Getting Around Kyushu

Like most of Japan, Kyushu has a range of public and private transport options to get you where you need to go. This article will outline the main transportation methods available and tips on how to best utilize them.


Train

Japan’s punctual and well connected rail system makes it an excellent option for getting around. 

The Limited Express Kamome (885 Series) connects Nagasaki city to Hakata Station in Fukuoka. The trip takes around 2 hours and costs upwards of 4100 yen one way for a non-reserved seat ticket. 

Sasebo is connected to Hakata by the Midori Limited Express. The trip also takes about 2 hours and costs around 3300 yen for a non-reserved seat ticket one way. You can get a discount by booking in advance online or at the station.

The Seaside Liner Rapid Train goes from Sasebo to Nagasaki via Omura. Travel time is about 2 hours and costs 1650 yen one way (no reserved seats on this train).

Also of note are the Matsuura Railway and the Shimabara Railway. These lines service Sasebo to Arita via Imari and Shimabara to Isahaya respectively. Fun fact, the most western station in Japan is Taibirahiradoguchi on the Matsuura Railway.

For more information and other useful websites please see the links below.

    • Information on limited express and sightseeing trains operated by JR Kyushu.

  • HyperDia (English)
    • http://www.hyperdia.com/
    • Timetable and route search for trains in Japan. Gives information on ticket prices and transfers if required.
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Bus

For a slightly cheaper option, busses service most major cities around Kyushu. Major bus companies include, Nishitetsu, Nagasaki Ken-ei Bus and, Kyushu Kyuko Bus among others.

Routes of interest include Nagasaki city to Fukuoka, Sasebo to Fukuoka and Sasebo to Nagasaki city.

The Nagasaki city to Fukuoka route is run by Kyushu Kyuko Bus and runs via Isahaya and Omura. A one way ticket costs 2570 yen one way to Fukuoka International Airport and takes about 2.5 hours. This bus also stops at Tenjin and Hakata station. A super non-stop version of this bus also runs from Nagasaki city via Omura and stops at Tenjin and Hakata station. It costs 2570 yen and takes about 2 hours.

The Sasebo to Fukuoka route is run by Nishitetsu and Saihi Bus. One way is 2260 yen and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to get to Fukuoka International Airport with additional stops at Tenjin and Hakata station.

The Nagasaki city to Sasebo route is run by Nagasaki Ken-ei Bus. It takes about 90 minutes and costs 1500 yen.

If you know you’ll be taking a certain route regularly, it’s possible to pre-purchase multiple tickets for a discounted price. This is known as a 回数券 (かいすうけん kaisuuken) and can be bought at major bus terminal ticket counters.

All travel times listed above are estimates. When researching your trip please take into account delays due to traffic and plan accordingly.

Below are links to individual bus companies and an English online booking website for bus tickets.

  • Nagasaki Ken-ei Bus (Japanese)
    • https://www.keneibus.jp/
    • Services the greater Nagasaki city area, Omura, Isahaya and Unzen. Highway bus lines to other major cities in Kyushu.

 

Ferry

The many of the islands around Nagasaki are connected by car ferry to Kyushu. Most ferries depart from either Sasebo or Nagasaki and service Goto and Kamigoto. Ferries also operate from Karatsu Higashi port to Iki and from Hakata port to Tsushima via Iki. Jetfoils also run along this route. Shimabara has a high speed car ferry route to Kumamoto that takes about 30 minutes. 

Please see the links below for detailed information on fares and departure times.

 
 
Plane

The aforementioned islands are also linked by plane to Nagasaki airport. Nagasaki (NGS) to Tsushima (TSJ) return flights start at 20 000 yen. NGS to Iki (IKI) return flights start at 15 000 yen. NGS to Goto Fukue Airport (FUJ) start at 17 000 yen return. A flight also operates from FUJ to Fukuoka Airport (FUK) and starts at 22 000 yen return. All flights are operated by Oriental Air Bridge. As with most airlines ticket prices tend to fluctuate. Please use your prefered ticket search engine to find flights for your travel dates.

 
 
Car

The Kyushu highway system is well connected and maintained. Restops are generally well kept and clean. There are plenty of places to stop for food, drink and even souvenirs. Payment for tolls can be made either with cash or the cashless ETC system. Shorter stretches of highway usually have one toll booth where an attendant or machine collects the fee (for example the Saikai Pearl Line Expressway). On longer expressways, upon entry an attendant or machine gives you a ticket. When you reach your exit you give this ticket to the attendant and they calculate your total fee.

Abbreviations and meanings:

          IC: interchange JCT: junction SA: service area PA: parking area

         BS: bus stop TN: tunnel BR: bridge

Please see the links below for more information on the highways.