo Subway Ticket set)
Plan your days around subway lines to get the most out of it. Most major sights, including Asakusa, Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi and Ueno, are on the subway.
Alternatives
| Ticket | Price (adult) | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket | ¥700 | Tokyo Metro only (not Toei) |
| Common One-day Ticket | ¥1,100 | Tokyo Metro + Toei, for one day, for everyone |
| IC card (Suica / PASMO) | Pay per ride | Everything, including JR and buses |
If you are not eligible for the Tokyo Subway Ticket, or only ride Tokyo Metro lines, the Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket at ¥700 is a good deal.
Tips
- Use Google Maps and check the line colors: Tokyo Metro and Toei lines are covered, JR lines are not.
- Keep an IC card too for JR rides, buses and convenience stores.
- Start the pass in the morning to get a full day out of each 24-hour block.
Sources
Prices change
Prices, exchange rates and rules in this article were checked on the date shown above. They can change at any time, so please confirm on the official website before you book or buy.
