Nagasaki, located on the western coast of Kyushu, is well-connected by train, air, and bus, making it easy to reach from major cities in Japan. While historically a bit more isolated compared to Fukuoka and other Kyushu destinations, the opening of the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen in 2022 has significantly improved rail access.
By Shinkansen: The Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen
The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Nagasaki from mainland Japan is by Shinkansen. The Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, also called the Kamome, currently runs between Takeo-Onsen and Nagasaki, replacing the older limited express trains.
Since the line is not yet fully connected to the rest of the Shinkansen network, passengers traveling from Fukuoka (Hakata Station) need to take the Limited Express Relay Kamome to Takeo-Onsen, where they transfer to the high-speed Shinkansen. The total journey from Hakata to Nagasaki takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Hakata → Takeo-Onsen: JR Limited Express Relay Kamome (~50 minutes)
- Takeo-Onsen → Nagasaki: Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome (~25 minutes)
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass (All Kyushu or Northern Kyushu versions) covers the entire journey, making it a great option for visitors planning to explore the region. Japan Rail Pass holders will also need to follow the same transfer route.
By Air: Flights to Nagasaki Airport
For those coming from Tokyo or other distant cities, flying to Nagasaki Airport (NGS) is the quickest option. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, with regular services from major Japanese airlines:
- From Tokyo (Haneda or Narita): ~1 hour 50 minutes
- From Osaka (Itami or Kansai): ~1 hour 20 minutes
- From Okinawa (Naha): ~1 hour 40 minutes
International flights are more limited but include services to Seoul, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
Flights to the Outer Islands
Nagasaki is the gateway to several smaller islands in the region, many of which can be reached by Oriental Air Bridge (ORC), a local airline based at Nagasaki Airport. ORC operates short-haul flights to various destinations, including:
- Tsushima (TSJ) – About 35 minutes
- Goto-Fukue (FUJ) – About 40 minutes
- Iki (IKI) – About 30 minutes
These islands, known for their stunning natural beauty, beaches, and rich history, are also accessible by ferry, but flying is the fastest option.
Nagasaki Airport is located in Ōmura, about 40 km from Nagasaki city. There are no direct train connections, but the Airport Limousine Bus runs frequently to Nagasaki Station, taking about 40 minutes and costing 1,200 yen one-way. Alternatively, travelers can take a train on the JR Ōmura Line from Ōmura Station after a short bus ride from the airport.
By Train: Local Rail Options from Fukuoka
If you prefer a slower, more scenic route from Fukuoka, there are regular JR Limited Express trains running between Hakata and Nagasaki, following the older Nagasaki Main Line. This option is slightly cheaper than the Shinkansen but takes about 2 hours.
Another alternative is taking the JR Ōmura Line, which connects from the Nagasaki Main Line at Hizen-Yamaguchi Station, stopping at Ōmura and other smaller towns before reaching Nagasaki. While not as fast as the Shinkansen, this route can be useful for those traveling from Nagasaki Airport or nearby areas.
By Bus: A Budget-Friendly Option
For budget travelers, highway buses from Fukuoka to Nagasaki offer a comfortable and affordable option. The Nishitetsu Express Bus operates frequent services between Hakata Bus Terminal and Nagasaki Station, taking about 2 hours 30 minutes. Prices vary but typically range from 2,500 to 3,500 yen one-way, making it one of the cheapest ways to reach Nagasaki.
