The efficient ferry crossing from Fukuoka to Busan: alternative to air travel
When it comes to traveling between Japan and South Korea, the JR Kyushu Beetle Jet Ferry from the port city of Fukuoka to Busan, and vice versa, is a popular choice for both business travelers and tourists. This crossing provides a convenient and efficient way to connect the two neighboring countries, with a range of benefits for travelers. In this blog, I - Business Travel Consultant Femke - will take you through the in's and out's of the ferry crossing from Fukuoka to Busan!
Comfort and amenities aboard the JR Kyushu Beetle Jet Ferry
The JR Kyushu Beetle Jet Ferry is a Japanese hydrofoil between Busan and Fukuoka, which is designed to provide travelers with a comfortable travel experience. Modern facilities, spacious seating and various amenities, including restaurants, cafes, lounges and even duty-free stores, ensure a pleasant journey. There is also free WI-FI on board and plenty of USB charging stations, so travel time can also be used to work if necessary.
Flexible and fast mode of transportation
One of the biggest advantages of the ferry crossing from Fukuoka to Busan is the frequency of sailings. The ferry departs several times a day, providing a great deal of flexibility in travel schedules. In addition, the ferry offers significant travel time, often competing with flights between Fukuoka and Busan. With an average crossing of about three to four hours, depending on weather conditions, the ferry is a quick and practical way to travel. Also not unimportant are the breathtaking views!
The ferry terminals are not far from the city center, so you won't have a long travel time to an airport. In addition, the ferry has less stringent baggage requirements and customs formalities are easy, reducing check-in time.
Transportation to the ferry terminals
The Busan International Passenger Terminal is about a ten-minute walk to the KTX (bullet) train station. From this tation, you can travel between Busan to Seoul in 2 hours and 15 minutes. In the cab, say "Busan Gugje Yeogaeg Teomineol."
Hakata Port International Terminal in Fukuoka (Chuo Wharf) can be reached within 20 minutes by bus from Hakata station (line 88) and Tenjin station (line 80). By cab you can get there within 10 minutes, ask the driver to drive to "Hakata-ko Kokusai Taaminaru."
Is my trip by ferry or by plane cheaper?
In some cases, the ferry crossing from Fukuoka to Busan can be a cheaper option than flying, especially when you factor in the cost of transportation to and from airports and any baggage fees on flights. For a one-way trip, you pay about 16,000 yen per adult, excluding fuel surcharge, international tourist tax and terminal usage tax. For this, you pay about 30 euros converted. Each passenger is allowed 20KG of luggage, and for a small supplement even 30KG. For business class you pay 5,000 yen extra. In addition to spacious seats, snacks and drinks, among other things, you have priority disembarkation.
Good to know!
- Visa application: Foreigners without a visa must obtain a K-ETA applications. Notice: you will not be allowed on board the ship if your application is incomplete at the time of check-in.
- Visit Korea Year: to commemorate "Visit Korea Year (2023 ~ 2024)," 22 countries, including the Netherlands, are temporarily exempted from applying for K-ETA from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024.
- Be on time at port check-in and immigration procedures: These close at each port 30 minutes before the departure time. The check-in procedure takes at least 45 minutes in Hakata/Fukuoka and 60 minutes in Busan, so get to the terminal well in advance!
- Fluctuation in availability, cost and travel time: Please note that ferry availability, cost and travel time may vary, so get your trip organized by us in advance!
As you read, the ferry crossing from Fukuoka to Busan is so much more than just a crossing from A to B. The ferry crossing not only provides an efficient connection between Japan and South Korea, but also gives you the unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the sea, coastlines and the interplay of two fascinating cultures. If you are looking for an adventurous, cost-effective and breathtaking way to travel during your business trip, this crossing is an excellent alternative to air travel. Thanks for following along in this blog, and I hope you'll consider experiencing this special ferry ride.
And then don't forget to offset the CO2 emissions of your trip at the ferry crossing from Fukuoka to Busan! At Uniglobe Alliance Travel we offer the possibility to automatically calculate and compensate the CO2 emissions of your business trip. Would you like to know more about this? Then take a look at here How we easily offset carbon emissions for your organization.
Travel Well!
Femke van de Sande
Business Travel Consultant
