Beppu Suginoi Shuttle Guide 2026: No Rental Car Travel Tips
Ditch the rental car stress in Beppu! Discover how to navigate Beppu seamlessly using the Suginoi Hotel shuttle and local buses for an unforgettable, authentic Japanese experience.
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Ditch the rental car stress in Beppu! Discover how to navigate Beppu seamlessly using the Suginoi Hotel shuttle and local buses for an unforgettable, authentic Japanese experience.
Planning a trip often means obsessing over your itinerary even more than your accommodation, right?
It's especially true for family vacations with parents or young children, where the big question often looms: "Should we rent a car, or shouldn't we?"
Before my last trip to Beppu, Japan, this was my biggest concern. But after experiencing it firsthand, I realized that by simply making the most of the Beppu Suginoi Hotel shuttle, a wonderfully comfortable and relaxing trip is absolutely achievable.
For those who might be hesitant about driving in Japan or prefer to skip the hassle of parking, focusing solely on the hot springs and relaxation, I'm here to share my personal tips on utilizing the shuttle and crafting an efficient itinerary without a rental car.
Once you arrive at Beppu Station by train from Fukuoka, the key is to remember just one thing: the West Exit.
With multiple exits, it can be a bit confusing, but simply head towards the direction of the mountains, not the sea.
After exiting the West Exit, look to your right, and you'll spot the yellow sign for Times Car Rental.
Head towards that sign, and you'll find the Beppu Suginoi shuttle signboard. Just wait for the bus within the fenced-off area.
No need to wander around wondering where to catch it – just find that yellow sign, and you're good to go!
One of the most common questions is whether you need a reservation for the Beppu Suginoi shuttle. The short answer is: no, reservations are not required; it's first-come, first-served.
It's a cozy bus, seating around 28 passengers, so queues can get long during peak times. To ensure a smooth journey, my best advice for using the Beppu Suginoi shuttle is to head straight to the queue as soon as you arrive at Beppu Station.
Boarding is strictly in the order of the queue, so if it's past check-in time, I highly recommend making your way to the shuttle stop right after you get off the train.
The Suginoi shuttle bus typically runs every 20-40 minutes. During busy peak hours, service is more frequent, operating every 20 minutes. Keep this in mind for your planning.
As of 2026, the last shuttle bus from Beppu Station to Suginoi Hotel is at 6:40 PM on weekdays and 8:40 PM on weekends.
For the most up-to-date and exact timetable for your travel dates, be sure to check the official schedule below:
👉 Suginoi Hotel Shuttle Bus Official Timetable
From my own experience, using the Suginoi shuttle bus was incredibly convenient even when checking out. I could catch the bus directly from the lobby of my accommodation building, making the departure process truly seamless.
It's a smart idea to check the shuttle bus timetable at the lobby when you check in; it will make your checkout day much easier!
Combining the Suginoi shuttle with Beppu's local city buses means you can enjoy a full, enriching day without the need for a rental car!
On my trip to Beppu, I hopped on a bus bound for Kannawa Onsen from bus stop #3, right in front of Beppu Station. This took me to explore the famous Jigoku (Hell) Onsen tour, including Kamado Jigoku and Umi Jigoku.
The bus ride from Beppu Station to Kannawa Onsen is a quick 20-minute journey, and the fare is approximately ~$2. It’s a small price for such incredible sights!
After immersing myself in the "Hell" Hot Springs tour and indulging in some delicious snacks sold at the onsen sites, I simply returned to Beppu Station and took the Suginoi shuttle bus back to the hotel.
Upon arriving back at the hotel, I rounded off my day with a delightful dining buffet and another relaxing soak in the hot springs.
This approach allows you to experience the very best of Beppu without any of the stress of driving or parking!
Are you stressing over the perfect timing to book your accommodation for your upcoming Beppu trip? I certainly was! I spent a lot of time researching whether the prices were right and if there would even be rooms left.
The Suginoi Hotel is incredibly popular, so if your travel dates are set, it's definitely to your advantage to book as early as possible. Highly sought-after rooms, like those in the Sora-kan wing, tend to sell out quickly.
If you're curious about availability for your planned trip, you can check right away below.
Book Beppu Suginoi Hotel at the Lowest Price Here
Agoda Official Site | Free Cancellation & Discount Deals | Over 2 Million Properties3ha.in
Having visited Beppu Suginoi Hotel myself, I truly felt that just by effectively using their shuttle bus, half the battle of a great Beppu trip was already won!
If you're planning a trip with elderly parents or have a lot of luggage and were feeling a bit anxious, I hope my experiences and tips can provide some helpful guidance for your journey.
Exit Beppu Station via the West Exit and head in the direction of the mountains. Look for the yellow sign of Times Car Rental on your right, and wait for the bus inside the fence where the shuttle information sign is located.
The Beppu Suginoi shuttle bus operates on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. The last shuttle bus from Beppu Station to Suginoi Hotel is at 6:40 PM on weekdays and 8:40 PM on weekends.
You can visit Kamado Jigoku and Umi Jigoku by taking a bus bound for Kannawa Onsen from platform 3 in front of Beppu Station. It takes about 20 minutes by bus, and the fare is approximately ~$2.
The Nijikan Casual Twin Room Sorakan at Beppu Suginoi Hotel is very popular and sells out quickly. It is advisable to book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
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