Okinawa Transport Overview
Okinawa has no railway. Naha works with monorail and buses; central/northern areas need a rental car.
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1. Yui Rail
Monorail from Naha Airport to Tedako-Uranishi, 19 stations (extended 2019). Airport to Shuri 27 min, 340 yen. 1-day pass 800 yen, 2-day 1,400 yen. Accepts OKICA, Suica and PASMO.
2. Buses
| Type | Coverage | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| City | Naha loop | 230-260 yen |
| Suburban | Central/north/south | ~2,000 yen |
| Express | Naha-Nago | ~2,100 yen |
Naha Bus Terminal (Asahibashi Sta.) is the hub. Airport limousine goes direct to resorts.
3. Rental Car
Used by over 70% of visitors. Free shuttle from airport. Kei car 3,000 yen~/day, compact 4,000-8,000 yen/day. Drive left, CDW 1,100 yen/day recommended, return full (~165 yen/L). IDP required.
4. Taxis
Starting fare ~580 yen, cheaper than mainland. Airport to Kokusai Street ~1,500 yen (15 min). Late-night 20% surcharge. Sightseeing taxi 3 hrs ~9,000-12,000 yen.
5. Ferries
| Destination | Time | One-way |
|---|---|---|
| Tokashiki | Speed 35 min / Ferry 70 min | 2,150 / 1,690 yen |
| Zamami | Speed 50 min / Ferry 120 min | 3,200 / 2,150 yen |
| Ishigaki/Miyako | Fly ~1 hr | From 8,000 yen |
Depart Tomari Port. Day trips OK, overnight better.
Comparison
| Mode | Cost | Ease | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yui Rail | Low | High | Naha |
| Bus | Low-Mid | Med | Main island |
| Rental Car | Mid | Best | Everywhere |
| Taxi | High | High | Short trips |
| Ferry | Mid | Med | Outer islands |
No-Car Tips
Yui Rail 1-day pass (800 yen): Airport, Kokusai Street, Shuri Castle. Bus day pass (660 yen city / 2,500 yen island). Churaumi via express bus 117 ~2.5 hrs.
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FAQ
Q. Can I reach Churaumi without a car?
A. Express bus 117 ~2.5 hrs, ~2,000 yen. Tour buses (~5,000-7,000 yen with admission) also work.
Q. Does Suica work?
A. Yui Rail accepts Suica, PASMO and nationwide IC cards. Some buses too.
Q. Best pickup time for rental car?
A. Shuttle takes 30-60 min from airport. Morning flights: pick up before noon. Afternoon: next morning.
Q. Do drivers speak English?
A. Limited, but showing Google Maps destination works well.
