Beppu Suginoi Shuttle Guide 2026: No Rental Car Travel Tips

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.

How to Catch the Beppu Suginoi Shuttle from Beppu Station's West Exit

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!

Beppu Suginoi Shuttle: Do You Need a Reservation? Plus, Operating Schedule for 2026

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!

Beppu Sightseeing Route Without a Rental Car

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!

When to Book Your Suginoi Hotel Stay

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.