Getting Around Hiroshima: Trams, Trains, and Transport Guide

Hiroshima is one of the more manageable cities in western Japan for getting around. The Hiroden tram network — officially the Hiroshima Electric Railway — is the backbone of city transport, and its tracks radiate out from Hiroshima Station through the Peace Memorial Park area and down to the port. For a city of its size, the combination of trams, JR trains, and a flat, walkable centre makes navigation straightforward.

Hiroden Trams (広島電鉄)

The Hiroshima Electric Railway operates seven tram lines (numbered 1–6 and 0) covering the city and extending south to Hiroshima-ko port, the departure point for Miyajima ferries. The system is beloved by locals and visitors alike — some of the original cars from the 1940s are still in service alongside modern low-floor Greenmover trams.

Key lines for visitors:

• Line 2 (Miyajima-guchi direction) — From Hiroshima Station west through Hatchobori, Peace Memorial Park (Genbaku Dome-mae), and south to Hiroshima-ko. This is the most useful single line for the major sights.
• Line 1 — From Hiroshima Station through Hatchobori to Nishi-Hiroshima. Useful for the Nishi-Hiroshima area.
• Line 3 — From Hiroshima Station through Kamiyacho to Nishi-Hiroshima via a different route. Useful for Shukkeien Garden (Shukkeien-mae stop).
• Line 6 — From Hiroshima Station to Eba via Hatchobori and Dobashi.

Boarding and payment:

Board at the rear door; pay when alighting at the front door near the driver. You can pay with:

• IC card (Suica, ICOCA, Pasmo, etc.) — tap the reader at the rear when boarding, tap again at the front when alighting
• Exact change in the fare box
• 1-day pass (show to the driver when boarding)

Single fare: ¥180 for adults, ¥90 for children (as of 2026), regardless of distance within the core city network. Trams to Hiroshima-ko (the port) charge a slightly higher ¥230.

Hiroden Day Passes

Pass	Price	Break-even journeys
1-day tram pass	¥700	4 rides
2-day tram pass	¥1,100	7 rides
1-day tram + ferry pass (includes Miyajima crossing)	¥1,900	varies

The 1-day tram pass is good value on any day you visit the Peace Memorial Park, Shukkeien, and the port for Miyajima. Purchase from Hiroshima Station tourist information counters or from the tram driver.

JR Trains

Hiroshima Station is on the JR San’yo Line and the San’yo Shinkansen, making it the primary long-distance connection point for western Japan.

Within Hiroshima Prefecture:

• JR San’yo Line to Miyajimaguchi — 25 minutes from Hiroshima, ¥410. The ferry to Miyajima departs from directly outside the station. JR Pass holders can use both the train and the JR West ferry to the island at no extra cost.
• JR to Hiroshima Airport — There is no direct rail link. The bus is the standard option (see below).
• JR to Hiroshima Port (Ujina) — Not served by rail; use tram line 1, 3, or 5.

Shinkansen connections:

Destination	Train	Time	Fare
Osaka (Shin-Osaka)	Nozomi/Hikari	1h 30min	¥11,090
Kyoto	Nozomi/Hikari	1h 45min	¥11,650
Tokyo	Nozomi	4h	¥19,440
Hakata (Fukuoka)	Nozomi/Kodama	45min	¥5,940

JR Pass holders: The Nozomi is not covered by the standard JR Pass — use Hikari or Sakura Shinkansen services instead. Journey time to Osaka is approximately 1h50 on the Hikari.

IC Cards

Hiroshima has no city-specific IC card. Any national IC card — Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA, Kitaca, Manaca — works on all Hiroden trams and city buses. If you are already carrying a card from another city, simply top up and use it.

Top up at any JR station machine at Hiroshima Station or at Hiroden Ticket Offices.

Airport Connection

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is located approximately 50km east of the city centre — further out than airports serving most comparable Japanese cities.

• Hiroshima Airport Limousine Bus — Departs from Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen exit, south side), stopping at Hatchobori and the ANA Crowne Plaza before the airport. Journey time: approximately 45–55 minutes. Fare: approximately ¥1,340 as of 2026. Buses run roughly every 15–30 minutes.
• Taxi — Approximately ¥8,000–¥12,000 to central Hiroshima. Not recommended for solo travellers on a budget.

For fixed-price transfers with meet-and-greet service, Kiwitaxi and Welcome Pickups both serve Hiroshima Airport arrivals.

Taxis

Hiroshima taxis are metered and operate across the city. The rear door opens automatically.

Approximate fares (as of 2026):

• Flag fall: approximately ¥680–¥730 for the first 1.2km
• Per 290m after that: ¥100
• Hiroshima Station to Peace Memorial Park: ¥700–¥1,000 (short hop, often quicker on tram)
• Hiroshima Station to Shukkeien Garden: ¥900–¥1,200

The GO app is available in Hiroshima for pre-booking taxis with estimated prices upfront. Useful late at night or in rain when tram stops become crowded.

Late-night surcharge (22:00–05:00): +20%

Cycling

Hiroshima’s city centre is flat and reasonably cycle-friendly between the major tram corridors. The Peace Memorial Park precinct, Naka-ku, and the riverfront paths along the Ota River system are pleasant by bicycle.

PiPPa bike share operates docked stations at Hiroshima Station, Peace Memorial Park, and throughout Naka-ku:

• Per 30 minutes: ¥165
• 1-day pass: ¥1,650

Rental shops near Hiroshima Station also offer city bikes from approximately ¥1,000–¥1,500 per day. Cycling to Miyajimaguchi along the San’yo coastal route is possible but a long half-day ride (approximately 25km) — most visitors take the train or tram.

Buses

Hiroshima has an extensive city bus network operated by Hiroshima Bus, Hiroshima Electric Railway Bus, and JR Bus. For most visitors, the tram covers the relevant destinations, so buses are supplementary.

Hiroshima Bus Center (adjacent to Sogo department store in central Hiroshima) is the main hub for intercity coach services — for destinations such as Onomichi, Mihara, and long-distance routes to Osaka and Tokyo (overnight highway buses from approximately ¥3,500–¥5,000).

City bus single fare: approximately ¥180–¥250. IC cards accepted.

Transport essentials for Hiroshima: The Japan Rail Pass covers the Shinkansen to/from Hiroshima and the JR ferry to Miyajima — it pays for itself quickly if you are arriving from Tokyo or Osaka. For airport arrivals, Kiwitaxi offers fixed-price transfers.

Plan Your Trip

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See also: Hiroshima travel guide · Things to do in Hiroshima · Where to stay in Hiroshima · Getting around Japan · Japan Rail Pass guide