Island, Japan
Getting around Okinawa
How to get around Okinawa
Naha has a monorail, buses and cheap taxis; for beaches and the north, rent a car (Japanese or international permit) or join tours. Island hopping uses flights and ferries from Naha.
Ways to get around Okinawa
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Yui Rail monorail | 150–380 JPY | Naha Airport to Shuri; 15 min to central Naha |
| Local buses | About 230 JPY in Naha; long routes 500–1,000 JPY | Slow and infrequent outside Naha; OKICA card or IC cards |
| Rental car | About 6,000–10,000 JPY a day | Drive on the left; book early; IDP needed |
| Taxi (GO) | 1,800–2,500 JPY for 5 km | Easy in Naha, scarce on rural roads |
Ride-hailing apps in Okinawa
A 5 km ride costs about ¥1,800–2,500 ($11.4–15.8).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| GO | Main taxi app; limited cars outside Naha |
- Taxis are metered and common in Naha; elsewhere, book ahead by phone through your hotel. No tipping.
Arriving in Okinawa
Naha (OKA)
Yui Rail to central Naha (Kencho-mae) about 340 JPY, 15 min; taxi to Kokusai-dori about 1,500–2,000 JPY, 15 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rentals exist with a Japanese or 1949-convention IDP motorbike licence; hot, hilly roads and typhoon gusts make cars safer.
- Driving: on the left. Bring a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP; licences from Germany, France, Switzerland, Taiwan and a few others need a JAF translation.
- Onward travel in Japan: Shinkansen bullet trains link most cities fast but are pricey; the national JR Pass only pays off on long itineraries. Highway buses and budget flights are cheaper.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Okinawa?
No. Use GO instead.
What's the best way to get around Okinawa?
Naha has a monorail, buses and cheap taxis; for beaches and the north, rent a car (Japanese or international permit) or join tours. Island hopping uses flights and ferries from Naha.
How do I get from the airport to Okinawa?
Yui Rail to central Naha (Kencho-mae) about 340 JPY, 15 min; taxi to Kokusai-dori about 1,500–2,000 JPY, 15 min.
Is Okinawa walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Okinawa
Going to Okinawa solo?
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Sources
- Japan Rail Pass (official)
- smartEX Shinkansen booking (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu)
- Japan National Tourism Organization
- Okinawa Tourism (Visit Okinawa Japan)
- Naha Airport (Naha Airport Building)
- Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail)
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.