Everything you need to know about Fukuoka Airport
- Published on : 15/07/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Aéroport de Fukuoka
@annintofu sur Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
As Kyushu's main airport, Fukuoka Airport is the ideal gateway to southern Japan. With flights to major Japanese cities and numerous destinations across Asia, it is known for its convenient location just minutes from the city centre and its efficient layout. Discover it with Japan Experience.
Terminals and Airlines
Opened in 1944 as a military air base, Fukuoka Airport gradually became one of southern Japan's main aviation hubs. Today, it welcomes more than 25 million passengers each year and serves as Kyushu's primary hub for ANA and JAL.
Domestic Terminal
The Domestic Terminal handles the majority of the airport's traffic, with flights to major destinations across Japan, including Tokyo (Haneda Airport), Osaka (Itami and Kansai airports), Nagoya, Sapporo, Okinawa, and Sendai.
It is directly connected to Fukuoka Airport Station on the city's subway line, making Hakata Station just a few minutes away.
Most of the airport's facilities are located here, including restaurants, shops, lounges, car rental counters, and information desks.
Terminal international de l'aéroport de Fukuoka
@Wikimedia, libre de droits
International Terminal
The International Terminal serves flights to destinations across Asia and beyond.
Direct flights are available to:
- Seoul
- Busan
- Taipei
- Kaohsiung
- Hong Kong
- Shanghai
- Beijing
- Dalian
- Singapore
- Bangkok
- Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Manila
The International Terminal is not directly connected to the subway. A free shuttle bus links it to the Domestic Terminal in around 10 minutes, where you can access Fukuoka Airport Station.
Japanese Airlines
Here are some of the main Japanese airlines operating from Fukuoka Airport.
- ANA (All Nippon Airways)
One of Japan's two largest airlines, ANA operates frequent daily flights to Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka, Sapporo, Okinawa, Nagoya, and other major Japanese cities. It also serves several international destinations.
- JAL (Japan Airlines)
Japan Airlines offers an extensive domestic network from Fukuoka, including flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa, and Hokkaido, as well as a number of international routes.
- StarFlyer
Based in nearby Kitakyushu, StarFlyer is known for its comfortable cabins and primarily operates flights to Tokyo (Haneda).
- Skymark Airlines
This low-cost carrier serves several domestic destinations, including Tokyo, Kobe, Okinawa, and Sapporo.
- Peach Aviation
Peach offers budget flights to Osaka (Kansai), Okinawa, and several destinations across Asia.
- Jetstar Japan
Jetstar Japan connects Fukuoka with Tokyo (Narita) and other Japanese cities through its low-cost network.
Solaseed Air
Headquartered in Kyushu, Solaseed Air specializes in routes linking Kyushu, Okinawa, and Tokyo.
Major International Airlines
Fukuoka Airport is one of Japan's main gateways for travelers from Asia.
South Korea
Airlines:
- Korean Air
- Asiana Airlines
- Jeju Air
- Jin Air
- Air Busan
- T'way Air
Main destinations:
- Seoul (Incheon)
- Busan
Taiwan
Airlines:
- China Airlines
- EVA Air
- STARLUX Airlines
Destinations:
- Taipei
- Kaohsiung
Hong Kong
Airlines:
- Cathay Pacific
- HK Express
Destination:
- Hong Kong
Mainland China
Several Chinese airlines operate flights to destinations including:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Qingdao
- Dalian
- Xiamen
- Guangzhou
Southeast Asia
Airlines:
- Singapore Airlines
- Thai Airways
- Vietnam Airlines
- Cebu Pacific
- Philippine Airlines
Destinations:
- Singapore
- Bangkok
- Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Manila
An Ideal Gateway to Kyushu
One of Fukuoka Airport's greatest advantages is its proximity to the city center. Located just a few kilometers from Hakata Station, it is considered one of the world's closest international airports to a downtown area. Thanks to the subway, you can reach central Fukuoka in less than 10 minutes, making the airport an ideal starting point for exploring Kyushu.
From Hakata station, you can access:
- Nagasaki (Shinkansen and express train)
- Kumamoto
- Kagoshima
- Beppu
- Yufuin
- Huis Ten Bosch
- Miyazaki
Kumamoto Castle
© Zion C, Unsplash
Looking to explore Fukuoka and beyond? Japan Experience's tours take you across the island of Kyushu!
