Trains on Kyushu
 

I'm flying from Seoul to Fukuoka in late September and planned to go pretty much straight from the airport to the train station and get a train for Beppu. Now that I'm looking at this plan, though, I'm wondering if that's smart. Does anyone know of a good resource for finding out if that's a route that frequently sells out, or about alternate transport methods if that fails? I'd love to hear about firsthand experience, but other reasonably reliable English-language sources of information would be welcome.

I flew into Fukuoka a couple of years ago, but I stayed there for three nights. The closest train station to my hotel was in Hakata. You will have to take the subway from the airport to the station, which is a bit of a schlep. I did it, but I went directly to my hotel. If you have a two hour bus or train ride ahead of you, then it's really too much. The Hakata bus station is adjacent to the train station.

A better alternative is to take one of those buses that go directly from the airport to Beppu, I believe that will be your best bet. You can find the times below:

Nishitetsu timetable | Nishitetsu living net

I took both buses and trains extensively while on Kyushu, so you will be fine on the bus. Your luggage will be stored in the belly of the bus.

Thank you! A bus from the airport certainly sounds easier, and less likely to sell out. Much appreciated!