Tokyo Subway Ticket (Subway Pass) Exchange, Purchase, Usage, Routes: Complete Guide (24, 48, 72 Hours)
Tokyo Mate
Are you wondering where to exchange your Tokyo Subway Ticket after purchasing it?
This guide covers everything you need to know for 2025,
from the latest exchange locations to the cheapest way to buy,
usage tips, and available routes for the 24, 48, and 72-hour passes.
📌 Note: The Subway Pass alone isn't enough!
While the Tokyo Subway Ticket offers unlimited rides on the subway, it cannot be used for JR lines, buses, or payments at convenience stores. It is highly recommended to also have a prepaid IC card (Suica or PASMO) for seamless travel. Check out our comprehensive guide on issuing Suica on iPhone below!
➡️ Tokyo Transportation Card Guide: iPhone Suica, Welcome Suica, and PASMO
1. Pricing & Types: Which one is best for you?
The Tokyo Subway Ticket is available in three types. Choose the one that fits your travel duration and style.
📌 Pro Tip: If you are staying for 3 days or more, the 72-hour ticket is by far the best value. You can break even by taking the subway just three times a day!
| Type | 24-Hour | 48-Hour | 72-Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | ¥800 | ¥1,200 | ¥1,500 |
| Child | ¥400 | ¥600 | ¥750 |
| Break-even | 5 rides/day | 4 rides/day | 3 rides/day |
2. How to Buy: Where is it cheapest?
While you can purchase the ticket on-site, it is generally much cheaper and more convenient to buy in advance through global travel platforms like Klook or KKday.
➡️ Get the Tokyo Subway Ticket at the Guaranteed Lowest Price on Klook
3. Exchange Locations & Method (Crucial! ⭐)
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to exchange your QR code for a physical ticket. (Note: QR code exchange is NOT available at airport ticket machines!)
🚆 Major Subway Stations with Exchange Locations
You can exchange your ticket at the ticket vending machines located in most major hub stations like Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Oshiage, Ueno, Daimon, and Sengakuji.
➡️ [View Route Map of All Stations with QR Code Exchange Machines]
🚆 How to Use the Ticket Vending Machine
Step 1: Look for a machine with the "QR code" mark on the top right.
Step 2: Tap the "QR code" button on the top right of the screen.
Step 3: Scan your QR code and tap "Issue" to receive your physical ticket!
4. Usage & Available Lines
- How to Use: Insert the physical ticket into the ticket gate's slot, pass through, and take the ticket from the other side.
- Available Lines: All lines of Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway (13 lines total)
🚨 Important: JR lines (like the Yamanote Line) and other private railways are NOT included!
If your itinerary involves many JR lines (Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, etc.), the Tokyo Subway Ticket might not be the best value. In that case, check our comparison guide:
➡️ Subway Ticket vs. JR Tokunai Pass: Which is best for your route?
5. First Use Station after Arriving at the Airport
The Tokyo Subway Ticket cannot be used on airport express trains (JR Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, etc.). You can start using it from your first transfer station in the city:
| Airport | Transportation | Subway Pass Start Station |
|---|---|---|
| Narita Airport | Narita Express (N'EX) | Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku |
| Keisei Skyliner | Ueno Station | |
| Access Express | Oshiage Station (Skytree) | |
| Haneda Airport | Tokyo Monorail | Hamamatsucho → Daimon Station |
| Keikyu Line | Sengakuji Station |
6. Save More! Bundle Tickets
You can save even more by purchasing the Tokyo Subway Ticket in a bundle with other transportation or attraction tickets.
🚇 Keisei Skyliner + Tokyo Subway Ticket
Highly recommended for Narita Airport users. It is much cheaper than buying them separately.
➡️ Get the Skyliner + Tokyo Subway Ticket Bundle at the Lowest Price on Klook
| Bundle Type | Regular Price | Discount Price |
|---|---|---|
| Skyliner (One-way) + 24-Hour | ¥3,380 | ¥2,900 |
| Skyliner (One-way) + 48-Hour | ¥3,780 | ¥3,300 |
| Skyliner (One-way) + 72-Hour | ¥4,080 | ¥3,600 |
| Skyliner (Round-trip) + 24-Hour | ¥5,960 | 4,900 |
| Skyliner (Round-trip) + 48-Hour | ¥6,360 | 5,300 |
| Skyliner (Round-trip) + 72-Hour | ¥6,660 | 5,600 |
🗼 Attractions + Tokyo Subway Ticket
Bundle deals are also available for major landmarks like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Sky, teamLab Planets, and more.
➡️ Check out Tokyo Attraction + Subway Ticket Bundle Deals
✨ Conclusion
If using the ticket machine seems difficult, you can exchange your QR code directly at the Station Office (駅事務室). Even at smaller stations without QR-capable machines, showing your QR code to the station attendant at the gate will help you get guided to the nearest exchange point. Enjoy your trip to Tokyo!
⭐ Related Tokyo Travel Tips
➡️ Which Tokyo Transportation Pass Should You Buy? (Subway Ticket vs. JR Tokunai Pass Comparison)
➡️ Narita Airport to City Center: Keisei Skyliner Reservation Complete Guide
➡️ Tokyo Don Quijote Shopping List & Discount Coupons
Editor's Note
This article is based on the author's actual experiences and original content from blog.naver.com/tokyomate. It has been translated and adapted to provide authentic travel information about Tokyo for global readers.