How to Visit Beppu Hells by Bus: The Complete 2026 Guide

Essential Steps for How to Visit Beppu Hells by Bus

Navigating the local transit system is quite simple. The buses are reliable and run very frequently. You should start your journey at the main train station.

This station is the central hub for all local routes. Most of the hells are located in two main clusters. You will need a bus to reach both areas efficiently.

The bus stops are clearly marked with numbers and names. Digital displays often show the next arrival in English. This makes the journey easy for international visitors.

Prepare your payment before the bus arrives at your stop. This helps keep the schedule on time for everyone. Follow these steps to reach the hells without any stress.

1. Step 1: Arrive at Beppu Station West Exit
   • Time: 5 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Beppu Station
   • Mistake: Using the East Exit
   • Tip: Find the tourist desk
2. Step 2: Purchase your Beppu bus pass
   • Time: 10 minutes
   • Cost: 900 yen
   • Where: Station Tourist Center
   • Mistake: Paying cash every time
   • Tip: Get the English map
3. Step 3: Board bus number 5 or 7
   • Time: 20 minute ride
   • Cost: Included in pass
   • Where: Bus Stand 2
   • Mistake: Boarding the wrong number
   • Tip: Show pass to driver
4. Step 4: Get off at the Kannawa stop
   • Time: 2 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Kannawa Bus Terminal
   • Mistake: Missing the stop
   • Tip: Listen for English announcements
5. Step 5: Walk to the first five hells
   • Time: 5 minute walk
   • Cost: Entry fees apply
   • Where: Kannawa District
   • Mistake: Walking to Shibaseki
   • Tip: Follow the steam clouds
6. Step 6: Ride bus 16 to Shibaseki
   • Time: 10 minute ride
   • Cost: Included in pass
   • Where: Kannawa Stop
   • Mistake: Waiting at wrong stop
   • Tip: Check the return schedule

Choosing Your Bus Pass and Tickets

You have several options for paying your bus fare. Most travelers prefer using a daily discount pass. This pass allows unlimited rides for a fixed price.

You can also use major Japanese IC cards. These include Suica, Pasmo, or the local Sugoca card. Simply tap your card when entering and exiting the bus.

If you want must-see Beppu Hells tour highlights, plan ahead. Buying a combo ticket saves you significant money. The combo ticket covers admission to all seven hells.

If you visit many spots, get the bus pass. If you visit one area, use your IC card. Cash is also accepted but requires exact change.

The bus pass is sold at the station center. You can also buy it at the Kannawa terminal. It is valid for the entire calendar day.

Preparing for Your Beppu Hells Bus Adventure

A little preparation makes your day much better. You should check the weather before leaving your hotel. Rain can make walking between the hells difficult.

Follow a Beppu Hells walking route itinerary to save time. This helps you avoid walking in circles between stops. Most hells are very close to each other.

Bring a small towel for the free foot baths. You will find these at several different hell locations. They are a great way to rest your feet.

The hells are very popular for photography fans. Bring extra batteries for your camera or phone. The steam makes for very dramatic photos.

• Items for Your Beppu Bus Trip
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Small towel for baths
  • Cash for entry fees
  • Portable phone charger
  • Bottled water for hydration
  • Beppu city bus map
  • Sunscreen or an umbrella
  • The daily bus pass

Navigating Between the Kannawa and Shibaseki Areas

The hells are split between two distinct neighborhoods. Kannawa hosts five of the seven famous hells. This is where most tourists spend their time.

You must take a short bus ride to Shibaseki. This area contains the final two thermal pools. The scenery in Shibaseki is more rural and quiet.

After seeing the steam, you might want to how to book Beppu sand baths nearby. These baths offer a unique and relaxing experience. They are located near the coastal bus routes.

Bus number 16 connects these two important tourist zones. It runs roughly every twenty minutes during the day. The ride between areas takes about ten minutes.

Check the return times at the Shibaseki stop. Buses run less frequently in the late afternoon. Plan to finish your tour by five o'clock.

Solving Common Problems on Beppu City Buses

Sometimes things do not go exactly as planned. Knowing what to do can save your vacation. Language barriers are rarely an issue on these buses.

Most vehicles have digital screens in multiple languages. If you get lost, ask the driver for help. They are used to helping tourists find the hells.

If the bus is crowded, move to the back. This allows more people to board the vehicle. Beppu buses can get very busy on weekends.

Mobile apps like Google Maps work very well here. They show real-time bus locations and arrival times. Use the station Wi-Fi to download your maps.

• Troubleshooting Your Beppu Bus Journey
  • Bus is running late
  • Missing your intended stop
  • Losing your bus pass
  • Insufficient funds on card
  • Boarding the wrong direction
  • Bus is too crowded
  • Missing the last bus
  • Language confusion with driver