Tokyo Last Train Guide: Complete Schedule, Alternatives & Late-Night Transportation
Tokyo Last Train Guide: Complete Schedule & Late-Night Transportation
Understanding Tokyo's last train schedule is crucial for enjoying the city's nightlife without breaking the bank on taxis. With trains stopping around midnight and resuming at 5 AM, proper planning ensures you can party until dawn or catch the last train home. This comprehensive guide covers all major lines and alternative transportation options.
Last Train Quick Reference
- Typical Last Trains: 12:00-12:30 AM (weekdays), 12:30-1:00 AM (weekends)
- First Trains: Resume 5:00-5:30 AM
- Night Gap: 4.5-5.5 hours with no train service
- Plan Ahead: Check specific line schedules before going out
- Alternative Transport: Taxis, night buses, 24-hour venues
- Apps: Google Maps, Hyperdia, Yahoo Transit
Major Train Lines Last Train Schedule
JR Yamanote Line (Most Important for Nightlife)
The circular line connecting all major nightlife districts—Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and more.
| Direction | Weekdays Last Train | Saturdays Last Train | Sundays Last Train | First Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner Circle (Clockwise) | 12:26 AM | 12:56 AM | 12:26 AM | 4:31 AM |
| Outer Circle (Counter-clockwise) | 12:29 AM | 12:59 AM | 12:29 AM | 4:28 AM |
Major JR Lines
| Line | Key Stations | Weekday Last | Weekend Last | First Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR Chuo Line | Shinjuku, Kichijoji, Mitaka | 12:35 AM | 1:05 AM | 4:25 AM |
| JR Keihin-Tohoku | Tokyo, Shinagawa, Omiya | 12:20 AM | 12:50 AM | 4:22 AM |
| JR Saikyo Line | Shinjuku, Shibuya, Osaki | 12:25 AM | 12:55 AM | 4:40 AM |
| JR Tokaido Line | Tokyo, Shinagawa, Yokohama | 12:06 AM | 12:36 AM | 4:35 AM |
Tokyo Metro Lines
| Line | Key Nightlife Areas | Weekday Last | Weekend Last | First Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ginza Line | Shibuya, Omotesando, Ginza | 12:21 AM | 12:51 AM | 5:15 AM |
| Marunouchi Line | Shinjuku, Ginza, Tokyo | 12:25 AM | 12:55 AM | 5:10 AM |
| Hibiya Line | Roppongi, Ginza, Ebisu | 12:27 AM | 12:57 AM | 5:10 AM |
| Hanzomon Line | Shibuya, Omotesando | 12:20 AM | 12:50 AM | 5:00 AM |
| Chiyoda Line | Omotesando, Akasaka | 12:15 AM | 12:45 AM | 5:15 AM |
Toei Subway Lines
| Line | Key Areas | Weekday Last | Weekend Last | First Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oedo Line | Roppongi, Shinjuku, Ueno | 12:30 AM | 1:00 AM | 5:30 AM |
| Asakusa Line | Ginza, Nihombashi | 12:15 AM | 12:45 AM | 5:20 AM |
| Mita Line | Uchisaiwaicho | 12:20 AM | 12:50 AM | 5:15 AM |
Private Railway Lines
| Line | Key Areas | Weekday Last | Weekend Last | First Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keio Line | Shinjuku to Western Tokyo | 12:15 AM | 12:45 AM | 5:00 AM |
| Odakyu Line | Shinjuku to Kanagawa | 12:20 AM | 12:50 AM | 5:15 AM |
| Keio Inokashira | Shibuya to Kichijoji | 12:15 AM | 12:45 AM | 5:00 AM |
| Tokyu Toyoko | Shibuya to Yokohama | 12:05 AM | 12:35 AM | 4:58 AM |
District-Specific Last Train Strategy
Partying in Shibuya
Multiple line options provide flexibility for Shibuya nightlife:
- JR Yamanote Line: Best option, runs until 12:26-12:29 AM
- Tokyo Metro Lines: Ginza and Hanzomon lines available
- Private Lines: Keio Inokashira, Tokyu lines
- Strategy: Check multiple lines for latest departure
- Backup Plan: Many late-night venues if you miss trains
Partying in Shinjuku
Major transportation hub with extensive last train options:
- JR Lines: Yamanote, Chuo, Saikyo lines
- Private Lines: Keio, Odakyu lines
- Metro: Marunouchi Line
- Advantage: Most lines in Tokyo pass through Shinjuku
- Golden Gai Strategy: Easy to bar hop and catch last trains
Partying in Roppongi
Limited train options require careful planning:
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: Main option to central Tokyo
- Toei Oedo Line: Latest option, runs until 1:00 AM weekends
- Strategy: Plan route carefully, taxis expensive from Roppongi
- Alternative: Stay until first trains at 5:00 AM
Weekend vs Weeknight Differences
Friday-Saturday Night Extensions
- Extended Hours: Most lines run 30 minutes later
- Peak Crowds: Trains extremely crowded before last departure
- Planning: Arrive at station 15-20 minutes early
- Popular Routes: Expect delays and crowds on Yamanote Line
Sunday-Thursday Schedule
- Earlier Closure: Trains stop around midnight
- Less Crowded: Easier to board last trains
- Venue Hours: Many venues close earlier on weeknights
- Strategy: Plan for earlier departure on school nights
Alternative Transportation Options
Night Buses
Limited but useful for specific routes when trains stop running.
