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Kumamoto (KMJ): the AP-1, AP-2 and AP-3 airport lines

Kyushu Sanko Bus runs three lettered airport lines into Kumamoto. AP-1 goes to Sakuramachi Bus Terminal, AP-2 and AP-3 to Kumamoto Station.

  • The airport stop is Aso Kumamoto Airport, with several bays about 480 to 650 metres from the runway reference point.
  • Line AP-1 runs to Sakuramachi Bus Terminal via Torichosuji, the city centre shopping street.
  • Line AP-2 runs to Kumamoto Station via the prefectural office and Grandmesse.
  • Line AP-3 runs to Kumamoto Station and Seibu Shako, starting at 06:22, the earliest of the three.
  • Sakuramachi Bus Terminal is the central hub, above the shopping complex, and is where most city services meet.
  • Kumamoto Station is the Kyushu Shinkansen stop, for Hakata and Kagoshima.
  • The TM line runs Seibu Shako to Takamori via the airport, out into the Aso caldera.
  • An Amakusa line runs from the airport to Amakusa Sanko, via Uki and Misumi, twice a day each way.

The three airport lines

  • Kyushu Sanko Bus runs lettered airport services, AP-1, AP-2 and AP-3, all calling at Aso Kumamoto Airport.
  • AP-1: Sakuramachi Bus Terminal to Torichosuji to the airport, and back.
  • AP-2: Kumamoto Station to the prefectural office to Grandmesse to the airport, from 08:09.
  • AP-3: Kumamoto Station and Seibu Shako to the airport, from 06:22, and the return from 09:25.
  • AP-3 is the one that covers the early morning. The other two start later.

Where they take you

  • Sakuramachi Bus Terminal is the central interchange in Kumamoto, in the middle of the shopping district.
  • Torichosuji is the main arcade, and where most central hotels are.
  • Kumamoto Station is the Kyushu Shinkansen stop, for Hakata to the north and Kagoshima to the south.
  • Grandmesse is the exhibition centre on the route.

Beyond the city

  • The TM line runs Seibu Shako to Takamori via the airport, out into the Aso caldera. That is why the airport carries Aso in its name.
  • An Amakusa service runs the airport to Amakusa Sanko via Uki and Misumi, twice each way, for the island chain in the west.
  • Direct buses also run towards Oita, Beppu and Yufuin on the Sanko network via Aso and Kurokawa.

Notes

  • The airport terminal was rebuilt and reopened in 2023.
  • A new rail spur to the airport has been under discussion for years, but the buses remain the connection.

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Sources (2)

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