Local Buses

Reach both well-known and off-the-beaten-path destinations while experiencing the rhythm of local life

Local buses provide convenient access to diverse destinations, from city centers to rural areas. They stop at popular spots and lesser-known locations, making them perfect for discovering hidden gems and local life.

How to use the local bus
Fare payment
Bus etiquette and considerations

How to use the local bus

Deciding your route

To easily find the right bus route, use apps like Google Maps. Just enter your destination, and the app will show you the bus number, stop locations, and estimated arrival times. Other helpful tools include Transport Navi Okinawa and BUS MAP OKINAWA, which provide route and timetable information.
Bus routes are identified by their route numbers, which can be found on bus stop signs and displayed on the front of the bus.
Before boarding, confirm the destination and route number at the bus stop or by checking the display on the bus.

Boarding the bus

Local buses in Okinawa follow a front-boarding, front-exiting system. However, on Naha City lines and certain city buses with a flat fare system (e.g., Tomigusuku City Loop Line), passengers board from the front door, pay the fare upon boarding.
For buses where the fare is determined by distance, take a boarding ticket from the machine near the door. The number on this ticket corresponds to the fare you’ll pay when you get off. Those using prepaid transit cards (OKICA card) simply tap the card reader when boarding.

Exiting the bus

If you plan to get off at the next stop, press the stop button to signal the driver.
If you have a boarding ticket, match the number on your ticket with the fare displayed at the front of the bus. This will tell you how much to pay when you exit.
When exiting, place cash and your boarding ticket into the fare box or tap your OKICA card on the card reader. Change machines are available on board, so prepare the exact fare before paying. There are two slots: one for paying your fare and another for making change, so be sure to use the correct one.

Fare payment

On the main island of Okinawa, local bus fares can be paid using either cash or cashless methods.

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.
*New banknotes and 500-yen coins may not be compatible with onboard machines on various buses.

Cashless payments

: Prepaid transit cards (OKICA cards) are available for purchase at bus terminals and Yui Rail monorail stations, and can be used on local buses on the main island and the monorail. Top-ups are made in cash at ticket counters and machines, as well as on board local buses (credit-card recharging is not available).
For more information, please refer to the OKICA User's Guide.

Additionally, unlimited ride passes are also available, offering convenient access to Okinawa's buses. You can find more details at Okinawa Bus Pass.

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.

Phone usage

Set your phone to silent mode and avoid making calls while on the bus. Please switch off mobile phones near priority seats.

Behavior on buses

Refrain from littering, smoking, and eating onboard. Bottled drinks, such as water, are allowed if they do not disturb other passengers.

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.

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.