Major Night Bus Routes
- Route 01: Shibuya ↔ Roppongi ↔ Shimbashi
- Route 02: Shinjuku ↔ Ginza ↔ Tokyo Station
- Schedule: Usually every 30-60 minutes
- Cost: ¥400-600 (≈$3-4) per ride
- Hours: Midnight to 5:00 AM
- Limitation: Very limited routes
Taxi Services
Regular Taxis
- Base Fare: ¥500-600 (≈$3-4) for first 1.2km
- Distance Rate: ¥90 per 280m after base
- Late-Night Surcharge: 20% extra from 10 PM to 5 AM
- Typical Costs: ¥2,000-8,000 (≈$13-53) depending on distance
- Availability: Plentiful but expensive during peak hours
Ride-Sharing Apps
- GO (formerly JapanTaxi): Official taxi app
- Uber: Limited availability, premium pricing
- DiDi: Chinese ride-sharing app
- Advantage: No language barrier, fixed pricing
- Surge Pricing: Expect higher costs after midnight
24-Hour Accommodation Options
Internet Cafes (Manga Cafes)
- Cost: ¥1,500-3,000 (≈$10-20) for 6-8 hours
- Amenities: Private cubicles, showers, drinks
- Locations: Near major stations
- Popular Chains: Manboo, BAGUS, Aprecio
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers
Love Hotels
- Rest Period: ¥3,000-6,000 (≈$20-40) for 4-6 hours
- Stay Period: ¥6,000-12,000 (≈$40-80) until 10 AM
- Amenities: Private rooms, bathrooms, sometimes themes
- Availability: Common in entertainment districts
- Booking: Usually walk-in, some apps available
Capsule Hotels
- Cost: ¥2,500-4,500 (≈$17-30) per night
- Check-in: Usually until 2-3 AM
- Amenities: Shared facilities, lockers, basic comfort
- Popular Chains: First Cabin, Capsule Inn
- Location: Near major stations
Last Train Planning Strategies
Pre-Night Planning
- Check Routes: Use Hyperdia or Google Maps
- Multiple Options: Plan 2-3 route alternatives
- Buffer Time: Allow 20-30 minutes to reach station
- Weekend vs Weeknight: Confirm schedule differences
- Emergency Fund: Keep ¥5,000+ for taxi backup
During the Night Strategy
- Set Phone Alarms: 11:30 PM and 11:45 PM reminders
- Station Location: Know exact exit and platform
- Crowd Management: Leave venues 15-20 minutes early
- Backup Plans: Know 24-hour venues if you miss trains
- Group Coordination: Decide early whether everyone leaves together
After Midnight Options
- Continue Partying: Find 24-hour venues and wait for first trains
- Night Accommodation: Internet cafe or love hotel
- Expensive Taxi: Split costs with others if possible
- Night Bus: Limited routes but cheapest option
- Walking: Only for nearby destinations
Useful Apps and Tools
Essential Transportation Apps
Google Maps
- Features: Real-time updates, multiple route options
- Languages: English interface
- Best For: Overall journey planning
- Offline: Download Tokyo maps before going out
Hyperdia
- Features: Detailed train schedules, fare information
- Accuracy: Most accurate for complex routes
- Languages: English available
- Best For: Precise timing and multiple options
Yahoo Transit (Yahoo 乗換案内)
- Features: Real-time delays, platform information
- Language: Primarily Japanese
- Accuracy: Most used by locals
- Best For: Real-time updates
Emergency Situations and Backup Plans
Missed Last Train Checklist
- Check Night Buses: Limited routes but cheapest option
- Find 24-Hour Venues: Karaoke, internet cafes, restaurants
- Consider Accommodation: Love hotels, capsule hotels nearby
- Taxi Math: Calculate cost vs. accommodation
- Wait for First Train: 5:00-5:30 AM resume
Safety Considerations
- Stay in Groups: Don't split up after midnight
- Well-Lit Areas: Stick to main streets and stations
- Emergency Contacts: Keep hotel/accommodation info accessible
- Phone Battery: Bring portable charger
- Cash Backup: ATMs may be limited after midnight
District-Specific Last Train Tips
For specific nightlife planning, check our district guides:
- Shibuya Nightlife - Electronic music and multiple train options
- Shinjuku Nightlife - Golden Gai and major transportation hub
- Roppongi Nightlife - Limited train options, plan carefully
- Golden Gai Bars - Close to Shinjuku Station
Combine last train planning with our Tokyo nightlife guide and late-night food options for complete night planning.
Discover more practical Tokyo nightlife information with our comprehensive Japan nightlife guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the last trains run in Tokyo?
Most trains run until 12:00-12:30 AM on weekdays and 12:30-1:00 AM on weekends. The Toei Oedo Line runs latest, until 1:00 AM on weekends.
What happens if I miss the last train?
Options include night buses (limited routes), taxis (expensive), 24-hour venues like internet cafes, or waiting until first trains at 5:00 AM.
Are weekend trains different from weekday trains?
Yes, Friday and Saturday nights have trains running approximately 30 minutes later than weeknights. Sunday follows the weekday schedule.
How much does a taxi cost after midnight?
Taxis have a 20% surcharge from 10 PM to 5 AM. Expect ¥2,000-8,000 (≈$13-53) depending on distance, plus surge pricing during peak hours.
What are night buses and how do they work?
Tokyo has limited night bus routes connecting major areas. They cost ¥400-600 (≈$3-4) and run every 30-60 minutes from midnight to 5 AM.
Can I stay in an internet cafe overnight?
Yes, internet cafes offer overnight stays for ¥1,500-3,000 (≈$10-20) with private cubicles, showers, and unlimited drinks.
What's the best app for checking train times?
Google Maps for general planning, Hyperdia for detailed schedules, and Yahoo Transit for real-time updates (though primarily in Japanese).
How early should I leave to catch the last train?
Leave venues 20-30 minutes before the last train, especially on weekends when stations are extremely crowded.