Getting Around Okinawa Without a Car: Easy Tips for Families
While owning a car is a must for daily life in Okinawa, visitors might be surprised to learn that renting one isn’t always necessary. In places like Naha City and several popular tourist areas, public transportation is actually a convenient and stress-free way to get around.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to ride Okinawa’s buses and the monorail (Yui Rail), including how to pay and what to expect.
It’s also a great opportunity to teach your kids how to use public transportation and learn a few travel manners along the way!
🚝 How to Ride the Yui Rail (Okinawa Monorail)
The Yui Rail is a monorail line that runs about 17 km (around 10.5 miles), connecting Naha Airport to Shuri and Urasoe. It’s a great way to reach many hotels and tourist attractions without needing a rental car.
🚉 Getting On the Train:
- When you arrive at the station, you can buy a ticket or an IC card at the ticket machines.
(Tip: There are 1-day and 2-day unlimited ride passes available — perfect for sightseeing!) - Tap your ticket or IC card at the gate to enter the station.
- Ride to your destination, then tap again at the exit gate when you get off.
💳 How to Pay:
- Cash (Buy a paper ticket from the vending machine)
- IC Cards like OKICA, Suica, PASMO, and more
(Since 2024, most major IC cards from around Japan can be used here!) - QR Code Tickets via smartphone apps are also accepted.
Using the Yui Rail is not only convenient but also a great way to show your kids how to use public transportation responsibly — and enjoy the view from above the city while you’re at it!
🚌 How to Ride Local Buses in Okinawa
🚏 Where You Can Go:
Okinawa’s local bus system covers nearly the entire main island — from Naha City, to northern areas like the Churaumi Aquarium, and southern spots like Sefa Utaki. It’s a great option if you don’t want to drive, especially for sightseeing!
✅ How to Ride:
- Get on through the rear door
(In Naha, some buses let you board from the front) - Take a boarding ticket if the bus uses a “pay when you get off” system.
- Press the stop button before your stop — it lights up to alert the driver.
- Check your fare on the fare display board at the front of the bus.
- When you get off, pay your fare at the fare box next to the driver — insert both your boarding ticket and the correct amount.
(Not sure how much to pay? Just hand your ticket to the driver and ask! Even locals sometimes get confused)
💰 Payment Options:
- Cash (exact amount only!)
There’s no change given back, so if you need coins, use the onboard change machine while on the way to the destination. - IC Cards like Suica and PASMO
- OKICA (Okinawa’s own IC card — accepted on most local buses)
🚍 Bus Options Great for Tourists:
- Yanbaru Express Bus
From Naha Airport to Nago and the Churaumi Aquarium - Okinawa Airport Shuttle
Direct to major resort hotels - “Mensore” Bus Pass
Unlimited rides with this pass — great value for active travel days!
