How to Use Tokyo’s Amazing Transport System as a Tourist

🚄Tokyo Transport System

I wanted to dedicate a special section to the Tokyo transportation system, because it’s truly amazing. Both the Metro and Train systems are extremely efficient and incredibly easy to use.

Ticket vending machines are available in every station and offer multiple language options, making it easy for international travelers to buy the correct ticket. For tourists, there are several ticket options. The most common are the regular one-way tickets, which vary in price depending on the distance:

• 170 yen (approx. USD 1.49)

• 200 yen (approx. USD 1.75)

• 250 yen (approx. USD 2.19)

• 290 yen (approx. USD 2.54)

• 320 yen (approx. USD 2.80)

You can also purchase a 1-Day Open Ticket, which allows unlimited rides on the Tokyo Metro for 24 hours from the time of first use. These can be bought in advance or on the same day and cost 600 yen (around USD 5.25 at the moment this article was written).

🚇Tokyo Metro

If you plan to use the Metro System upon arriving at either of Tokyo’s airports, there are special ticket options available.

From Narita Airport:

• Keisei Skyliner & Tokyo Subway Ticket: This ticket combines a one-way or round-trip ride on the Keisei Skyliner (from Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, or 3 to Keisei Ueno Station) with unlimited access to all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.

• Limousine Bus & Subway Pass (Narita Airport): This pass combines a ride on the Limousine Bus with unlimited subway access.

From Haneda Airport:

• Welcome! Tokyo Subway Ticket (Round Trip): A multi-part ticket that includes a round-trip on the Keikyu Airport Line (from Haneda Airport Terminal 1·2 or Terminal 3 to Sengakuji Station), plus a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket.

• Limousine Bus & Subway Pass (Haneda Airport): Similar to the Narita version, this pass combines Limousine Bus service with Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway access.

A Subway Station in Tokyo

The Tokyo Metro network is vast yet simple to use. It spans 328 km (203.8 mi), includes 282 stations and 9 lines, and transports around 9 million passengers per day. To plan your trip, Google Maps is extremely helpful—it not only shows the closest stations but also provides live train times and directions.

🚆The JR Train Lines

Poeple waiting the JR Train in the Yamanote Line

JR East is the main train operator in Tokyo, running 36 lines that connect the city with suburban areas and nearby prefectures.

The most famous of these is the Yamanote Line, which forms a loop around central Tokyo and connects key districts including:

• Tokyo Station

• Akihabara

• Ueno

• Nippori

• Ikebukuro

• Shinjuku

• Harajuku

• Shibuya

• Shinagawa

JR East also operates the Tokyo Monorail, which offers a direct connection between Haneda Airport and Hamamatsucho Station on the Yamanote Line—an especially convenient option for travelers.

⚠️ Important Note: Tokyo Metro tickets are not valid on JR lines, and vice versa. If you plan to transfer between the Metro and JR, you’ll need to buy separate tickets.

🚌The Limousine Bus.

Limousine Bus at the Haneda Airport

The Limousine Bus is a leading option for airport transfers in Tokyo, offering direct access to and from Narita and Haneda Airports and central Tokyo.

From the airport, the bus can drop you off directly at many major hotels or very close to them. For your return trip, you'll need to find the nearest bus stop, but fortunately, the system has a wide network of stops across the city.

👉Want to know a real experience with Limousine Bus? READ MY REVIEW OF LIMOUSINE BUS.

Even though Tokyo is a massive city, getting around is surprisingly simple. With the Metro, JR lines, and airport connections, everything is designed for convenience—whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler.