Topic > Transport in Tokyo: Getting Around

Tokyo is known for its excellent public transport. It consists of a huge and compact network of railway, subway and bus lines. It has the largest urban rail network in the world and is used by several transport companies. The most important train is the JR Yamamote Line; it is a circular railway line that connects the different city centers of Tokyo. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Operated by 2 companies, the 13 Tokyo Metro lines cover central Tokyo. Toei Lines operates 4 lines: Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku and Oedo. The Tokyo Metro operates the other 9 lines: Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku and Fukutoshin. Furthermore, JR East's major train lines are Yamamote, Kelhin-Tohoku, Chuo/Sobu, Chuo, Saikyo and Shinkansen. More season tickets and tickets are available for sale. But many of these tickets and prices can be considered too expensive, as many of them do not cover all the different companies or only partially. A prepaid card like Suica or Pasmo is the recommended way to get around the Tokyo area. Tokyo Free Kippu (also known as Tokyo Tour Ticket) (1590 yen) - Unlimited use of all subway lines (Toei and Tokyo Metro) and of JR trains in the central Tokyo area on a calendar day (i.e. from the first to the last train of the day). It is also valid on buses and trams operated by Toei. The pass is too expensive and is unlikely to save money compared to regular tickets or prepaid cards. Tokyo Metro Ticket (24 hours: 800 yen, 48 hours: 1200 yen, 72 hours: 1500 yen) - Unlimited use of all subway lines (Toei and Tokyo Metro). Not valid on JR trains. The pass is sold at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, ticket offices at some major subway stations, and Bic Camera electronics stores in central Tokyo to foreign tourists only (passport required). Furthermore, it is sold to both foreign tourists and residents of Japan through selected travel agencies outside the Kanto region. Toei and Tokyo Metro Economy Day Pass (900 yen): Unlimited use of all subway lines (Toei and Tokyo Metro) on one calendar day. The season ticket is only worth it if you use the subway excessively. The pass is not valid on JR trains. Unlike the cheaper Tokyo subway ticket (see above), this pass can be purchased at subway stations in central Tokyo. Tokyo Subway 24-Hour Ticket (600 yen): Unlimited use of the nine Tokyo Subway lines, but not the four Toei Subway lines and JR trains. The ticket is available through ticket vending machines in Tokyo subway stations. Toei One-Day Economy Pass (700 yen) – Unlimited use of Toei's four subway lines, buses, and trams on one calendar day. Not valid on the nine Tokyo Metro lines and JR trains. The pass is available at ticket machines and ticket offices in Toei stations. Tokunai Pass (750 yen) - Unlimited use of JR trains in central Tokyo on one calendar day. The pass is available at purple vending machines and ticket offices in JR stations.