How to Travel from Fukuoka to Kumamoto: By Shinkansen, Train, and Bus

How to Get to Kumamoto from Fukuoka

Traveling from Fukuoka to Kumamoto is quite convenient and simple. The main transportation options include the Kyushu Shinkansen, train, and highway bus.

Each mode of transport has advantages and disadvantages. We compare them below so you can choose the route based on your itinerary.

Travel From Fukuoka to Kumamoto

1. Fastest Option: The Kyushu Shinkansen
2. Economical Option: Highway Bus Hino Kuni Go
3. For a Pleasant Rail Journey: JR Kyushu Kagoshima Main Line

1. Fastest Option: The Kyushu Shinkansen

Picture courtesy of Pixta
The fastest way to go from Fukuoka to Kumamoto is to take the Kyushu Shinkansen from JR Hakata Station. The fare for a non-reserved seat in an ordinary car is 4,700 yen, while the fare for a reserved seat is 5,230 yen.

The fastest train category along the Kyushu Shinkansen is the Mizuho, which takes about 32 minutes to reach Kumamoto. The next stop after Hakata Station is Kumamoto Station, although some trains may stop at Kurume Station.

The Sakura train takes about 38 minutes, with stops at Shin-Tosu and Kurume stations. The slower Tsubame train stops at all stations between Hakata and Kumamoto, taking about 50 minutes to travel.

When taking the Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Kumamoto, you must choose the next available train heading to "Kumamoto" or "Kagoshima Chuo," regardless of the train type.

Visitors to Japan can also take advantage of JR Kyushu's discounted "Northern Kyushu Pass" and "All Kyushu Rail Pass" when traveling to Kumamoto on the Kyushu Shinkansen. Choose the JR PASS that best suits your itinerary.

2. Economical Option: Highway Bus Hino Kuni Go

Those looking for a more affordable and relaxed way to travel to Kumamoto without purchasing a JR PASS should take the highway bus, which does not require a reservation.

Depart from Fukuoka's Nishitetsu Tenjin Highway Bus Terminal (Bus Stop 3) on the super non-stop service. The bus goes directly to Kumamoto city after stopping at Hakata Bus Terminal (Bus Stop 38).

There are also fixed bus services from Fukuoka Airport to Kumamoto. If the timing is right, consider departing from the airport.

Picture courtesy of Nishitetsu Highway Bus Official Website
The highway bus from Fukuoka to Kumamoto takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Tenjin Bus Terminal to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal and approximately 2 hours from Fukuoka Airport or Hakata Bus Terminal to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal.

On weekdays, there are up to 78 round trips; on holidays, there can be up to 87 round trips, with frequent departures.

The fare is only 2,500 yen. If you use two one-way tickets, each costs 2,250 yen. Alternatively, you can use the round-trip couple discount, where each ticket costs just 2,350 yen. This means two people can take the highway bus for less than the cost of one person on the Shinkansen, and you won’t have to carry your luggage yourself. If you aren’t in a hurry, consider taking the highway bus.

3. For a Pleasant Rail Journey: JR Kyushu Kagoshima Main Line

This option suits travelers interested in taking their time aboard the train or traveling to specific destinations along the way. We recommend the Kagoshima Main Line.

Although the fare is only 2,170 yen, making it cheaper than the previously mentioned options, the travel time varies depending on the departure time and the number of transfers.

If everything goes smoothly on the rapid train, the journey takes about 2 hours. However, if you take local trains or have inconvenient transfers, it could take around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Enjoy Exploring Kumamoto

Although there are many direct flights to Kumamoto Airport, they still cannot match the convenience and frequency of Fukuoka Airport. Therefore, the transportation options from Fukuoka to Kumamoto remain very important.

The three main transportation methods outlined this time cater to different groups of travelers, making it worthwhile to compare and choose carefully.

Main image by Pixta