Open Travel Guide
Transportation in Tokyo

Getting Around Tokyo 2026

How Tokyo moves: the transit systems, intercity routes, and fares that shape your trip.

Tokyo is Japan's capital and one of the world's most dynamic megacities, where ancient temples and shrines coexist alongside gleaming skyscrapers and neon-lit streets. As the cultural, economic, and political heart of Japan, Tokyo offers an unmatched blend of tradition and state-of-the-art modernity across its diverse 23 special wards and surrounding cities.

Tokyo's public transportation system is world-renowned for its efficiency, punctuality, and coverage. The JR Yamanote Line forms a loop connecting most major neighborhoods, while Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway fill in dense coverage across the city center. IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo work seamlessly across nearly all trains, subways, and buses, making transfers simple without needing to buy individual tickets.

Transport at a glance

Subway And Jr Rail Excellent — extensive coverage, high frequency, and near-perfect punctuality across Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and JR East lines.
Buses Good — useful for filling gaps between rail stations, though slower and less frequent than trains.
Taxis Reliable but expensive — safe, metered, and convenient for late-night travel after trains stop running, at a higher cost than rail.
Walking Excellent — many central neighborhoods are compact and highly walkable with reliable pedestrian infrastructure.
Cycling Good — bike-share schemes are widely available, though sidewalk cycling rules and traffic require caution.

Transportation details

Full breakdown of how to get around.

Tokyo's public transportation system is world-renowned for its efficiency, punctuality, and coverage. The city has 13 subway lines, extensive JR rail networks, private rail lines, and bus routes, making virtually every corner of the city easily accessible. IC cards like Suica and Pasmo work across all systems. Most locals never need a taxi or car.

Airports

NRT

Narita International Airport

HND

Tokyo Haneda Airport

Transport tips

Travel smarter, not harder.

Tip

Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card on arrival for seamless travel across trains, subways, and buses.

Tip

Avoid rush hour, roughly 7:30-9:30 AM, when trains on commuter lines become extremely crowded.

Tip

Consider a JR Pass for day trips outside Tokyo, since it covers shinkansen and JR lines nationwide.

Tip

Note last train times, generally around midnight, since Tokyo's rail network does not run 24 hours.