There are several means of transportation when crossing from Kanagawa to the Chiba Boso Peninsula. The main means of transportation are the Tokyo Bay Aqua Line and the Tokyo Bay Ferry. Both have advantages and disadvantages. So, which is the best means of transportation? This time, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner whether you should choose Aqualine or Ferry as your means of transportation in Tokyo Bay.
- What is Tokyo Bay Aqua Line?
- Information about Tokyo Bay Aqua Line.
- What is Tokyo Bay Ferry?
- Information about Tokyo Bay Ferry
- ❶ Fees.
- ❷You can buy food and souvenirs at the terminal.
- ❸Onboard shop
- ❹VIP room available
- ❺Connects Kurihama to Kanaya in about 40 minutes
- ❻You can board the ship without traffic jams
- ❼Not open 24 hours
- ❽Possibility of seasickness
- Access information to H2 Tokyo Bay Ferry
- ❶Route by car from Yokosuka City Hall to Tokyo Bay Ferry Kurihama Port terminal
- Summary
What is Tokyo Bay Aqua Line?
The Tokyo Bay Aqua Line is an expressway (toll road) exclusively for automobiles that connects Kawasaki City on the Kanagawa Prefecture side to Kisarazu City on the Chiba Prefecture side. The design speed is 80km/h. The name comes from the combination of the English words “aqua” and “line,” meaning “to stretch in a straight line with water.” The official name is “Tokyo Bay Crossing Road.”
Information about Tokyo Bay Aqua Line.
Here we will introduce information about the Tokyo Bay Aqua Line.
❶ Fees
The toll fees for vehicles on the Tokyo Bay Aqua Line are as follows:
| distinguish | Light vehicle | Ordinary car | mid-size car | large car | Extra large car |
| Regular price | 2,510 yen | 3,140 yen | 3,770 yen | 5,190 yen | 8,640 yen |
| ETC discount rate | 640 yen | 800 yen | 960 yen | 1,320 yen | 2,200 yen |
As of May 1, 2024
❷ Traffic time
Normally, it takes about 20 minutes to cross the Tokyo Bay Aqua Line if there is no traffic jam.
❸Crowdiness
The Tokyo Bay Aqua Line is at its peak at 5:00 pm on holidays. The up line (toward Kawasaki) is especially crowded on weekends and holidays in the evening. Specifically, it is crowded between 15:00 and 20:00. It may take more than 60 minutes in heavy traffic.
❹Enjoy at Umihotaru SA
Umihotaru is an artificial island located in the middle of the Tokyo Bay Aqua Line. It is a rare maritime service area in the world that is visited by approximately 7 million people a year. It is a 5-story building, and the 4th and 5th floors are a shopping mall with an observation deck, shops, restaurants, game center, etc., so you can enjoy it all day long.
▲You can see a beautiful sunset.
❺Can be accessed 24 hours a day
The Tokyo Bay Aqua Line is open 24 hours a day. Therefore, you can cross Tokyo Bay regardless of whether it is night or early morning.
▲Official website
What is Tokyo Bay Ferry?
Tokyo Bay Ferry is a regular ferry that connects Kurihama, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture to Kanaya Port, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture. Tokyo Bay Ferry is operated by a private company called Tokyo Bay Ferry Co., Ltd. Since 2010, the two vessels have operated alternately.
Information about Tokyo Bay Ferry
Here we will introduce information about Tokyo Bay Ferry.
❶ Fees.
The shipping charges for Tokyo Bay Ferry vehicles are as follows.
Car shipping fee
| distinguish | Light vehicle | Ordinary car | mid-size car | large car | Extra large car |
| One way fare | 3,900 yen | 4,900 yen | 7,600 yen | 9,400 yen | 12,500 yen |
Comparing the prices of Tokyo Bay Aqua Line and Tokyo Bay Ferry, Tokyo Bay Ferry is more expensive.
❷You can buy food and souvenirs at the terminal.
On the Tokyo Bay Ferry, you can buy food and souvenirs at the terminal. There is a souvenir shop called “Kanaya Ferry Service Center” near Kanaya Port. At Harusatei, you can enjoy local fish dishes, and seafood and agricultural products are also on display and for sale inside the building.
❸Onboard shop
There is a shop inside the Tokyo Bay Ferry, which is as well stocked as a convenience store. You can buy beer, juices, snacks, etc. at the shop. Business hours are basically all hours from the first flight to the last flight.
❹VIP room available
There is a VIP room inside the Tokyo Bay Ferry. The room is a Western-style room with a sofa and carpet. You can rent out a room for 3000 yen. It’s quite spacious, so we recommend it for group golf tours.
❺Connects Kurihama to Kanaya in about 40 minutes
Tokyo Bay Ferry is a ferry that connects Kurihama and Kanaya in about 40 minutes. It is approximately 20km in a straight line. Currently, two ferries, the Shirahama Maru and the Kanaya Maru, operate alternately every hour. When one ship is undergoing regular inspections, only one ship will operate.
❻You can board the ship without traffic jams
You can board the Tokyo Bay Ferry almost without traffic jams. Basically, you can board the ship as long as you look at the timetable and arrive and wait within the car’s boarding time.
❼Not open 24 hours
Tokyo Bay Ferry is not open 24 hours. The current timetable is from 6:20 to 19:20, and you cannot board the ship early in the morning or late at night outside of operating hours.
❽Possibility of seasickness
Since the Tokyo Bay Ferry is a boat, there is a possibility of getting seasick. If you get seasick, it is best to take medicine before boarding the ship.
Access information to H2 Tokyo Bay Ferry
Here you will find detailed information about access to the Tokyo Bay Ferry. The address of the Tokyo Bay Ferry Kurihama Port terminal is “Kurihama, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture.”
❶Route by car from Yokosuka City Hall to Tokyo Bay Ferry Kurihama Port terminal
| Yokosuka City Hall ⇒ National Route 16 ⇒ National Route 134 ⇒ Prefectural Route 211 ⇒ Kurihama Port Terminal |
The total travel distance is approximately 9.6km, and the travel time is approximately 25 minutes.
▲Official website
Summary
This time, we introduced Aqualine Ferry and which one to choose as a means of transportation in Tokyo Bay. In summary, it is as follows.
・Tokyo Bay Aqua Line is cheaper
・Ferry is recommended to avoid traffic jams
・Travel time is faster on Tokyo Bay Aqua Line
・The ferry is recommended because you can relax as a VIP while on board.
Both have advantages and disadvantages, so we recommend choosing the mode of transportation that best suits your situation.
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