How much does it actually cost to move around three of the busiest cities in 2025? Here’s a data-backed comparison using official transit fares: MTA (NYC), TfL (London), and Tokyo Metro/Toei.
Table of Contents
| Mode | NYC | London | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro base fare | $2.90 (MTA) | £2.80–£3.70 pay-as-you-go Zones 1-2 (TfL) | ¥180–¥220 short hops (Metro/Toei) |
| Daily cap | $13.50 (OMNY/MTA) | £8.30 Zones 1-2 (TfL) | No cap; day pass ¥600–¥900 depending on lines |
| Taxi 5 km off-peak | ~$14 + tip | ~£12–£15 | ~¥1,500–¥1,800 |
New York City
- Subway/bus: $2.90 flat; OMNY weekly cap $34; daily cap $13.50 (MTA 2025 fares).
- Taxis: $3.30 initial + $0.70/0.2 mile; 15–20% tip standard.
- Best value: Use OMNY with contactless to hit fare caps automatically.
London
- Tube pay-as-you-go: £2.80 off-peak / £3.70 peak Zone 1-2; daily cap £8.30 (TfL Jan 2025).
- Buses: £1.75 Hopper fare within 60 minutes.
- Taxis: Black cab ~£3.80 start + £2.80 per mile; cards accepted.
- Best value: Contactless or Oyster automatically caps; avoid paper singles.
Tokyo
- Metro/Toei: Starts ¥180–¥220; longer rides ¥320+. No single daily cap across all systems.
- IC cards: Suica/PASMO work on Metro/Toei/JR local; reload at stations.
- Taxis: Base ~¥500–¥600 + distance; cashless accepted widely.
- Best value: If you stack many rides in one day, Metro 24-hour ticket ¥600 helps; otherwise IC card pay-as-you-go.
Airport transfers
- NYC: JFK AirTrain + subway $8.50 + $2.90; yellow cab flat $70 + toll/tip to Manhattan; rideshare ~$55–$80.
- London: Heathrow Express £25 peak/£16.50 advance; Elizabeth Line £13.30 to Zone 1; Tube £5.60 off-peak.
- Tokyo: Narita Skyliner ~¥2,570 to Ueno; Narita Express ¥3,070 to Tokyo Station; Haneda monorail + JR ~¥500–¥700.
Best passes & payment methods
- NYC: Use OMNY; no need to buy a card. Weekly cap triggers automatically after 12 rides.
- London: Use contactless or Oyster; daily caps make paper tickets obsolete.
- Tokyo: Buy Suica/PASMO (physical or mobile). No network-wide cap, so buy day passes only if exceeding ¥800–¥1,000 in one day.
Gear that saves hassle
🎧
💼
Peak Design 20L Everyday Backpack
Slim enough for rush-hour trains; protected laptop sleeve.
View on AmazonUse contactless where possible, avoid paper singles, and plan airport transfers before landing. Pair this with our SIM tool so you can tap to pay and route-find immediately.