Subway franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Subway franchise fee is $15,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $238,625 to $536,745, with about $65,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Subway FDD.
What are the Subway franchise fees and investment?
The Subway franchise requires a franchise fee of $15,000 and a total initial investment of $238,625 to $536,745. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $15,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $238,625 to $536,745 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $65,000 |
| US locations | 19,502 |
| Industry | Food & Restaurant (Sandwich Chains) |
| Headquarters | Shelton, Connecticut |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Franchising since | 1974 |
How does the Subway investment compare with other food & restaurant franchises?
Subway's minimum investment of $238,625 is at or below the median minimum investment of $297,082 across the 1213 food & restaurant franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 736 of the other 1211 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $15,000 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
By minimum investment, Subway belongs with franchises from $100,000 to $250,000.
What should you verify in the Subway FDD?
Verify six parts of the Subway Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Subway discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Subway?
These food & restaurant franchises have the closest minimum investment to Subway:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Ben & Jerry's | $19,750 to $39,500 | $238,800 to $550,800 |
| Oath Pizza | $30,000 | $239,000 to $590,000 |
| STEAK ESCAPE SANDWICH GRILL | $25,000 | $239,500 to $828,500 |
| Better Blend | $35,000 | $237,500 to $354,000 |
| Philly's Best Cheesesteaks | $38,000 | $237,000 to $488,000 |
See every brand in food & restaurant franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Subway franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Subway franchise ranges from $238,625 to $536,745, including a franchise fee of $15,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Subway franchise?
Subway lists a minimum of about $65,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Subway locations are there?
Subway reported 19,502 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Subway been franchising?
Subway started offering franchises in 1974 after the company was founded in 1967.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Subway and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Subway. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.