Capital city, Japan
Getting around Tokyo
How to get around Tokyo
Trains and subways reach almost everywhere; buy a Suica or PASMO (or add one to your phone wallet). Taxis are pricey, so use them only late at night.
Ways to get around Tokyo
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| JR Yamanote Line and subways | 150–330 JPY per ride | Tap Suica or PASMO; Google Maps shows platforms and exits |
| Tokyo Subway Ticket | About 800–1,500 JPY for 24–72 h | Unlimited Tokyo Metro and Toei subway, sold to visitors only |
| Taxi (GO, Uber) | About 500 JPY base; 2,000–3,000 JPY for 5 km | Late-night surcharge; last trains stop around midnight |
| Bicycle (docomo Bike Share) | About 165 JPY per 30 min | Handy in Chuo and Minato wards; helmets advised |
Ride-hailing apps in Tokyo
A 5 km ride costs about ¥2,000–3,000 ($12.7–19.0).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| GO | Largest taxi app in Japan; accepts foreign cards |
| Uber | Books licensed taxis at metered fares; reliable in central wards |
| DiDi | Another taxi app with English interface |
- Taxis are metered and doors open automatically; hail on the street or via app. No tipping. Drivers rarely speak English, so show the address on your phone.
Arriving in Tokyo
Haneda (HND)
Keikyu line to Shinagawa about 330 JPY, 15 min; Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho about 520 JPY, 15–20 min; taxi 6,000–10,000 JPY.
Narita (NRT)
Keisei Skyliner to Ueno about 2,580 JPY, 41 min; Narita Express to Tokyo about 3,000 JPY, 55 min; cheaper Access Express and buses 1,300–1,500 JPY.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the left. Bring a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP; licences from Germany, France, Switzerland, Taiwan and a few others need a JAF translation.
- Onward travel in Japan: Shinkansen bullet trains link most cities fast but are pricey; the national JR Pass only pays off on long itineraries. Highway buses and budget flights are cheaper.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Tokyo?
Yes. Apps that work here: GO, Uber, DiDi.
What's the best way to get around Tokyo?
Trains and subways reach almost everywhere; buy a Suica or PASMO (or add one to your phone wallet). Taxis are pricey, so use them only late at night.
How do I get from the airport to Tokyo?
Keikyu line to Shinagawa about 330 JPY, 15 min; Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho about 520 JPY, 15–20 min; taxi 6,000–10,000 JPY.
Is Tokyo walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Tokyo
Going to Tokyo solo?
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Sources
- Japan Rail Pass (official)
- smartEX Shinkansen booking (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu)
- Japan National Tourism Organization
- Tokyo Metro
- Haneda Airport
- Narita International Airport
- GO taxi app
- St. Luke's International Hospital
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.