- 2.5 - 3 h
- ¥11,500
Take the shinkansen from Kumamoto to Kokura (one hour) and transfer to a limited express train to Beppu (75 minutes). The entire one way trip takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 11,500 yen. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using a Sakura train between Kumamoto and Kokura, but a supplement fee is required on Mizuho trains.
Note that Kyushu Rail Pass holders will have to transfer from the shinkansen to the limited express at Hakata Station instead of Kokura Station because their pass does not cover the shinkansen between Hakata and Kokura. This increases travel time by about half an hour.