Getting Around Okinawa

Quick facts & TL;DR

• Main hubs: Naha Airport Station anchors the Yui Rail monorail with 19 stations running from the airport through the city to Shuri in about 40 minutes.
• Monorail passes: 1‑day pass ¥800 and 2‑day pass ¥1,400 give unlimited rides and discounts at attractions.
• Bus fares: Central Naha buses cost ¥240–260 per ride; pay with cash or the rechargeable OKICA card. Unlimited bus and monorail passes are sold at the Naha Bus Terminal.
• Car hire: A compact rental car typically costs around ¥7,500 per 24‑hour period; an International Driving Permit and driving on the left side are required.
• Island connections: Remote islands like Ishigaki, Miyako and the Keramas have limited public transport; rental cars or scooters are often essential.

Yui Rail: Okinawa’s monorail in Naha

The Okinawa Urban Monorail—nicknamed Yui Rail—is the only rail system in the prefecture. It links Naha Airport to Shuri Castle with 19 stations in about 40 minutes, stopping twice along the lively Kokusai‑dōri street. It’s clean, air‑conditioned and barrier‑free.

Tickets are based on distance, starting at ¥230 for adults and ¥120 for children, but visitors can save with unlimited‑ride passes: 1‑day passes cost ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for kids, while 2‑day passes are ¥1,400 and ¥700 respectively. The passes also grant discounts at attractions like Shuri Castle and the Prefectural Museum. Operating hours run roughly 06:00‑23:30 daily.

You can pay fares with the local OKICA IC card or major IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo. Passes are sold at ticket machines in every station. For trips concentrated in Naha, the monorail is fast and eliminates parking hassles.

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Buses & passes

Outside the monorail corridor, buses knit the main island together. Local services run from the Naha Bus Terminal along coastal highways and into the mountains, with airport limousines and shuttle buses serving major resorts. Fares within central Naha are a flat ¥240–260 depending on the company; beyond this zone the fare rises with distance and is paid when you get off.

Have small change ready—¥5,000 and ¥10,000 bills aren’t accepted on buses—or pick up an OKICA card at monorail stations, bus depots or FamilyMart stores. Unlimited‑ride bus passes are available for Naha‑only or all‑island travel; ask at the Naha Bus Terminal or Tourist Information Center. Airport limousine buses can be reserved online and connect directly to Chatan, Onna and other resort areas.

Schedules and route maps are available on the official Okinawa Bus website and the Bus Map Okinawa app. Note that buses can be slow during rush hour; plan extra time for cross‑island journeys.

Rental cars & driving

For sightseeing beyond Naha—especially beaches, cape viewpoints and rural villages—a rental car offers flexibility. Compact cars start around ¥7,500 per 24‑hour period, mid‑size cars about ¥10,000 and vans ¥15,000+. You’ll need a valid driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official Japanese translation of your license.

Remember that Okinawa drives on the left. Traffic jams are common in Naha during morning and evening rush hours, and scooters often weave through lanes. Parking can be tight around shopping streets, but hotels and attractions generally provide spaces. Fuel prices are similar to mainland Japan, and most rental cars include navigation systems.

Drivers under 20 may face age restrictions, and additional insurance is compulsory. Some companies offer packages that include ferry tickets to remote islands or drop‑off at another branch; booking ahead in peak seasons is essential. For ultimate freedom, consider renting an RV or camping car and explore Okinawa’s starry nights.

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Taxis, bikes & other options

Taxis are plentiful in Naha and accept cash or major credit cards. Base fares start around ¥550 for the first 1.8 km and increase by distance; some companies offer flat‑rate sightseeing tours. Call dispatch or hail on the street—roof lamps indicate availability.

Rental bicycles and e‑bikes are popular for coastal rides and sightseeing in resort areas. Services like ChuraChari provide dock‑and‑go bikes in Naha and Chatan. Helmets aren’t compulsory for adults but are recommended. For longer distances, motorcycles and scooters can be rented with the appropriate license.

Inter‑island express ferries link the Kerama and Kume islands; details are covered in our Getting to Okinawa guide. Flights connect the main island to Ishigaki, Miyako and Yonaguni.

Travel tips & costs

• Plan ahead: Check timetables and buy passes early. Naha’s bus terminal sells one‑ and two‑day bus passes and combined monorail tickets.
• Beat the crowds: Avoid morning and evening rush hours when possible; board the first ferry of the day for island‑hopping.
• Prep small change: Have ¥1,000 bills and coins ready for buses; large notes aren’t accepted.
• Drive safely: Observe speed limits (generally 40–60 km/h in towns), watch for scooters and pedestrians, and take breaks—Okinawa’s subtropical sun can be draining, wet roads can be very slippy.
• Combine transport: Use the monorail to explore Naha, then rent a car or join a day tour for sights further north or on other islands.

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FAQs

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car?

Yes. Foreign visitors must present an International Driving Permit or an official translation of their home license, along with their passport, to rent and drive a car in Okinawa.

Can I use Suica or Pasmo on the Yui Rail?

Yes. The Yui Rail accepts most major IC cards, including Suica, Pasmo and the local OKICA, so you can tap in and out with ease.

How late does the monorail run?

The Yui Rail operates roughly from 6 am until 11:30 pm every day, with trains every 7–10 minutes during daytime hours.

Are buses convenient for day trips?

Local buses serve major attractions, but they can be slow and infrequent outside Naha. For beach hopping or exploring the northern coast, many travellers prefer renting a car.

Are there discounts for kids?

Children aged 6–12 ride the monorail and buses at half price or can use kids’ passes (e.g., ¥400 for a one‑day monorail pass). Up to two children under 6 ride free when accompanied by an adult.