Most buses stop at major railway stations for arrival and departure.

Timetables are posted at bus stops. In many cases, buses are scheduled around the railway timetables. In cities, buses are scheduled independently of the railway timetables, and there can be delays due to traffic jams and other reasons.

The destination is shown above the windshield of the bus. If you are not sure, feel free to ask the driver.

When the bus arrives, raise your hand if you want to get on. Depending on the bus, you pay the fare in advance as you get on from the front, or you pick up a numbered ticket as you get on from the middle or rear and pay later when you get off. The fare for children under age 12 is half-priced (rounded up to the nearest ten yen). Up to two small children (under age six) are free of charge if accompanied by adult; if there are more than two, additional children are charged half-price.

When your destination is announced as the next stop, press the "get off" button. The usual system is that you look at the display near the front to find out the fare corresponding to the number on the ticket. Put the fare into the collecting box (unchin-bako) together with the ticket. If you do not have small change, use the change machine located at the side of the collecting box.

Buses also have discount systems such as commuter passes, coupon tickets and prepaid cards.