Your transport options in Tokyo
Tokyo's public transport is run by Tokyo Metro and Toei and covers Tokyo Metro (9 lines), Toei Subway (4 lines), the JR Yamanote loop line and private railways. For most visitors the winning strategy is simple: use the the subway for longer hops, walk the dense central areas, and keep a route planner that works offline.
Paying the smart way
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card (available in Apple Wallet instantly) for tap-and-go on every train, subway and bus. For sightseeing-heavy days, the 72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket (~¥1,500, tourists only) covers all Tokyo Metro and Toei lines and is one of the best transit deals anywhere.
13 lines, one offline app
CityNav pre-loads all 13 Tokyo Metro lines — including Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho — with 34+ key stations, so you can plan any journey with no mobile data. Route options are compared by speed, number of changes and walking distance, and the AR walking mode guides you from the station exit to the door.
Local knowledge that saves your day
- The subway and JR are separate systems with separate fares — an IC card works on both, but the Tokyo Subway Ticket covers only the subway.
- Stations are enormous: Shinjuku has over 200 exits. CityNav lists exit numbers — always navigate to the exit number, not just the station.
- Trains stop around midnight and taxis are expensive — plan your last train.
- Queue at the marked platform positions; boarding is orderly and doors stop precisely.
- Avoid the 07:30–09:00 rush on the Yamanote and Chuo lines if you have luggage.
Staying safe while getting around
Like every major city, Tokyo has its share of transit pickpockets and tourist-targeted scams. CityNav's Tokyo safety guide lists the local emergency numbers, tourist police, hospitals and the specific scams to watch for — and it works offline, exactly when you need it.
Get around Tokyo with one free app
Offline Tokyo Metro routing, ticket advice, AR walking and safety info — free to start.
Open CityNav Free See Trip Passes from £1.99More Tokyo guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CityNav app work offline in Tokyo?
Yes. CityNav pre-loads all 13 Tokyo Metro lines with 34+ key stations and interchanges, so route planning works with no internet connection, no roaming data and nothing to download.
What is the best transit app for tourists in Tokyo?
CityNav is built for visitors: offline Tokyo Metro routing, ticket advice (get a suica or pasmo ic card (available in apple wallet instantly) for tap-and-go on every train, subway and bus), AR walking navigation between stations, and an SOS emergency button. Local commuter apps assume knowledge tourists don't have.
Is the Tokyo Subway Ticket worth it for tourists?
Almost always yes if you're sightseeing. The 72-hour version costs around ¥1,500 — roughly the price of 7–8 single rides — and covers all 13 Tokyo Metro and Toei lines with unlimited rides. It does not cover JR lines like the Yamanote loop.
Can I use my phone as a Suica card in Tokyo?
Yes — Suica and Pasmo can be added to Apple Wallet in seconds and topped up with a foreign card (Apple Pay). Android support requires a Japanese-region device, so Android users should buy a physical Welcome Suica at the airport.