Travel between Fukuoka (Hakata) and Nagasaki became significantly faster in 2022 with the opening of the Nishikyushu Shinkansen. The fastest route involves a relay service that combines the Limited Express Kamome from Hakata to Shin-Tosu with the Nishikyushu Shinkansen to Nagasaki. Total: approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Here is the complete guide.
Quick Answer: Fastest route: Limited Express Kamome + Nishikyushu Shinkansen relay from Hakata to Nagasaki: approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, approximately 4,770 yen. Covered by the JR Pass guide. See the Nagasaki travel guide for the full Nagasaki guide.
Train Options from Fukuoka to Nagasaki
Relay Kamome + Nishikyushu Shinkansen (recommended)
From Hakata Station, board the Limited Express Kamome toward Nagasaki. The train rides to Shin-Tosu Station (approximately 20 minutes), where passengers transfer to the Nishikyushu Shinkansen (the new Kyushu Shinkansen extension). The Shinkansen then runs from Shin-Tosu to Nagasaki in approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Total journey: approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Cost: approximately 4,770 yen. Covered by the JR Pass guide. See the Shinkansen guide for booking.
Limited Express Kamome (all-rail, no Shinkansen)
Before the Shinkansen extension, the Limited Express Kamome ran nonstop from Hakata to Nagasaki. This service still operates but is slower, approximately 2 hours. Cost: approximately 4,400 yen.
Highway Bus
Fukuoka (Hakata Bus Terminal or Tenjin Bus Center) to Nagasaki Bus Terminal. Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Cost: approximately 2,700-3,000 yen. The cheapest option is good for budget travellers who are not in a hurry.
Step-by-Step Directions
Relay service route:
Step 1: At Hakata Station (the main Fukuoka railway hub), follow signs for the Limited Express Kamome bound for Nagasaki. Reserve a seat at the Hakata Station ticket window or online. Board the Kamome at the platform.
Step 2: Ride approximately 20 minutes to Shin-Tosu Station. At Shin-Tosu, transfer to the Nishikyushu Shinkansen bound for Nagasaki. The transfer has been announced, and ticket holders have reserved seats on the Shinkansen.
Step 3: The Nishikyushu Shinkansen stops at Ureshino Onsen, Takeo Onsen, Haiki, and Nagasaki. Journey from Shin-Tosu to Nagasaki: approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
Cost Comparison
Relay Kamome + Shinkansen: Approximately 4,770 yen. Covered by JR Pass.
Limited Express Kamome (no Shinkansen): Approximately 4,400 yen. Covered by JR Pass.
Highway bus: Approximately 2,700-3,000 yen. Not covered by JR Pass.
Travel Time
Relay service: approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Limited Express only: approximately 2 hours. Bus: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
What to Do in Nagasaki
See the Nagasaki travel guide for the full guide, including the Atomic Bomb Museum, Glover Garden, Dejima, Shinchi Chinatown, and where to eat champon noodles. See the Fukuoka day trips for other options.
Nearby Guides
- Nagasaki travel guide
- Fukuoka guide
- Fukuoka 3 days
- Fukuoka day trips
- JR Pass guide
- Shinkansen guide
- Best places to visit in Japan
FAQ
Is the JR Pass valid for the Fukuoka to Nagasaki Shinkansen?
Yes. The JR Pass covers the Nishikyushu Shinkansen. Both the Kamome limited express and the Shinkansen legs of the relay service are included. See the JR Pass guide to check whether the pass is cost-effective for your full Kyushu itinerary.
How long should I spend in Nagasaki?
Two full days are ideal. Day 1: Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park, Dejima, Shinchi Chinatown. Day 2: Glover Garden, Oura Cathedral, Inasayama night view. A day trip from Fukuoka is possible,e but leaves limited time for the Atomic Bomb Museum, which deserves at least 2 hours.
Is Nagasaki worth visiting from Fukuoka?
Yes. Nagasaki is one of Japan’s most historically interesting cities, and the Nishikyushu Shinkansen has made the journey significantly faster. An overnight in Nagasaki is strongly recommended over a day trip for a fuller experience. See the Nagasaki travel guide.
The Nishikyushu Shinkansen, which opened in September 2022, was a significant upgrade to the Fukuoka-to-Nagasaki journey. Before the Shinkansen, the only option was the all-rail Limited Express Kamome, which took approximately 2 hours. The relay service now cuts that to around 1 hour and 40 minutes, making Nagasaki a more practical day trip from Fukuoka. However, an overnight stay is still strongly recommended to do the city justice.
