Buses on Miyako Islands

Route buses link the main island and surrounding islands via bridges, covering key travel areas

The Miyako Islands offer bus routes that serve key areas and connect the main island to nearby islands, including Shimojishima Airport via Irabu Island and other bridge-accessible islands.

Local buses
Airport shuttle bus
Tour buses
Bus etiquette and considerations

Local buses

Bus schedules and routes

To make navigating Okinawa’s bus system even easier, you can use apps like Google Maps to check bus routes and schedules in real-time. Simply enter your destination, and the app will provide directions, including the bus number, stop locations, and estimated arrival times.
BUS MAP OKINAWA is also a useful tool for checking routes and timetables.

How to use the local bus

Boarding the bus

Local buses in Miyako Island follow a front-boarding, front-exiting system.
Take a boarding ticket from the machine located near the door. The number on this ticket corresponds to the fare you’ll pay. Those using the contactless credit card payment, simply tap the card reader when boarding.

Exiting the bus

Match the number on your boarding ticket with the number shown on the fare display at the front of the bus. The amount shown is the fare you’ll pay when you get off.
If your stop is next, press the stop button to signal the driver.
When exiting, ensure you have the exact fare, as buses do not provide change. Place cash and your boarding ticket into the fare box or tap your credit card on the card reader. There are two slots: one for paying your fare and another for making change, so be sure to use the correct one.

Fare payment

Cash

: When paying with cash, please use 1,000 yen notes or coins. Onboard change machines are designed to handle 1,000 yen notes, allowing you to easily make smaller change for your fare.

Contactless credit card

: On Miyako Islands, some buses accept contactless payment by credit card.

Airport shuttle bus

: The Miyako Shimojishima Airport Liner connects Shimojishima Airport and Miyako Airport, with stops in central Miyako Island, including Hirara Port and nearby areas.

Tour buses

: In addition to local buses, tour buses operate, offering tours of the island’s highlights. These tours typically require advance reservations, so be sure to check availability and book ahead.
H.I.S. *only in Japanese

Bus etiquette and considerations

Priority seats

Priority seating is available for the elderly, pregnant women, and passengers with disabilities. Please offer these seats to those in need.

Behavior on buses

Refrain from eating, drinking, littering, or smoking aboard the bus.

Luggage

Be mindful of other passengers when handling heavy or oversized luggage.

Possible delays

Buses may not always run on schedule due to traffic conditions. It's recommended to allow extra time for travel during these periods.

Check return bus schedules

On remote islands like Miyako Island where bus services may be limited, it’s important to check the schedule for your return trip in advance to avoid inconvenience.

Okinawa Multilingual Contact Center

: The Okinawa Multilingual Contact Center is a public service offered by the Okinawa Prefectural government for foreign visitors. This service provides tourist information, interpretation services, and emergency support. Inquiries can be made via free IP phone, email, or chat in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai.