Researched guide · Checked on Nov 6, 2026
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Should you buy a transport pass in Tokyo, or just use Suica? It depends on how many rides you take each day and whether they are on the subway or JR. Here are the passes visitors actually use, what they cover and when they pay off.
Quick answer
Most visitors: a Tokyo Subway Ticket (¥1,000 for 24 hours, ¥1,500 for 48 hours, ¥2,000 for 72 hours) plus Suica for JR lines and shopping.
Only riding a few times a day? Skip the pass and pay as you go with Suica.
The passes compared
| Pass | Price (adult) | Covers | Who can buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Subway Ticket | ¥1,000 (24h), ¥1,500 (48h), ¥2,000 (72h) | All Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines | Overseas visitors and Japanese visitors living outside the Tokyo area |
| Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket | ¥700 | Tokyo Metro lines only (not Toei) | Anyone |
| Common One-day Ticket | ¥1,100 | All Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines, for one calendar day | Anyone |
| Tokunai Pass (JR East) | ¥870 | JR East ordinary and rapid trains inside Tokyo’s 23 wards, for one day. No subways. | Anyone |
| Tokyo Combination Ticket | ¥1,720 | Subways, JR lines inside Tokyo’s 23 wards, Toei buses, Tokyo Sakura Tram and Nippori-Toneri Liner, for one day | Anyone |
Children’s tickets are half price. The Tokyo Subway Ticket counts its hours from your first ride, not from the date you buy it.
Is there a Tokyo Metro or train day pass?
Yes, and which one you need depends on the trains you ride. There is no single day pass built into Suica, so you buy these separately.
- Tokyo Metro only: Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket, ¥700. It runs for 24 hours from first use.
- All subways, visitors: Tokyo Subway Ticket, from ¥1,000. It covers Tokyo Metro and Toei.
- All subways, anyone: Common One-day Ticket, ¥1,100.
- JR only: Tokunai Pass, ¥870. It covers JR East trains inside the 23 wards, including the Yamanote Line.
When does a pass pay off?
- The shortest Tokyo Metro fare is ¥178 with an IC card, or ¥180 with a paper ticket. The ¥1,000 24-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket pays off from about five or six subway rides in a day.
- Sightseeing days that hop between Asakusa, Ueno, Ginza, Shibuya and Shinjuku easily reach that, especially if you use the subway instead of the JR Yamanote Line.
- Days spent walking one neighborhood, or traveling mostly on JR, are cheaper with Suica.
Official price (adults): ¥1,000 for 24 hours, ¥1,500 for 48 hours, ¥2,000 for 72 hours. Checked on the Tokyo Metro website on Nov 9, 2026. Klook may show a different price.
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Where to buy
- Tokyo Subway Ticket: sold online and in Japan to eligible visitors. A QR-code version can be sent to your phone. Check the official page for current sales points.
- Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket and Common One-day Ticket: ticket machines at stations on the day.
- Tokyo Combination Ticket: ticket machines at most Tokyo Metro stations.
You still need Suica
Passes do not cover everything. Keep a Suica topped up for JR lines, private railways, buses, vending machines and convenience stores. See how to ride trains in Tokyo for lines and manners.
What about the Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass is designed for long-distance travel by Shinkansen across Japan. For a trip that stays in Tokyo, with a few day trips, it is not usually worth it. Compare the price of the long-distance trains you plan to take before you buy one.
FAQ
Is the Tokyo Subway Ticket worth it?
Usually yes on sightseeing days. The 24-hour ticket costs ¥1,000, and a short subway ride is about ¥180, so it pays off from about five or six rides.
Does the Tokyo Subway Ticket cover the JR Yamanote Line?
No. It covers Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines only. Use Suica for JR lines.
Is there a Suica day pass in Tokyo?
Suica has no built-in day pass. For unlimited rides, buy a separate ticket such as the Tokyo Subway Ticket for subways or the Tokunai Pass (¥870) for JR East trains inside the 23 wards.
How much is a Tokyo Metro pass?
The Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket is ¥700 for adults and ¥350 for children. The Tokyo Subway Ticket, which also covers Toei lines, starts at ¥1,000 for 24 hours.
Which pass covers JR lines in Tokyo?
The Tokyo Combination Ticket (¥1,720) covers JR lines inside the 23 wards plus the subways and Toei buses for one day.
Do I need a pass to ride trains in Tokyo?
No. You can pay as you go with Suica or another IC card. Passes only save money if you ride a lot.
Keep reading
Sources
Prices in this guide come from the official Tokyo Metro website (checked October 17, 2026; Tokyo Metro prices and fares, and the Tokunai Pass, checked November 6, 2026). Prices and sales points can change, so please check before you travel.
