City in Miyagi, Japan
Getting around Sendai
How to get around Sendai
Two subway lines and the Loople tourist bus cover the center, and the Shinkansen links Tokyo in 90 minutes. Walking is pleasant between the station and Jozenji-dori.
Ways to get around Sendai
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sendai Subway (Namboku and Tozai lines) | 210–370 JPY | Namboku line runs to the station and Kokubuncho; IC cards accepted |
| Loople Sendai bus | About 260 JPY; day pass about 640 JPY | Tourist loop past Zuihoden and the castle site |
| Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo | About 11,000–11,700 JPY | About 1 hr 30 min on the Hayabusa |
| JR Senseki Line to Matsushima | About 420 JPY | About 40 min to Matsushima-Kaigan |
Ride-hailing apps in Sendai
A 5 km ride costs about ¥1,800–2,500 ($11.4–15.8).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| GO | Taxi hailing app; pay in-app |
- Metered taxis are plentiful at the station and on main streets; no haggling and no tipping.
Arriving in Sendai
Sendai Airport (SDA)
Sendai Airport Access Line to Sendai Station in about 25 min, roughly 660 JPY.
Driving and onward travel
- 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 Sendai?
No. Use GO instead.
What's the best way to get around Sendai?
Two subway lines and the Loople tourist bus cover the center, and the Shinkansen links Tokyo in 90 minutes. Walking is pleasant between the station and Jozenji-dori.
How do I get from the airport to Sendai?
Sendai Airport Access Line to Sendai Station in about 25 min, roughly 660 JPY.
Is Sendai walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Sendai
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Sources
- Japan Rail Pass (official)
- smartEX Shinkansen booking (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu)
- Japan National Tourism Organization
- Sendai City Transportation Bureau
- Sendai International Airport
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 Spotted something out of date?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.