You’ve already booked your flight and accommodations for your trip to Okinawa, but many of you might not have finalized your itinerary yet. For travelers like you, here’s a clear guide to getting around Okinawa Main Island based on your travel goals!
Choosing the right mode of transportation is key to making the most of your time in Okinawa efficiently and comfortably. This article breaks down the features of rental cars, monorails, taxis, and buses so you can find the perfect option for your travel style.
By understanding the benefits and usage of each transportation method, you can enhance your Okinawa travel experience. Use this article to help plan your trip and make the most of your time on the island!
Guide to Using the Okinawa Monorail (Yui Rail)
If you want to efficiently visit major tourist attractions in Okinawa, the Okinawa Urban Monorail “Yui Rail” is highly recommended.
It offers convenient access to popular spots like Kokusai Street and Shurijo Castle, and operates from 5:39 AM to 11:30 PM at intervals of about 4 to 15 minutes.
Using the Yui Rail allows you to travel smoothly between Okinawa’s top destinations and make the most of your time. It’s one of the most convenient public transportation options available, so you can enjoy sightseeing without worrying about time.
Easy access with just a QR code
Yui Rail’s ticket gates don’t have a slot for inserting tickets. Instead, you simply hold the printed QR code on your ticket over the scanner to pass through—making it incredibly easy for travelers to use. Fares range from 230 yen to 370 yen, making it an affordable and efficient option for getting around.
Thanks to the QR code system, you can pass through the gates quickly and smoothly without any hassle.
Major IC cards from across Japan are accepted
In the past, only Okinawa’s local IC card “OKICA” could be used. However, since 2020, the system has been updated to allow interoperability with Suica. Now, you can use major IC cards like Kitaca, PASMO, manaca, TOICA, PiTaPa, ICOCA, Hayakaken, nimoca, and SUGOCA throughout Okinawa.
All stations in Okinawa offer top-up services at their ticket counters, making it convenient for visitors.
If you’re planning to visit several places, get a free pass
Free ride passes are a convenient and budget-friendly way to travel around Okinawa. Options include the “1-Day Pass (800 yen for adults)” valid for 24 hours and the “2-Day Pass (1,400 yen for adults)” valid for 48 hours. These passes also come with perks at places like Shurijo Castle and restaurants along the Yui Rail route.
If you’re planning to explore places beyond the Yui Rail line, the “Naha Bus & Yui Rail 1-Day Common Passport (1,000 yen for adults)” is ideal. It offers unlimited rides on Naha city buses and the Yui Rail for one day (valid on the day of activation only).
Using these passes will help make your Okinawa trip smoother and more economical. For more information, contact Okinawa Urban Monorail (TEL: 098-859-2630).
Getting Around by Bus
There are many bus options in Okinawa. If you want a direct transfer from Naha Airport to your hotel, the airport limousine bus is the best choice. If you want the freedom to explore, regular route buses are recommended. For an efficient way to visit tourist sites, consider a sightseeing bus tour.
Airport Limousine Bus
This limousine bus connects Naha Airport to major resort hotels in the central and northern parts of Okinawa. You can purchase tickets at the counter near the center of the arrival lobby on the first floor of the airport and board at stop number 12. All services require advance reservations, so plan accordingly.
Reservations can be made online via the “Hassha Orai Net” or at certain convenience stores. This ensures a smooth trip from the airport to your hotel.
If you plan to use the limousine bus, contact the Okinawa Bus Company’s Airport Limousine Bus Center (TEL: 098-869-3301).
Route Buses
There are four major bus companies operating in Okinawa: Ryukyu Bus Kotsu, Okinawa Bus, Naha Bus, and Toyo Bus. These companies run extensive networks, so check the route number when selecting your bus.
The “Okinawa Route Bus Free Pass” allows unlimited rides on these four companies’ buses. The pass comes in 1-Day (2,500 yen) and 3-Day (5,000 yen) options. There’s also an “Okinawa Route Bus + Yui Rail Plus” option, which includes a 1-Day Yui Rail pass. Prices are 3,000 yen (1-Day Plus) and 5,500 yen (3-Day Plus).
The passes are provided by Naha Bus and Ryukyu Bus Kotsu and can be purchased on the 1st floor of Naha Bus Terminal.
Sales Location: Naha Bus Terminal (Ryukyu Bus Kotsu & Naha Bus)
- Address: 1-20-1 Izumizaki, Naha City, 1st floor of Kahuna Asahibashi A Block
- Phone: 098-867-6083
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00–19:00; Sat/Sun/Holidays: 9:00–17:00
- Closed: Open year-round
Naha Bus Terminal is a key transportation hub in Okinawa. Using the “Okinawa Route Bus Free Pass” will make getting around the island more convenient.
Note: These passes do not cover some routes using expressways (e.g., Route 111, 117), airport limousine buses, or sightseeing tour buses. Please confirm details before using.
Sightseeing Buses
Operated by both Naha Bus and Ryukyu Bus Kotsu, sightseeing buses offer various tour routes.
Naha Bus offers a course that visits Shurijo Castle Park and Okinawa World. The fee is 6,000 yen for adults and 3,200 yen for children (ages 6–11). Ryukyu Bus Kotsu offers a relaxing seaside route that visits Kouri Island, Nakijin Castle Ruins, and Churaumi Aquarium. The price is 7,000 yen for adults and 3,500 yen for children.
How to Use Taxis and High-Speed Ferries
In Okinawa, taxis are a convenient and affordable option, with base fares starting at 560 yen for standard vehicles. Street taxis are common in town, and they’re especially useful for short trips. There are also plenty of shuttle and sightseeing taxi services to suit your needs.
Taxis are easily hailed on the street, making them a popular choice for both locals and tourists. For those planning to visit multiple tourist spots or traveling in groups, shuttle taxis and sightseeing taxis are highly recommended.
Shuttle Taxis
For direct transport from the airport to your resort hotel, pre-booked private taxis are a great option. With a reservation, the driver will greet you at the airport arrival lobby.
Each hotel may offer different services and pricing, so please inquire with your hotel for details.
Sightseeing Taxis
To explore Okinawa efficiently, sightseeing taxis are perfect. Taxi companies offer a variety of model courses to fit your needs. If you have specific places you want to visit, you can request a custom route with a flexible plan.
Taxi prices vary based on duration and vehicle type. You can choose between standard cars (1–4 people) and van-type taxis (1–5 people), with the following example rates:
Standard Car (1–4 people)
- 4 hours: 16,000 yen
- 5 hours: 18,500 yen
- 6 hours: 21,000 yen
- 7 hours: 23,500 yen
- 8 hours: 26,000 yen
- 9 hours: 28,500 yen
- 10 hours: 31,000 yen
Van Taxi (1–5 people)
- 4 hours: 18,500 yen
- 5 hours: 21,000 yen
- 6 hours: 24,000 yen
- 7 hours: 27,000 yen
- 8 hours: 30,000 yen
- 9 hours: 33,000 yen
- 10 hours: 36,000 yen
Use these rate examples to choose the best taxi plan based on your group size and sightseeing time. Make your travel and sightseeing in Okinawa even more comfortable with these services.
Summary
To make the most of Okinawa’s public transportation, you’ll want to follow a few tips. First, plan your route and travel times to tourist spots in advance. Also, using IC cards like Suica or ICOCA makes getting on buses and the monorail a breeze. Buying unlimited ride passes like the “Okinawa Route Bus Free Pass” or “Yui Rail 1-Day Pass” is another great way to save money and time.
Also, if you want to drive around and explore freely, we recommend the affordable GO!GO! Rental Car!
Choose the best way to get around Okinawa based on your needs!
