The Tokyo Subway Pass gives unlimited Tokyo Metro rides for a flat fee. Here is an honest calculation of whether it saves money compared to the Suica pay-as-you-go card for your itinerary.
Tokyo has two subway operators: Tokyo Metro (9 lines) and Toei Subway (4 lines). The Tokyo Subway Pass covers unlimited rides on both networks for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Whether it saves money depends entirely on how many subway journeys you make per day.
Tokyo Subway Pass Prices (2026)
- 24-hour pass: 800 yen
- 48-hour pass: 1,200 yen
- 72-hour pass: 1,500 yen
Available to foreign visitors who only need to show a foreign passport or tourist entry stamp at Tokyo Metro ticket offices or at the airport. Also available as a package with the Keisei Skyliner airport train.
Does It Save Money?
A standard Tokyo Metro single fare ranges from 170 to 320 yen, depending on the distance. The average fare for most tourist journeys is around 200 yen.
24-hour pass: Saves money if you take 5 or more Metro journeys in 24 hours. A full sightseeing day typically involves 6 to 10 subway journeys; the pass nearly always pays off on an active day.
48-hour pass: Saves money if you take 6 or more journeys across two days, which is very achievable for most tourists.
72-hour pass: Saves money if you take 8 or more journeys across a three-day routine for active visitors.
Tokyo Subway Pass vs Suica
Suica (pay-as-you-go): Better for days with fewer subway journeys. A slow day of 3 to 4 rides costs less than the 24-hour pass.
Subway Pass: Better for intensive sightseeing days with 5 or more subway rides. Also removes the need to think about fares, tap-in and tap-out while monitoring the balance.
Best approach for most visitors: Use Suica for the first day and any slow days. Buy the pass for intensive multi-stop sightseeing days. Both cards can be held simultaneously; there is no restriction on having both.
What the Pass Does NOT Cover
- JR trains: Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, and all JR East services require Suica or separate tickets.
- Private railways: Keikyu, Odakyu, Tokyu, Keio, and Seibu require separate fares.s
- N’EX and Skyliner: Airport trains require separate tickets
- Buses: Tokyo bus network not covered
For a full day of Tokyo transport, you will likely still need Suica for JR connections. See the Suica guide for setup.
Skyliner + Tokyo Metro Pass Package
A combined Keisei Skyliner airport transfer and Tokyo Metro pass is available at Narita Airport for 2,8-o 3,890 yen, depending on the pass duration. The best value is if you are arriving at Narita and plan to take the Skyliner. See the Keisei Skyliner guide for details.
