This translation was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
FREX is a Shinkansen commuter pass for people who repeatedly travel between the same stations. On the Hakata–Kokura section it costs much more than the conventional Kagoshima Main Line pass, but cuts the train ride to roughly 15 minutes instead of about one hour to one hour twenty minutes.
As of August 3, 2026, the adult commuter FREX costs ¥66,380 for one month and FREX Pal for eligible students costs ¥50,350. Both products are sold only for one or three months; there is no six-month FREX.
- FREX: one month ¥66,380; three months ¥189,170
- FREX Pal: one month ¥50,350; three months ¥143,490
- Use ordinary-car non-reserved Shinkansen seating on the pass section
- Parallel rapid and local conventional trains can also be used
Prices and conditions were checked on August 3, 2026. A pass that includes another conventional-line section can have a different total price.
Hakata–Kokura FREX prices
| Pass | One month | Three months |
|---|---|---|
| FREX commuter | ¥66,380 | ¥189,170 |
| FREX Pal student | ¥50,350 | ¥143,490 |
| Conventional-line commuter | ¥34,760 | ¥99,040 |
| FREX premium over conventional | +¥31,620 | +¥90,130 |
| Six-month version | Not sold | Not sold |
Trains and seats the pass covers
FREX and FREX Pal cover ordinary-car non-reserved seating on Shinkansen trains that have such seating. They also permit parallel rapid and local conventional trains in ordinary cars, excluding reserved seating. A conventional-line limited express still needs the appropriate additional limited-express ticket.
During periods when Nozomi operates with all seats reserved, a FREX holder may have to stand in an ordinary-car vestibule under the special rules; the pass does not guarantee a seat.
Cost and time versus the conventional line
The conventional-line commuter pass is ¥34,760 for one month and ¥99,040 for three months, making FREX ¥31,620 or ¥90,130 more expensive. Compare the actual door-to-door time, employer subsidy and number of office days—not just the 15-minute Shinkansen ride.
FREX is most compelling for near-daily commuting when both destinations are close to Hakata and Kokura stations. Remote work, frequent business travel or long transfers at either end can reduce its value.
FREX Pal eligibility and documents
FREX Pal is not a general youth discount. It is available to eligible university, high-school, junior-high, elementary and designated-school students for an approved commuting route.
A school-issued commuting certificate or combined student ID/purchase certificate is required. Ask the school first, because the route and issue procedure may be restricted.
Where to buy and alternatives for occasional travel
JR advises purchasing at a station with a commuter-pass counter near home, work or school. JR Kyushu reserved-seat ticket machines handle some new and renewal purchases, but a new student pass or a complex connection may require a staffed counter.
If Shinkansen use is occasional, compare a qualifying SUGOCA commuter pass plus pay-as-you-go Shinkansen use. The limited-express charge can be deducted from the SUGOCA balance on eligible passes and sections, but confirm eligibility before purchase.
Official conditions and related transport guides
Use JR West’s FREX page for current prices, seat rules and purchasing guidance. For occasional travel, compare other tickets and the wider Fukuoka transport category. Employers may set their own reimbursement caps even when JR sells the route.
