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Dream of a quick trip to Japan without the flight? Tsushima Island, a short ferry ride from Busan, offers stunning nature and local charm. Get essential info on how to go, ferry times, and booking.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSIGHTS
Your Guide to Tsushima Island by Ferry from Busan
©Yullo
Dreaming of a Japanese getaway but want to skip the airport hassle?
A trip to Tsushima Island could be your perfect alternative.
Just a short ferry ride from Busan, Tsushima offers a unique island escape. You can reach the closest port, Hitakatsu, in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it an ideal spot for a day trip or a quick overnight adventure.
Today, we'll cover everything you need to know: how to get to Tsushima from Busan, ferry options, travel times, and essential booking tips. Let's dive in!
1. Getting to Tsushima from Busan
To reach Tsushima Island from Busan, you'll embark on your journey from the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal.
Tsushima Island features two main entry ports:
Hitakatsu Port → Northern Tsushima
Izuhara Port → Southern Tsushima
Your choice of port will significantly shape your travel itinerary. It's best to decide on your accommodation and must-see attractions before selecting your arrival point. For day trips or shorter stays, Hitakatsu is the more popular choice due to its closer proximity to Busan.
📍 Busan Port International Passenger Terminal
206 Chungjang-daero, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea
2. Busan-Tsushima Ferry Travel Times
As of 2026, the Panstar Tsushima Link ferry offers the following approximate travel times:
Route | Travel Time |
Busan → Hitakatsu | Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes |
Busan → Izuhara | Approx. 2 hours 10 minutes / Connecting routes may take longer |
A typical schedule sees departures from Busan at 08:40 AM, arriving in Hitakatsu at 09:50 AM. For your return, ferries usually depart Hitakatsu at 05:10 PM, reaching Busan by 06:20 PM.
Keep in mind that sailing times can vary depending on the date and prevailing weather conditions.
The ability to reach Japan so quickly without needing to fly is truly one of Tsushima's greatest appeals!
3. How Much Do Tsushima Ferry Tickets Cost?
Here are the standard one-way fares for the Panstar Tsushima Link, as of 2026:
Busan-Hitakatsu
Weekdays: ~$62
Weekends & Peak Season: ~$76
Busan-Izuhara
Weekdays: ~$76
Weekends & Peak Season: ~$90
Please note that fuel surcharges and terminal usage fees may apply in addition to these fares.
For potentially lower prices, including free luggage storage and bicycle discounts, check out the link below:
👇🏻 Find the best deals for Tsushima Link ferries 👇🏻
4. What Time Should You Arrive Before Boarding?
Since this is an international ferry, you can't simply show up right before departure like you might for a train.
For Panstar's 08:40 AM departure, ticket counter check-in starts at 07:10 AM and closes promptly at 08:10 AM.
You'll need time for passport verification and immigration procedures. If it's your first time, we highly recommend arriving at the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal with plenty of buffer time.
And, of course, Tsushima is part of Japan, so make sure to bring your passport!
5. Hitakatsu vs. Izuhara: Which Port Should You Choose?
For first-time visitors to Tsushima, deciding between these two ports can be a bit confusing.
Here's a simple guide to help you decide:
Day trips & Short Stays → Hitakatsu
Exploring Southern Tsushima → Izuhara
Around Hitakatsu, you'll find attractions like Miuda Beach and the Korea Observatory. Since April 2026, a convenient circular bus service has also been operating, connecting Hitakatsu with key tourist spots.
However, Tsushima is larger than many visitors expect. If you plan to explore both Hitakatsu and Izuhara, be sure to factor in travel time when planning your itinerary.
Essential Check Before Your Busan-Tsushima Trip!
While the quick 1-hour ferry ride from Busan to Tsushima is incredibly appealing, remember that ferry services are much more susceptible to weather conditions than flights.
There have been instances of cancellations due to high waves or strong winds, and even cases where the operating port (Hitakatsu or Izuhara) was changed. We highly recommend always checking the ferry's operating status before you travel.
If you're searching for an accessible international getaway from Busan, consider a day trip or an overnight adventure to Tsushima Island. It's an experience you won't forget!
👇🏻 Check out Tsushima Link ferries 👇🏻
👇🏻 Prepare for your trip with a Japan eSIM 👇🏻
Based on the Panstar Tsushima Link, the one-way fare from Busan to Hitakatsu is ~$62 on weekdays and ~$76 on weekends and peak seasons. Fuel surcharges and terminal usage fees may apply separately.
Using the Panstar Tsushima Link, it takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Busan to Hitakatsu. To Izuhara, it takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes or more.
For the 8:40 AM departure, ticketing starts at 7:10 AM and closes at 8:10 AM. It is recommended to arrive at Busan Port International Passenger Terminal with ample time for passport verification and departure procedures.
For a day trip or a short itinerary to Tsushima, it is more convenient to use Hitakatsu Port, which is closer to Busan. Around Hitakatsu, you can find attractions such as Miuda Beach and the Korea Observatory.
Choosing the right hotel in Tsushima is key to your adventure! Our 2026 guide breaks down Hitakatsu and Izuhara accommodations, helping you pick the ideal base for exploring this Japanese gem.
Planning a trip to Tsushima Island in 2026? Discover if a day trip is enough for Hitakatsu or if you need an overnight stay in Izuhara. Get essential tips on transportation, attractions, and updated departure taxes.
Make your 2026 Tsushima Island trip seamless! Wi-Fi rentals are history. An eSIM is essential for data, navigation, and communication. Stay connected and get 20% off!
Planning a day trip to Tsushima's Hitakatsu port in 2026? Discover why renting an electric bike for just ~$7, with free luggage storage, is essential for exploring its charming sights.
Planning a trip to Izuhara, Tsushima? Finding the right hotel can be tricky. We've handpicked the best budget-friendly accommodations for independent travelers in 2026.
Looking for a unique cultural experience in Tsushima? Learn how to rent a beautiful Yukata in Izuhara for just ~$6 an hour. Capture stunning photos and immerse yourself in Japanese tradition!
Busan Tsushima Ferry Booking Panstar Tsushima Link Hitakatsu Izuhara Bus Tour (Instant Confirmation Included)
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