How to Ride the Nagasaki Streetcar: Routes, Fares, and IC Cards [2026 Easy Guide]

Introduction In Nagasaki, you don’t need a taxi. The Streetcar (Tram) is the cheapest, cutest, and most efficient way to travel. It runs through all major tourist spots: the Atomic Bomb Museum, Chinatown, Glover Garden and so on.

However, the system can be a bit confusing for first-timers. “Do I pay when I enter? Can I use my Suica/Pasmo? How do I transfer?”

As a local, I will explain the simplest rules to master the tram like a pro.

1. The Basics: Price & Rules

Before you hop on, here are the 3 Golden Rules.

Fare: Flat rate of 150 JPY for adults / 80 JPY for children.
- No matter how far you go, the price is the same.
Entrance: Enter from the REAR (Back) door.
Exit: Pay and exit from the FRONT door (near the driver).

Source / Fact Check: For the latest fare information, please check the official website below. 🔗 Nagasaki Electric Tramway Official Site (Note: You can change the language to English using the translation tool on their website)

2. Payment: Which is best for you?

Choosing the right payment method depends on “Do you already have a Japanese IC Card?”

Case A: “I already have a Suica / Pasmo / Icoca” (from Tokyo or Osaka)

→ Use your IC Card. (Best Option)

Why? It is the smartest way. You get Free Transfers at “Shinchi Chinatown”, “Nagasaki Station”, “City Hall”, “Nishihamano-machi” stops.
Note: You don’t need to buy a local card. Your IC card obtained in Tokyo,Osaka and other big cities works perfectly.

Case B: “I don’t have an IC Card” (Cruise passengers / First time in Japan)

Do NOT buy a new IC Card here, because it requires a 500 JPY deposit (non-refundable unless returned). Instead, choose based on how many times you will ride:

If riding 4 times or more:
- Buy a “1-Day Pass” (600 JPY).
- Break-even point: 150 JPY x 4 rides = 600 JPY.
- Where to buy: Tourist Information Center (Nagasaki St.) or via Smartphone App.
If riding 1-3 times:
- Pay with Cash (Coins).
- Prepare exact change (150 JPY) before exiting.

3. The Only 2 Lines You Need to Know

Although there are 4 lines in total, tourists mainly use Line 1 (Blue) and Line 5 (Green).

🔵 Blue Line (Route No. 1)

Key Route: Atomic Bomb Museum ↔ Nagasaki Station ↔ Chinatown ↔ Sofukuji.
Use this for: This is the “Main Line.” It goes to almost all major spots.

🟢 Green Line (Route No. 5)

Key Route: Oura Cathedral (Glover Garden) ↔ Chinatown ↔ Suwa Shrine.
Use this for: Moving between the “South area” (Glover Garden/Cruise Port) and the center.

⚠️ Important Note about the “Red Line” (No. 3) You will also see a Red Line (No. 3) at Nagasaki Station.

Going North (Atomic Bomb Museum): ✅ YES. You can ride the Red Line.

Going South (Chinatown / Glover Garden): ❌ NO. Do not take the Red Line. It turns in a different direction before reaching Chinatown.

(Simple Strategy: If you are at Nagasaki Station and want to go to the city center, just wait for the Blue Line.)

4. For Cruise Ship Passengers: How to get to the City

Are you arriving by a cruise ship? You will likely dock at the Matsugae International Cruise Terminal. Don’t take the expensive shuttle bus or taxi. The tram is just a 5-minute walk away.

Walk: Exit the terminal and walk 5 minutes to “Ouratenshudo” (Oura Cathedral) stop.
Ride: Take the 🟢 Green Line (No. 5) towards “Hotarujaya”.
Destination:
- Get off at “Shinchi Chinatown” (5 min ride) for shopping and food.
- Get off at “Suwa Shrine” for culture.

5. The “Transfer” Trap (Warning!)

This is where most tourists fail. If you want to change lines (e.g., Blue Line to Green Line), you can only do it at “Shinchi Chinatown”, “Nagasaki Station”, “City Hall”, “Nishihamano-machi” stop.

If using IC Card (Suica): Just tap out and tap in to the next train within 30 minutes. The second ride is FREE.
If using Cash:Transfers are NOT free.
- Fact: The paper “Transfer Ticket” for cash users was abolished in 2021.
- If you pay by cash, you must pay 150 JPY again on the second train.

Summary

Price: 150 JPY flat.
Payment: Use IC card (for free transfer) or 1-Day Pass (if riding 4+ times).
Route: Remember Blue and Green. Avoid Red if going south.
Official Info: Always check the Official Website for updates.

Enjoy the slow and retro ride through Nagasaki!

Next Step: Now that you can move around, check out my [Perfect 1-Day Itinerary (Coming Soon)] to plan your trip.

📩 Have a question?

If you are confused about the routes or payment, please leave a comment below!

Disclaimer: Information is current as of January 2026. Fares and rules are subject to change.