Cheap and Convenient! Ferry Travel to Fukuoka from Busan (South Korea)

Cheaper than Low-Cost Carriers! Travel to Japan from South Korea by Ferry

While low-cost carriers (LCCs) have made it easier to travel overseas, there is another inexpensive way to make the trip.

In 2022, the jet ferry Queen Beetle that connects Hakata Port (Japan) and Busan Port (South Korea) was put into service. This ferry is operated by the Japanese company JR Kyushu.

Read on to learn tips on how to travel by ferry from South Korea to Japan, along with information regarding the areas surrounding the two ports.

Ferry Travel to Japan from Busan Port

1. Queen Beetle: A Jet Ferry Connecting Japan and South Korea
2. Camellia Line: An Inexpensive Option
3. Hakata Port
4. Busan Port
5. Enjoy Fukuoka and Busan

Queen Beetle: A Jet Ferry Connecting Japan and Korea

Picture courtesy of PR Times.

Queen Beetle is a high-speed vessel operated by JR Kyushu, plying between the international terminals at Hakata Port (Fukuoka) and Busan Port (South Korea).

It departs Fukuoka at 9:00, and Busan at 15:00. The one-way trip takes 3 hours and 40 minutes.

The one-way fare is about 13,000 yen. On weekdays, it slightly drops to 10,000 yen.

Picture courtesy of PR Times.

Queen Beetle is more comfortable than a LCC. There is no need for a seatbelt, so passengers can walk around the vessel freely. Compared to an airplane, they will be able to spend their time leisurely.

Also, passengers can bring up to 20 kilograms of luggage without additional charges. With most LCCs charging extra fees for luggage weighing more than 7 to 10 kilograms, this is a distinct advantage.

Picture courtesy of PR Times.

There are duty-free shops and cafes inside. Passengers can also take in the view from the observatory, or feel the breeze on the deck while enjoying beer, coffee, and snacks.

In order to book a ride on the Queen Beetle, refer to the link below. The booking website offers discounted fares on weekdays!

Camellia Line: An Inexpensive Option

Photo by Pixta

While Queen Beetle may be less expensive than an LCC, there is an even cheaper version. Camellia Line also connects Hakata and Busan.

The one-way fare is about 8,000 yen on weekdays, making it even more affordable than Queen Beetle.

As of October 2023, Camellia Line departs from Hakata at 12:30, arriving at Busan at 18:30 and departs from Busan at 20:00, arriving at Hakata at 7:30 next morning. As the voyage takes time, there are rooms where the passengers can rest.

They will be on board for more than 6 hours, which may seem counterproductive. However, it is one way to save money. Compare the time, fare, and convenience of the two vessels, and choose the route that fits your requirements.

Hakata Port

Queen Beetle and Camellia Line both depart from Hakata Port International Terminal.

From JR Hakata Station, take the No. 88 bus (from F bus stop) or the BRT, and get off at Hakata Port International Terminal bus stop. The ride takes about 20 minutes.

The multi-lingual official site has Japanese, English, and Korean pages.

Sightseeing/Shopping/Accommodations

Photo by Pixta

The area surrounding the port is filled with sightseeing and shopping spots, where passengers can spend their time until boarding.

It is a 15-minute walk to Hakata Port Tower, one of the landmarks of Fukuoka. Visitors can take in the view from the observatory, 70 meters above the ground; or drop by Hakata Port Bayside Museum. Both facilities are free of charge.

Photo by Pixta

Those looking for souvenirs should go to Bayside Place Hakata.

There are stores such as JTC Fukuoka Duty-Free Shop, handling more than 2,000 items of home appliances and cosmetics; Hakata Souvenir Shop, with a wide variety of local products; and Matsumoto Kiyoshi, a popular drugstore.

Namiha no Yu, a hot spring facility, along with various restaurants and cafes are also located in this facility.

Where to Stay

Picture courtesy of Booking.com.

Those who want to leisurely enjoy a trip to Fukuoka should consider staying near the port.

Hotel Hakata Place is a facility located conveniently in this area. The rooms are designed like studio apartments, with large-size beds. It is a 15-minute walk to Nakasu, where guests can enjoy drinks and fine food at night.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

Fukuoka Guesthouse Ship is for those looking for inexpensive accommodation. Depending on the season, the fare may be 3,000 yen per night.

Busan Port

In South Korea, Queen Beetle and Camellia Line will depart from Busan Port International Passenger Terminal.

From the terminal, it is a 10-minute walk to Busan Station, which is the transportation hub for the second-largest city in South Korea.

Sightseeing, Shopping, and Accommodations in Busan

Photo by Pixta.

There are many shopping spots near Busan Station.

Choryang Traditional Market, known for its night markets, is located near Busan Station. Also, it is a 30-minute ride on the subway to Lotte Department Store Busan Main Branch, which handles brands such as Hermes and Prada, along with duty-free shopping.

Nampo-dong, a major shopping area, is only two subway stations away from Busan Station.

Hotels Near Busan Port

Picture courtesy of Booking.com.

As Queen Beetle departs from Busan at 9:00, passengers should look for a hotel near the port.

Visitors searching for cost-efficient accommodation should stay at Toyoko Inn, located at a 5-minute walking distance from Busan Station.

The Port Hotel Busan may be ideal for those looking for more affordable lodging. It is inexpensive, with a spacious room, where the guests can relax.

Enjoy Fukuoka and Busan

Fukuoka, one of the major Japanese cities, and Busan, the second largest city in South Korea, are both full of attractive spots.

MATCHA also offers discounts on rental cars, along with information about the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, a special ticket to tour the Kyushu Region. Be sure to take a look, and make use of them in your trip.

Book the JR Kyushu Rail Pass: A Cost-effective Ticket for International Visitors

Nippon-Rent-A-Car: 10％ Discount Coupon

Main image by Pixta