[Ishigaki Island Buses] How to get from Ishigaki Airport to the city center and hotels!

One of the things that people planning a trip to Ishigaki Island are most concerned about is how to get from the airport to Ishigaki city center, right?

The new Ishigaki Airport, which opened in 2013 in a suburban area, is larger and more convenient than the old Ishigaki Airport. However, it's also true that it's a bit more inconvenient because it's further from the city center, and taking a taxi can be quite expensive.

So, if you're planning a trip to Ishigaki Island, here's some essential bus information from New Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki city center – a must-know for budget travelers! Check this out and master getting around Ishigaki Island!

Table of contents
1. What is New Ishigaki Airport?
2. Access from the airport to the city center
3. Take a local bus from the airport!
4. How to use local buses efficiently
5. List of access routes from the airport to hotels on Ishigaki Island

1. What is New Ishigaki Airport?

The new Ishigaki Airport, affectionately known as "Painushima Ishigaki Airport," opened in 2013. This was because the old Ishigaki Airport's runway was only 1500 meters long, and despite the increasing demand from tourists each year, only small passenger planes could land there.

The runway at the new Ishigaki Airport is now 2000 meters long, allowing medium-sized passenger aircraft with longer flight distances to land, and enabling direct flights from Tokyo, Kansai, and Chubu.

Furthermore, the terminal itself is larger than the previous airport, and there are more souvenir shops and other amenities, making it much more convenient to use!

The routes currently in service are as follows (as of December 2017):

~Operating Routes~
Tokyo International (Haneda) Airport
Kansai International Airport
Naha Airport
Miyako Airport
Yonaguni Airport
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Fukuoka Airport (summer only)

However, currently there aren't many direct flights, so the most popular option is to transfer at Naha Airport from other locations.

International flights are operated by China Airlines (Taipei/Taoyuan) and Hong Kong Express (Hong Kong).

2. Access from the airport to the city center

The following transportation options are available from New Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki city center (the city center is located in the southern part of Ishigaki Island, where Ishigaki Port and the city hall are located).

·taxi
Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes to the city center.
Price: Approximately 2500 yen

・Rental car
There is a car rental information counter on the first floor of the airport terminal (rental offices are scattered around the airport area).
For more details about car rentals in Ishigaki Island, please see the article below.
Car rental in Ishigaki Island | We'll teach you the smart way to rent and choose a car!

·bus
There is a bus stop at the entrance/exit of the airport terminal.
Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes (local train) / Approximately 35 minutes (semi-express train)
Price: ¥540
■ Departures from Ishigaki Airport: First departure 6:55, last departure 21:45 (operating approximately every 15 minutes)
■ (City Center) Bus Terminal Departures: First bus at 6:30, last bus at 21:00 (running approximately every 15 minutes)

3. Take a local bus!

There are two bus routes from the airport to the city center. Each route runs approximately every 30 minutes, so combined, buses run from the airport to the city center every 15 minutes.

To get to tourist attractions on Ishigaki Island, first take a local bus from the bus stop at the airport entrance to the bus terminal in the center of Ishigaki city!

[Route 4] Hiratoku, Ohama, Shiraho - Airport Line
Travel time to the bus terminal: Approximately 40 minutes
First train departs at 7:15
Last 21:45

(Click to enlarge the timetable.)

Ishigaki Airport
↓
Bai Bao
↓
(Part omitted *Same route as Route 10 below)
↓
Ohama
↓
In front of Ohama Agricultural Cooperative
↓
In front of Tokushukai Hospital
↓
In front of Yaeyama Branch Office
↓
In front of San-A
↓
Hiratoku
↓
peace of mind
↓
In front of Kanehide
↓
Tonoshiro Seven Towns
↓
In front of the courthouse
↓
In front of the museum
↓
Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal
↓
Bus terminal

[Route 10] JAL Yaeyama/ANA InterContinental - Airport Route
Semi-express service (approximately 38 minutes)
Local train (approximately 44 minutes)
Bus via Kariyushi Club (approximately 48 minutes)
First train departs at 6:55
Last 20:50

(Click to enlarge the timetable.)

Ishigaki Airport
↓
Bai Bao
↓
(Part omitted *Same route as Route 4 above)
↓
Ohama
↓
In front of Ohama Agricultural Cooperative
↓
In front of Tokushukai Hospital
↓
In front of Yaeyama Branch Office
↓
In front of ANA InterContinental
↓
Best Inn Ishigaki
↓
In front of the shopping plaza
↓
Central athletic performance entrance
↓
In front of the Minsaa Craft Museum
↓
JAL Yaeyama
↓
In front of Nobori Elementary School
↓
Pier Street
↓
Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal
↓
Bus terminal

Each local bus route runs along the southern coast from New Ishigaki Airport towards the city center.

Incidentally,For those who want to travel from Ishigaki Island to remote islands such as Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, and Kohama Island.By taking the two routes mentioned above, you can reach the "Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal," where ferries to each island depart and arrive.
(Ishigaki Port has a beautiful emerald green sea!)

In addition, three other types of bus routes also depart from and arrive at New Ishigaki Airport.
If you don't want to go directly to the bus terminal, you can also take the above-mentioned bus routes to various tourist spots on Ishigaki Island!

[Maibara Campground Line] Towards Maibara Palm Grove, Kabira Bay, and Ishigaki Seaside Hotel
Recommended tourist destinations accessible by this bus route
Kabira Bay
This is a must-see scenic spot if you're going to Ishigaki Island. By the way, you can't swim in it.

・Sukuji Beach
Located further inland from Kabira Bay, this calm, shallow beach stretches out into the East China Sea. It's highly recommended for families with children. The sunsets are also spectacular!

(Click to enlarge the timetable.)

[Eastern Loop Line/Hirano Line] Towards Tamatorizaki and Ibaruma
Recommended tourist destinations accessible by this bus route

Tamatorizaki Observatory
This observation deck is located in the northeastern part of Ishigaki Island. You can enjoy views of both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea!

Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave
This is the largest limestone cave on Ishigaki Island! The cave is lit up inside, allowing you to enjoy a fantastical sight.

(Click to enlarge the timetable.)

4. How to use local buses efficiently

If you plan to sightsee on Ishigaki Island using local buses, there are also free passes available that offer discounted fares.
One-day pass (1,000 yen)... Unlimited rides on all bus routes all day long *Excludes scheduled sightseeing buses
Michikusa Free Pass (2,000 yen) ... Unlimited rides on all bus routes for 5 days *Excludes scheduled sightseeing buses

Anonymous Passenger Ticket (Seat Ticket) (1,000 yen) ... A ticket usable on all Higashi Bus routes, offering a discount of 1,100 yen.
There are two types: the "Large" version with 100 yen, 50 yen, and 10 yen tickets, and the "Long" version with only 100 yen tickets. *Can be used in conjunction with cash.

Take advantage of our discounted free passes to fit your travel plans!

5. List of access routes from the airport to hotels on Ishigaki Island

Finally, we have compiled a list of how to get from New Ishigaki Airport to the main hotels on the island (24 facilities) using local buses, so please use it!
(Click to enlarge)