What are Suica and Pasmo, and how do they work?
Suica and Pasmo are rechargeable IC cards that pay for fares on nearly all trains, subways and buses in the Tokyo area, and they also work as electronic money at many shops. Both cards work interchangeably on the same transport network, since they use a shared fare system.
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How it works
A card is topped up with cash or, on some versions, a linked payment method, and the balance is deducted automatically when the traveller taps in and out at gates. The fare is calculated from the actual stations used, so there is no need to know the fare in advance.
Commonly mixed up with
Suica and Pasmo are issued by different operators, JR East and a group of other transport companies respectively, which leads some to think they work on separate networks. In practice both are accepted almost everywhere the other is.
What are Suica and Pasmo, and how do they work?
| Knowledge, Tokyo | Travel and visit |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Suica and Pasmo are rechargeable IC cards that pay for fares on nearly all trains, subways and buses in the Tokyo area, and they also work as electronic money at many shops. Both cards work interchangeably on the same transport network, since they use a shared fare system. |
| How it works | A card is topped up with cash or, on some versions, a linked payment method, and the balance is deducted automatically when the traveller taps in and out at gates. The fare is calculated from the actual stations used, so there is no need to know the fare in advance. |
| Commonly mixed up with | Suica and Pasmo are issued by different operators, JR East and a group of other transport companies respectively, which leads some to think they work on separate networks. In practice both are accepted almost everywhere the other is. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Do I need to choose between Suica and Pasmo?
- No, both work on the same network of trains, subways and buses.
- Can I use the card outside Tokyo?
- Both cards are accepted in most other major Japanese cities as well.
- Can I pay for shopping with the card?
- Yes, both cards work as electronic money at many convenience stores and shops.
- What happens if my balance runs out?
- Gates will not open until the card is topped up, usually at a station machine.
- Where can I get official details?
- JR East publishes information on Suica and its acceptance.
Sources
More in this track
- What is the difference between Narita and Haneda airports?
- How do you get from Narita Airport to central Tokyo?
- How do you get from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo?
- What is the difference between the Tokyo subway and JR lines?
- Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it for travel around Tokyo?
- When is typhoon season in Tokyo and what does it mean for travel?
- What is the weather like in Tokyo through the year?
- What entry requirements apply for a short tourist visit to Japan?
- Which areas do visitors stay in when they come to Tokyo?
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