Getting to and from Fukuoka Airport
How to reach central Fukuoka by subway
The subway is by far the quickest way to reach the city center.
The Kūkō Line (Airport Line) connects Fukuoka Airport Station directly to Hakata Station in just 5 minutes, with no transfers required. Continuing along the line, you can also reach the districts of Tenjin, Akasaka, and Meinohama in just a few more minutes.
Subway trains run approximately every 4 to 8 minutes throughout the day.
Journey times:
- Hakata Station: around 5 minutes
- Tenjin: around 11 minutes
- Ōhori Park: around 17 minutes
- Meinohama: around 22 minutes
A one-way fare from the airport to Hakata Station costs around ¥260, while a trip to Tenjin costs approximately ¥260–300, depending on your destination station.
Welcome Suica
@ekispert.jp
The Fukuoka City Subway is not operated by JR, so it is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. However, you can easily pay your fare using an IC card such as ICOCA, Suica, PASMO, SUGOCA, or Hayakaken.
Traveling to the Rest of Kyushu by Train
From Hakata Station, the following train lines are accessible:
- Kyushu Shinkansen to Kumamoto and Kagoshima;
- Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen to Nagasaki (with a transfer at Takeo-Onsen);
- Limited Express trains to Beppu, Yufuin, Miyazaki, Sasebo, and Huis Ten Bosch;
- Local JR trains serving destinations throughout Fukuoka Prefecture.
JR services departing from Hakata Station are covered by the Japan Rail Pass, as well as the various JR Kyushu Rail Passes, depending on their area of validity.
Gare de Hakata
@MaidLatte sur Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Explore Kyushu for Less with Our Rail Passes and Train Tickets
How to Get to Fukuoka Airport by Bus
Several bus routes connect the airport directly with Fukuoka's main districts and many destinations across Kyushu.
Popular destinations include:
- Hakata Station
- Tenjin
- Dazaifu
- Kurume
- Saga
- Kitakyushu
- Nagasaki
- Kumamoto
The International Terminal also serves a number of long-distance buses, allowing you to travel directly to various parts of Kyushu without passing through Hakata Station.
Tickets can be purchased at ticket counters or directly from the driver, depending on the route.
If your accommodation is far from a subway station or you're traveling with several pieces of luggage, taking the bus can be a convenient option.
Getting to Fukuoka Airport by Taxi
A taxi is a comfortable option, especially if you're arriving late at night or traveling with several pieces of luggage.
Approximate journey times:
- Hakata Station: 10–15 minutes
- Tenjin: around 20 minutes
Fares vary depending on traffic, but you can generally expect to pay:
- ¥1,800–2,500 to Hakata
- ¥2,500–3,500 to Tenjin
Taxi ranks are located outside both the domestic and international terminals.
A cab stand on stand-by at Fukuoka station (Kyushu).
G.L.
Renting a Car
If you're planning to explore Kyushu, renting a car upon arrival is an excellent option.
Several major rental companies operate near the airport, including:
- Toyota Rent-a-Car
- Nissan Rent-a-Car
- Times Car Rental
- Nippon Rent-A-Car
- Orix Rent a Car
- Budget Rent a Car
Most offer free shuttle services between the airport terminals and their rental offices.
A car is particularly recommended for exploring Kyushu's more rural areas, such as:
- Mount Aso
- Kunisaki Peninsula
- Takachiho
- Miyazaki coast
- Yabakei Gorge
- The Kirishima region
Need to have your driver's licence translated? Japan Experience can help
Services at and Around Fukuoka Airport
Although smaller than Tokyo's or Osaka's major airports, Fukuoka Airport offers a wide range of facilities to make your time there more enjoyable.
Where to Eat
Fukuoka is widely regarded as one of Japan's culinary capitals. Whether you've just arrived or are about to depart, the airport is a great place to sample local specialties without leaving the terminal. You'll find everything from traditional Japanese restaurants to cafés, bakeries, and fast-food outlets.
Here are a few popular options:
- Ichiran no Mori Express: Enjoy Ichiran's famous tonkotsu ramen, made with a rich pork bone broth.
- Hakata Issou: One of Fukuoka's most popular ramen shops, Hakata Issou is renowned for its rich and creamy tonkotsu broth.
- Inaba Udon: Founded in 1951, this long-standing restaurant is known for its soft, chewy udon noodles, a local specialty.
