I am frequently traveling from Kumamoto-Fukuoka (熊本~福岡~熊本) and vise-versa. Fukuoka (福岡) which is located in northern part of Kyushu Island. Fukuoka is the largest populated city of Kyushu and one of the most Liveable city in the world by the survey of Monocle Magazine. The best part is Fukuoka Airport which is just 15 min far from the down town of the city. Also Hakata / Tenjin is the most popular for shopping, restaurants.
How to get in : Public Transportation
There are Shinkansen (bullet train) and Bus from Kumamoto or Fukuoka
Kyushu Shinkansen runs several hours from Kumamoto Sta. to Hakata (Fukuoka). If you are planning to go by Shinkansen then you need to ride from Kumamoto Sta. and get off at Hakata (Fukuoka). The total distance is around 110 km which takes not more than an hour. Talking about fares, it varies if you buy online or from ticket counter. So, please visit JR Kyushu Shinkansen
Fare of 1 ticket from Kumamoto Sta. – Fukuoka (Hakata) : 5500 Yen- 2800 Yen
Hinokuni-go Bus runs on every 10-15 min from Kumamoto City to Fukuoka (Hakata & Tenjin). And an hourly bus runs form Kumamoto – Fukuoka Airport (which does not go to Hakata / Tenjin). The total distance is around 110 km which takes around 2 hours. Talking about fares, it varies if you buy online or from ticket counter.
- Fare of 1 ticket from Kumamoto Sta.-Fukuoka (Hakata / Tenjin / Airport) : 2160 Yen
- Fare of 2 ticket from Kumamoto Sta.-Fukuoka (Hakata / Tenjin / Airport) : 3810 Yen
- Fare of 4 ticket from Kumamoto Sta.-Fukuoka (Hakata / Tenjin / Airport) : 7400 Yen
- Fare of 4 ticket from Kumamoto Sta.-Fukuoka (Hakata / Tenjin / Airport) : 7000 Yen (Buy from Bus Mori Apps)
Here is the time-table:
The Hinokuni-go Bus depart from Kumamoto Sta. and goes via Kumamoto Kotsu Center. Some of the buses directly depart from Kumamoto Kotsu Center. So, please check in advance.
The bus route and the bus-stop is slightly differ of Super-non-stop / Via Ueki / Bus bounds for Fukuoka Airport.
Here is a list of bus-stop of all 3 routes of Hinokuni-go (Kumamoto-Fukuoka-Kumamoto):-
Depart from Kumamoto Station (Platform #1)
Depart from Kumamoto Kotsu Center (Platform #24)
Sightseeing Spots:
Here is the list for sightseeing, shopping, shrine, beach etc..
Summery:
If you are planning to travel from Kumamoto-Fukuoka or Fukuoka-Kumamoto then, you have 2 options either Shinkansen (Bullet Train) or Express Bus. Shinkansen is bit expensive compare to Express Bus. If you are at Fukuoka airport then I recommend you to take an Express bus because there is waste of time & money to going Fukuoka airport to Hakata and change for Shinkansen. Also carrying the luggage.
Hope it will help you in traveling from Kumamoto to Fukuoka or vise-versa! Have a nice journey!