How to Transfer Between Tokyo Metro Lines

Understanding Tokyo’s Two Subway Systems

Tokyo has two separate subway operators:

Tokyo Metro (東京メトロ): 9 lines
Ginza (G), Marunouchi (M), Hibiya (H), Tozai (T), Chiyoda (C), Yurakucho (Y), Hanzomon (Z), Namboku (N), Fukutoshin (F)

Toei Subway (都営地下鉄): 4 lines
Asakusa (A), Mita (I), Shinjuku (S), Oedo (E)

Why this matters: Paper tickets only work on one company’s lines. If you transfer between Metro and Toei, you pay twice. IC cards (Suica/PASMO) handle this automatically and give you a discount.

How Transfers Work

Same Company Transfer (Free)

Transferring between Tokyo Metro lines or between Toei lines is free. Just follow the transfer signs.

Example: Ginza Line → Marunouchi Line at Akasaka-mitsuke Station
Both are Tokyo Metro. No extra charge.

Different Company Transfer (Extra Fee)

Transferring between Tokyo Metro and Toei costs extra.

Without IC card: Buy two separate tickets (¥180 + ¥180 = ¥360)
With IC card: Automatic discount (¥280 total instead of ¥360)

Example: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line → Toei Oedo Line at Shinjuku
Different companies. IC card saves you ¥80.

Using IC Cards for Transfers

Suica and PASMO work identically. They:

• Calculate the cheapest route automatically
• Apply transfer discounts between Metro and Toei
• Let you transfer without buying new tickets
• Work on all trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo

How to use:

1. Tap IC card on entry gate
2. Transfer to another line (no need to tap)
3. Tap IC card on exit gate
4. Fare is deducted automatically

Transfer discount: When you transfer between Tokyo Metro and Toei within 30 minutes, you get ¥80 off the combined fare.

Finding Transfer Gates

Look for signs that say:

• 乗換 (norikae) = Transfer
• ○○線乗換 = Transfer to ○○ Line
• Line colors and letters (G, M, H, etc.)

Don’t exit through regular gates. If you see “出口” (exit) or “改札外” (outside ticket gates), that’s the wrong way. You’ll have to pay again to re-enter.

Transfer gates keep you inside the paid area. Follow the colored lines on the floor matching your destination line.

Virtual Transfers (Exit and Re-Enter)

Some stations don’t have direct transfer gates. You must exit and re-enter.

How it works:

1. Exit through the gate (tap IC card)
2. Walk to the other station entrance (usually 1-5 minutes)
3. Re-enter within 30 minutes (tap IC card)
4. IC card recognizes this as a transfer and applies discount

Common virtual transfer stations:

• Otemachi (multiple exits for different lines)
• Shinjuku-sanchome ↔ Shinjuku (3-minute walk)
• Kasumigaseki (exit and walk to different entrance)

Important: This only works with IC cards. Paper tickets don’t get the discount.

Confusing Transfer Stations

Tokyo/Otemachi Station Complex

This is actually multiple connected stations. The underground passages are huge.

Lines here:

• Tokyo Metro: Marunouchi, Tozai, Chiyoda, Hanzomon
• Toei: Mita
• JR: Yamanote, Chuo, Keihin-Tohoku, etc.

Transfer time: 5-15 minutes depending on lines. Follow signs carefully. If lost, ask station staff or look for the line color.

Shinjuku Station

Tokyo’s busiest station. Multiple subway lines plus JR and private railways.

Subway lines:

• Tokyo Metro: Marunouchi (M)
• Toei: Shinjuku (S), Oedo (E)

Tips:

• Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin/Marunouchi) is separate — 3-minute walk from main Shinjuku
• Use the East Exit for Toei Shinjuku Line
• Use the South Exit for Toei Oedo Line
• Allow 10 minutes for transfers

Shibuya Station

Under construction until 2027. Signage changes frequently.

Lines:

• Tokyo Metro: Ginza (G), Hanzomon (Z), Fukutoshin (F)
• Toei: None
• JR, Tokyu, Keio Inokashira

Transfer time: 5-10 minutes between subway lines. Ginza Line platform is on the 3rd floor (elevated), others are underground.

Transfer Tips

1. Check your route before you go
Use Google Maps or the Tokyo Metro app. It shows which company operates each line and estimates transfer time.

2. Allow extra time for first-time transfers
Big stations are confusing. Add 10 minutes to your estimated travel time.

3. Follow the colored lines on the floor
Each subway line has a color. Follow the floor markings to your transfer line.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask
Station staff speak some English at major stations. Show them your destination on your phone.

5. Avoid rush hour transfers if possible
7:30-9:30am and 5:30-7:30pm are packed. Transfers take longer when you’re fighting crowds.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Solution
Gate won’t open when transferring	Went through exit gate instead of transfer gate	Go back, find transfer gate (乗換)
Charged twice for one trip	Used paper ticket across two companies	Use IC card next time for discount
Can’t find transfer gate	Station has virtual transfer	Exit, walk to other entrance, re-enter within 30 min
IC card balance insufficient	Not enough money for full journey	Recharge at fare adjustment machine before exiting
Transfer taking forever	Got lost in station	Ask station staff or follow line color signs

FAQ

Q: Can I use a Tokyo Metro 24-hour pass on Toei lines?
A: No. Buy the combined “Tokyo Subway Ticket” (¥800/24hr) that works on both Metro and Toei.

Q: How do I know if I’m transferring within the same company?
A: Check the line letter. Tokyo Metro uses G, M, H, T, C, Y, Z, N, F. Toei uses A, I, S, E.

Q: What if I accidentally exit instead of transferring?
A: You’ll have to pay again to re-enter. If it was a mistake and you exited within 1-2 minutes, explain to station staff — they might let you back in.

Q: Do transfer discounts apply to JR trains?
A: No. JR is a separate company. Transfers between subway and JR are not discounted (but IC cards still work).

Q: How long do I have to complete a transfer?
A: No official time limit for transfers within the paid area. Virtual transfers (exit and re-enter) must be within 30 minutes.

Last verified: February 2026