Tokyo has one of the most efficient and extensive public transport networks in the world, connecting every corner of the city with remarkable precision. The system covers over 280 subway stations across 13 lines, plus an overlapping web of JR rail lines, buses, and intercity rail connections. For visitors, understanding how it all fits together makes the difference between a seamless trip and a stressful one. This guide covers every layer of the network — from IC cards to airport transfers — so you can move around Traveloka with confidence from the moment you land.

Tokyo's rail system is operated by several distinct companies and government bodies, but they all connect seamlessly at major interchange stations. The three main layers you need to know as a visitor are the JR lines, the Tokyo Metro subway, and the Toei Subway. Each charges separately, though a single IC card payment covers all three without needing to think about which operator you're on.

The most important line for visitors is the JR Yamanote Line, a circular loop that connects nearly every major neighbourhood in central Tokyo. Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, Ueno, and Tokyo Station all sit on this loop, making it the backbone of sightseeing in the city. The Yamanote Line runs reliably from around 4:30 AM until just after midnight, with trains arriving every two to four minutes during peak hours. Fares on JR lines around the central loop range from approximately JPY 140 to JPY 200 with an IC card.

Tokyo Metro operates nine subway lines that criss-cross the city in every direction, reaching neighbourhoods the Yamanote Line skips. Lines like the Ginza, Hibiya, and Marunouchi run directly under the most visited shopping and business districts. Fares start at JPY 180 with an IC card and increase with distance, with most cross-city trips falling between JPY 200 and JPY 330. Tokyo Metro stations are well-signposted in English and Japanese, and platform screen doors are standard across the network.

The Toei Subway, operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, adds four more lines to the mix: the Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku, and Oedo lines. The Oedo Line is particularly useful — it forms a loop of its own through areas including Roppongi, Daikanyama, and Ryogoku, running slightly outside the Yamanote Line circuit. Toei fares follow a similar distance-based structure to Tokyo Metro, also starting from JPY 180 with an IC card. Together, Tokyo Metro and Toei cover 13 subway lines and over 280 stations across the metropolitan area.

Planning your flights to Tokyo and want to stay somewhere central? A base near a Yamanote Line station puts the entire city within easy reach.

The single most useful tool for getting around Tokyo is an IC card. Both Suica (issued by JR East) and Pasmo (issued by a consortium of private rail operators) are rechargeable contactless cards that work on every train, subway, and bus in the city. They also work at convenience stores, vending machines, and many taxis — making them a practical everyday wallet for the duration of your stay. The cards use the same Felica chip technology, so there is no functional difference in terms of transport access.

For visitors, two dedicated tourist cards are available. Welcome Suica is a 28-day card sold at JR East Travel Service Centers at Narita and Haneda airports, as well as major JR stations in Tokyo. It currently costs JPY 1,500, which is the usable balance loaded onto the card — the usual JPY 500 issuing fee has been waived for tourists. You will need to show your passport at the counter to confirm non-resident status.

Tourist PASMO launched on 20 May 2026, available at Narita Airport (Keisei Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 stations) and Haneda Airport (Keikyu Terminal 1/2 and Terminal 3 stations). Like Welcome Suica, it functions identically to the regular card for all transport and retail payments. Both cards can be topped up at ticket machines in increments of JPY 1,000. Note that remaining balance cannot be refunded at the end of your trip, so avoid loading more than you expect to spend.

Visitors with a compatible iPhone or Android phone can add a digital Suica directly to their device via the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app — no physical card required. This is the most convenient option for tech-comfortable travellers, as you can top up remotely and never need to queue at a ticket machine. Digital IC cards are not affected by any physical card availability issues and work at all the same gates and readers as the physical version.

If your itinerary involves a lot of subway hopping on a single day, a day pass can save money compared to paying individual fares. The Tokyo Subway Ticket covers unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines — that is all 13 subway lines combined — and comes in 24-hour (JPY 800), 48-hour (JPY 1,200), and 72-hour (JPY 1,500) options. These passes are sold at airport travel service centers and major subway stations, and are available to tourists holding a short-stay visa. They do not cover JR lines, so the Yamanote Line would still require a separate IC card fare.

For a full day of sightseeing across Tokyo, the right base makes every journey shorter. Browse hotels in Tokyo at different price points and find one that puts your favourite neighbourhoods on the map.

Tokyo is served by two international airports — Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) — and both have multiple train and bus options for reaching the city. The right choice depends on your budget, destination in Tokyo, and how much luggage you are carrying.

