Fukuoka to Nagasaki: JR Shinkansen train vs Bus (complete guide for 2025)
In this article, we'll explain how to go to Nagasaki from Fukuoka. The two cities have JR train and highway bus connection, and the fastest way is just about half an hour, making it possible for you to have a day trip from Fukuoka. Let's take a look at the two ways to get to Nagasaki, as well as the essential JR/bus passes.
Photo by Discover Nagasaki
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Fastest ways to travel between Fukuoka & Nagasaki:
1. JR train + Shinkansen newly operating + the fastest!
Hakata → Takeo Onsen → Nagasaki Duration: from 1h20m Trip interval: ~1hr Fare: 6,050YEN
The fastest way to get to Nagasaki from Fukuoka is by JR train and Shinkansen, taking around 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can simply take the Limited Express train from Hakata → Takeo Onsen, and then transfer to Shinkansen from Takeo Onsen → Nagasaki. The two trains are interchanged at the same platform, and the transfer time is about 3 to 4 minutes, which is very easy and fast!
Kyushu JR Pass: must-have for your trip to Nagasaki!
To save up money, consider purchasing a North Kyushu JR Pass (12,000yen/3 days), which has already covered the cost of the round trip between Hakata and Nagasaki. You enjoy a ride on the 'TWO STARS 4047' sightseeing train between Takeo Onsen and Nagasaki at no extra cost!
There's also the All Kyushu JR Pass (3/5/7 days) covering popular areas like Kagoshima. All JR pass holders can make seat reservation for free. For more information, you may refer to:
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2. Highway Bus cheaper & with stops at city centre!
Photo by sunqpass_kyushu @ IG
Hakata / Tenjin → Nagasaki City Duration: from 2h7m Trip interval: every 15-30 mins Fare: 2,900yen *Super non-stop bus
Fukuoka Airport → Nagasaki City Travel Time: ~2h15m Trip interval: every 30-60 mins Fare: 2,900yen
Apart from JR, it's also possible travel to Nagasaki from Fukuoka by highway bus (reservation required). Although the travel time is a bit longer, it has a more point-to-point service, with stops at Fukuoka Airport, as well as Heiwa Park (for Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum) and Ohato (near the pier to Battleship Island) in Nagasaki.
SUNQ Pass: Essential for long-distance buses!
If you are planning to make use of highway buses mainly, you might want to get a SUNQ North Kyushu 3 Day Pass (8,000yen) or All Kyushu 3/4 Day Pass (from 12,000yen). With the passes, you can take unlimited rides on Kyushu highway buses, city buses, and ferries. For more information, please refer to:
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