Getting around · Fukuoka · Japan
Getting around Fukuoka
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Pontafon, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Fukuoka is compact: three subway lines link the airport, Hakata, Nakasu, Tenjin and Ohori Park, and the walk from Hakata Station to Tenjin takes about 25 minutes. Nishitetsu buses fill the gaps, and Nishitetsu trains run from Tenjin to Dazaifu and Yanagawa. No.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Metro
- Airports
- FUK
- Need a car?
- No
- Travel pass
- Subway one-day pass
Ways to get around
Metro
The Kuko (Airport) line runs from Fukuoka Airport via Hakata, Nakasu-Kawabata and Tenjin to Ohori-koen and Meinohama; the Hakozaki and Nanakuma lines serve other districts.
Nationwide IC cards such as Suica and the local Hayakaken work on the subway, buses and JR.
Bus
Nishitetsu operates one of Japan's largest bus networks, including frequent buses between Hakata Station and Tenjin and routes to Momochi and Fukuoka Tower.
Walking
Hakata Station, Canal City, Nakasu and Tenjin form a walkable line of about 2.5 km, with riverside paths along the Naka River.
Train
JR trains and the Kyushu Shinkansen leave from Hakata Station; Nishitetsu trains from Tenjin serve Dazaifu and Yanagawa.
Ferry
City ferries cross Hakata Bay from Meinohama to Nokonoshima and from Bayside Place to Uminonakamichi and Shikanoshima.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and fares are moderate for short hops between Hakata, Nakasu and Tenjin.
Tickets and passes
Subway one-day pass
Unlimited subway rides for a day; worthwhile if you make four or more trips.
Fukuoka Tourist City Pass
A one-day pass for foreign visitors covering subways, city buses, Nishitetsu trains and JR lines in the Fukuoka area, with a version that adds Dazaifu.
Nishitetsu Dazaifu sightseeing tickets
Return train tickets from Tenjin to Dazaifu, with versions that combine Yanagawa.
From the airport
Fukuoka Airport's domestic terminal is two subway stops from Hakata Station (about 5 minutes) and about 11 minutes from Tenjin. The international terminal is on the other side of the runway, linked to the domestic terminal by shuttle bus and by direct buses to Hakata Station in about 15–20 minutes.
Do you need a car?
No. The subway, buses and trains cover the city and most day trips. A car is useful for Itoshima's coast and beaches, or for exploring rural Kyushu.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Dazaifu | About 30–45 minutes by train | Nishitetsu train from Tenjin via Futsukaichi |
| Yanagawa | About 50 minutes by train | Nishitetsu limited express from Tenjin |
| Itoshima | About 40 minutes by train, then bus or car | JR Chikuhi line from the subway to Chikuzen-Maebaru; car recommended |
| Kitakyushu and Mojiko | About 20 minutes by Shinkansen to Kokura | Shinkansen or JR to Kokura, local train to Mojiko |
| Nanzo-in | About 20–30 minutes by train | JR Sasaguri line to Kidonanzoin-mae |
| Karatsu | About 1 hour 20 minutes by train | Subway Kuko line through-running onto the JR Chikuhi line |
| Nagasaki | About 1.5–2 hours by train | Limited express to Takeo-Onsen, then Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Fukuoka?
No. The subway, buses and trains cover the city and most day trips. A car is useful for Itoshima's coast and beaches, or for exploring rural Kyushu.
+How do you get from the airport to Fukuoka?
Fukuoka Airport's domestic terminal is two subway stops from Hakata Station (about 5 minutes) and about 11 minutes from Tenjin. The international terminal is on the other side of the runway, linked to the domestic terminal by shuttle bus and by direct buses to Hakata Station in about 15–20 minutes.
+What is the best way to get around Fukuoka?
Metro: The Kuko (Airport) line runs from Fukuoka Airport via Hakata, Nakasu-Kawabata and Tenjin to Ohori-koen and Meinohama; the Hakozaki and Nanakuma lines serve other districts.