The Narita Express (N'EX) is the fastest and most direct rail link, running to Tokyo Station and continuing to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Yokohama. One-way adult fares range from approximately JPY 3,100 to JPY 3,600 depending on destination, with a round-trip tourist ticket available for JPY 5,000 valid for 14 days. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes and the journey to Tokyo Station takes about 55 minutes. The Airport Limousine Bus is a comfortable alternative for travellers heading directly to hotel areas in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Akihabara — it costs around JPY 3,200 for most central destinations and drops you closer to major hotels than a rail terminus would.

Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, which makes the transfer faster and less expensive. The Tokyo Monorail connects to Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line in about 18 minutes, and fares start from around JPY 500. The Keikyu Line connects directly to Shinagawa and Daitokyo-area stations and is also fast and affordable. From Haneda, most central Tokyo hotels are reachable within 30 to 45 minutes by rail. Limousine buses also operate from Haneda to major Tokyo hotels and districts for travellers with heavy luggage.

Both IC card and airport transfer options are worth comparing depending on how much luggage you have and where your hotel is located. A private transfer can be the more practical choice when arriving late or with large bags.

The Shinkansen is Japan's famous high-speed rail network and Tokyo Station serves as the main hub for routes heading west (to Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima) and north (to Sendai, Niigata, and Sapporo). If your trip includes day trips or overnight journeys beyond Tokyo, the bullet train is the fastest way to cover those distances. Fares vary significantly by route and seat class; a standard-class ticket from Tokyo to Osaka costs around JPY 13,800 to JPY 14,000 each way.

An important note for IC card users: you cannot use your Suica or Pasmo balance simply by tapping at the Shinkansen gate. The bullet train requires a separate reserved or unreserved ticket on top of the standard rail fare. Tickets can be booked at JR ticket counters (marked Midori-no-Madoguchi in Japanese), at self-service machines in English, or through official online reservation systems before your trip. Arrive at Tokyo Station at least 10 minutes before departure — the platforms are deep inside a very large terminal, and the Shinkansen always departs on time.

Most JR and subway lines in Tokyo run their last services between 11:30 PM and midnight, with the JR Yamanote Line running until approximately 12:30 to 12:46 AM depending on direction. The Toei Oedo Line tends to run slightly later, reaching around 1:00 AM on weekends. After the last train, the main options are taxis or waiting for the first morning service, which begins around 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM.

Taxis in Tokyo are clean, metered, and readily available — but they carry a 20% late-night surcharge between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, and fares across the city can range from JPY 2,000 to JPY 8,000 depending on distance. Night buses (locally called fukurou basu, or "owl buses") operate on selected routes from major entertainment districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya until around 3:00 to 5:00 AM. Checking the last train time for your specific route each evening is the simplest way to plan around it — station displays and navigation apps both show departure times clearly.

Tokyo's trains are famously punctual but also famously crowded during weekday morning rush hour (roughly 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM) and evening rush (5:30 PM to 8:00 PM). Queuing in the marked positions on the platform and allowing exiting passengers off first is standard practice. Eating, making phone calls, and loud conversations on trains are all considered poor form — many locals put phones on silent and eat before boarding.

Large interchange stations such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro can be genuinely disorienting the first time you use them, with dozens of exits leading to different streets and neighbourhoods. Exit numbers are posted at every gate, and most map apps will specify which exit to take for your destination. When in doubt, follow the colour-coded line maps on the platforms and look for English signage — it is consistent across all major stations.

One of the most practical features of a Suica or Pasmo card is that it doubles as a payment card at convenience stores, vending machines, and many station kiosks and restaurants. This is particularly useful for grabbing a coffee or snack between trains without needing to handle cash. Keeping a balance of JPY 2,000 or more on your card ensures you are covered for both transport and incidentals throughout the day.

While trains cover everything within the city beautifully, visitors planning rural day trips or destinations off the rail network may find a car more practical. Picking up a car rental for a specific day gives you the flexibility to explore coastal areas, mountain towns, and countryside routes at your own pace without being tied to train timetables.

Tokyo is packed with activities that go far beyond sightseeing — from teamLab's digital art installations to day tours up Mount Fuji. Keep an eye on Traveloka promotions for seasonal deals on Tokyo experiences.

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For visitors arriving from Southeast Asia, Traveloka makes it easy to compare hundreds of flight options and hotel choices at a glance, with filters by neighbourhood, star rating, and price. The eSIM option available through the app means you can arrive in Tokyo with a working data connection ready — no queue at the airport SIM counter needed. Download the Traveloka app before your trip to access exclusive deals, manage your bookings in one place, and travel to Tokyo with everything sorted.