- Mentaiko Cuisine Yamaya: Try mentaiko, Fukuoka's signature marinated pollock roe, served in a variety of dishes.
Tonkotsu ramen
@Unsplash
Shopping
Fukuoka Airport is home to a wide selection of shops where you can pick up souvenirs, regional specialities, or any last-minute travel essentials before your flight.
Kyushu Souvenirs
Souvenir shops offer a wide range of local products, including:
- Mentaiko in various forms
- Hiyoko biscuits
- Hakata Torimon, one of Fukuoka's best-known sweets
- Yame green tea
- Kyushu-produced sake and shōchū
- Arita and Hasami ceramics
The airport is also a great place to pick up local food specialties to take home.
Hakata Torimon
@Fukuoka Prefectural Tourist Souvernis Association
Want to experience Japanese cuisine beyond the airport? Discover our food and culinary experiences across Japan!
Convenience Stores
Like most Japanese airports, Fukuoka Airport has several konbini (convenience stores) where you can buy drinks, snacks, magazines, and travel essentials.
You'll find stores such as the following:
- Lawson
- FamilyMart
- 7-Eleven (depending on the terminal)
Duty-Free Shopping
The International Terminal features a large duty-free shopping area offering a wide range of products, including the following:
- Japanese cosmetics
- Perfumes
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Confectionery
- Electronics
- Luxury goods
You'll also find a variety of well-known international brands.
Airport Lounges
Business class passengers and travelers with eligible airline status can access several lounges at Fukuoka Airport.
Lounge TIME
Available to eligible premium passengers or through paid admission, Lounge TIME offers the following:
- Complimentary drinks
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power outlets
- Workspaces
- Comfortable seating
ANA and JAL Lounges
Japan's two largest airlines also operate their own lounges for eligible passengers.
Facilities typically include:
- Complimentary drinks
- Light snacks
- Wi-Fi
- Quiet spaces to work or relax
Luggage Lockers and Delivery Services
Coin lockers are available in both terminals, allowing you to store bags and suitcases for a few hours or a full day, subject to availability.
The airport also offers Takkyubin luggage delivery services, making it easy to send your luggage directly to your hotel or another destination in Japan. It's an ideal way to travel light from the moment you arrive.
Coin lockers
Flickr haru__q
Car Rental
The main car rental companies are located close to the airport, including:
- Toyota Rent-a-Car
- Nissan Rent-a-Car
- Orix Rent-a-Car
- Times Car Rental
- Nippon Rent-a-Car
- Budget Rent-a-Car
Most agencies provide free shuttle buses between the terminals and their rental offices.
Hotels Near Fukuoka Airport
If you're arriving late or have an early flight, several hotels are located just a few minutes from the airport.
Here are a few popular options:
- Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station: Directly connected to Hakata Station, this hotel is an excellent base for continuing your journey across Kyushu.
- Hotel Nikko Fukuoka: An upscale hotel located just a short walk from Hakata Station.
Montan Hakata: A modern, budget-friendly hostel offering both private rooms and dormitories.
Looking for more space and privacy? Discover Japan Experience's holiday homes across Japan.
Hôtel Nikko Fukuoka
@Hôtel Nikko Fukuoka
Things to Do Near Fukuoka Airport
Thanks to its close proximity to the city centre, Fukuoka Airport provides easy access to many of the city's top attractions in 30 minutes or less.
- Hakata Station: Just 5 minutes by subway from the airport, the Hakata district is Kyushu's main transportation hub. It's home to numerous restaurants, shopping centers, and Fukuoka's famous yatai (open-air food stalls).
- Canal City Hakata: This large shopping and entertainment complex features more than 200 shops and restaurants, a cinema, and the Ramen Stadium, where you can sample regional ramen from across Japan.
Canal City Hakata
@Wikimedia, libre de droits
- Kushida-jinja Shrine and Tōchō-ji Temple: Located just a short walk from one another, these are two of Fukuoka's most iconic landmarks. Kushida-jinja is the home of the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, while Tōchō-ji is known for its impressive wooden Great Buddha statue.
- Tenjin: Fukuoka's main shopping district, Tenjin is famous for its department stores, covered shopping arcades, and wide selection of cafés and restaurants.
- Ōhori Park: A great place for a relaxing stroll, Ōhori Park is also close to the ruins of Fukuoka Castle and the Fukuoka Art Museum.
Tenjin Matsuri
@wikimedia, royalty-free
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