By train — Shimonoseki Station is served by the San'yo Main Line from Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours by limited express) and by JR trains from Kitakyushu/Kokura (around 15 minutes). The Shinkansen does not serve Shimonoseki directly; the nearest Shinkansen stop is Shin-Shimonoseki Station, about 5km from the city centre and connected by local JR services. Most travellers will find arriving at Shimonoseki Station itself more convenient.
From Fukuoka (Hakata) — Around 1 hour by limited express on the San'yo Main Line via Kokura. Alternatively, a local Shinkansen to Shin-Shimonoseki takes around 40 minutes, plus a short bus or taxi into the centre.
By bus — Highway buses connect Shimonoseki with Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Osaka, and other major cities. The bus terminal is adjacent to Shimonoseki Station.
By ferry — Shimonoseki has international ferry connections to Busan (South Korea) and Qingdao and Tianjin (China). The Kampu Ferry to Busan departs overnight and docks in the morning; a popular route for travellers doing a Japan–Korea loop. The international ferry terminal is a short walk or taxi from the station.
By car — The Kanmon Bridge (toll) links Shimonoseki to Kitakyushu on the Kyushu side. The San'yo Expressway runs east to Hiroshima and beyond.