What is the difference between JR, Tokyo Metro and Toei lines?

Learn who runs Tokyo's trains and subways, why a trip across companies can need separate fares, and how an IC card and passes make transfers easier.

Published October 20, 2026 at 6:40 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: JR East runs Tokyo's surface railways, including the Yamanote Line and many commuter and Shinkansen routes, while Tokyo Metro and Toei run the two subway systems, and private railways add more lines. Each company sets its own fares and sells its own tickets, so transfers can mean paying twice, but an IC card handles the fare for you.

Who runs what in Tokyo

Tokyo's rail network is operated by several independent companies rather than one city-wide system. JR East (East Japan Railway Company) is part of the JR Group, which reference sources describe as six regional passenger companies that run most intercity and many commuter services. In Tokyo, JR East operates lines such as the Yamanote Line loop and the Chuo Line, and it also operates Shinkansen routes to the north.

Underground, there are two subway systems. Tokyo Metro runs nine lines, and the Toei Subway, operated by the Tokyo metropolitan government, runs four: the Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku and Oedo lines. The Tokyo tourism guide reports that Tokyo Metro has about 180 stations and Toei about 106, so together they cover more than 280 stations.

On top of those, private railways such as Keio and Odakyu run commuter lines from central Tokyo to the suburbs, and some of their trains continue onto subway tracks. This is why a train that starts under the city may end up on another company's tracks, with the company name shown on the train and the platform signs.

How the lines differ for visitors

The most visible differences are the signage and the tickets. Each company has its own colors, symbols and station numbering. Tokyo Metro uses station numbers made of a line letter and a number, shown in a circle in the line's color. Other operators use their own systems. Following the line color and the number is often easier than reading station names.

Coverage also differs. JR lines are often above ground and link big hubs such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ueno with long-distance trains and airport routes. The subways run mostly underground and reach dense neighborhoods and attractions that the JR lines pass by. Many visitors use both during one day.

The Toei Oedo Line includes a loop section around central Tokyo, and the Toei Asakusa Line runs through onto private railway tracks toward the airports. The Yamanote Line is the loop run by JR East around central Tokyo. Because the two loops serve different stations, it is useful to check which operator serves the station you want.

Fares, tickets and transfers

Each company has its own fare table, and the fares are usually based on distance. The Tokyo tourism guide states that fares depend on distance rather than the specific route or station, that Tokyo Metro fares run from 180 to 330 yen, and that Toei fares run from 180 to 430 yen. Figures can change, so confirm them on the operators' sites.

Paper tickets are separate. Tokyo Metro and Toei issue separate tickets, so a paper ticket from one does not pay for the other. For trips that mix the two, Tokyo Metro sells a transfer ticket with a 70 yen discount compared with buying two tickets, and it is valid only on the day of purchase. For transfers that involve JR or private lines, Tokyo Metro suggests asking station staff or a Metro Pass Office about the available tickets.

At the gates, IC cards make this simple. The card is tapped at the first gate and again at the last, and the system works out the total. Tokyo Metro's ticket page says that transfers between its own lines should be completed within 60 minutes, using the orange ticket gates.

Passes and which one fits

Passes depend on which operators you plan to ride. The Japan Rail Pass applies to JR lines, but the Tokyo tourism guide notes that the subway lines do not accept it. That means a traveler with a rail pass can ride the Yamanote Line without paying more, but still needs fares for the subway.

For the subways, the Toei website lists the Tokyo Subway Ticket, which allows unlimited Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro travel for 24, 48 or 72 hours, with child fares at half price. The Toei page also lists a one-day ticket for both subways, a Tokyo Combination Ticket that covers Toei, Tokyo Metro and JR lines within the 23 wards for one day, and a Greater Tokyo Pass for five days across 13 companies. Prices change, so check the current page.

Each pass has limits on areas and on who can buy it. Some are sold only to overseas visitors and require a passport. Compare the lines you plan to use against the pass coverage, and decide if a simple IC card works out cheaper for a few rides.

Common mistakes and special cases

A frequent mistake is expecting a Japan Rail Pass to open the subway gates. The pass covers JR only, so use an IC card or buy a subway ticket for those lines. Another is choosing the wrong exit gate when a station is shared by several companies. Look at the signs, because each company's gates are labeled, and ask staff if you are unsure.

Some stations have two names or two sets of platforms that connect by long walkways. The transfer between a JR line and a subway at a large station can take several minutes of walking, so allow extra time. In some stations, passing through a gate is required even to change between two lines of the same company, and Tokyo Metro points travelers to its orange ticket gates for transfers.

Limited express charges are another special case. The JR Group charges a limited express fee, as do some private railways, but the subway lines generally do not. When a train runs through to a private railway, a separate charge may apply. Read the signs on the platform and the notices on board if you are unsure.

Planning tips and alternatives

Plan with a route-search tool that shows the operator for each leg. Many tools display the lines and the fares for each company and let you choose to avoid transfers or to minimize walking. Check the result against the station signs, because the operator names are printed on them.

A rechargeable IC card removes most worries about fares. The Tokyo tourism guide notes that Suica and Pasmo work interchangeably on the subway and can also pay at vending machines and convenience stores. Keep some balance on the card, and use paper tickets only when a route requires them.

If you want to explore one area, pick the operator that serves it best. For airports and long-distance trains, JR and some private railways are often convenient. For city sightseeing, the subways reach many spots. When in doubt, ask at the station office, where staff can recommend tickets for the day.

Wrap-up and next steps

JR, Tokyo Metro and Toei are separate companies with separate fares and tickets, but they connect closely, and an IC card lets you ride across them with one tap. Learn which company serves your route, use station numbers and colors, and keep the 60 minute transfer rule in mind.

Before your trip, check the operator sites for fares, choose an IC card or a pass, and keep your tickets for the exit gate. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Tokyo Metro and Toei lines connect?

Yes. Several stations connect the two networks, and some lines even run through onto each other's tracks. Tokyo Metro also sells transfer tickets for trips between its own stations and Toei stations. Ask at the station office or use a route planner to find the best transfer point.

Does the Japan Rail Pass work on the Tokyo subway?

No. The Tokyo tourism guide states that JR lines accept the Japan Rail Pass but the subway lines do not. Pass holders can ride JR East lines such as the Yamanote Line and then use an IC card or a subway ticket for Tokyo Metro and Toei rides.

Why does a ticket sometimes not open the gate at a transfer?

Each company's gates read its own tickets, so a ticket for one operator may not open another operator's gate unless it is a transfer ticket. An IC card avoids this problem. If the gate does not open, go to the fare adjustment machine or the station office for help.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Tokyo, Made Simple is available on Amazon.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: How do I use the Tokyo subway for the first time?, How do train fares work in Japan, including limited express charges? and The Yamanote Line: Tokyo's Loop Line and How to Ride It.