Fukuoka Airport
Servicing Fukuoka City and the wider Kyushu region, Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is one of Japan’s busiest airports servicing both domestic and international routes. On this page you will find the following information:
— Entering & Exiting Japan: Essential Info
— Getting To & From the International Terminal
— Getting To & From the Domestic Terminal
— Transferring Between Terminals
— Accessing the ‘Shinkansen’ Network from Fukuoka Airport
— Exchanging & Activating a JR Pass
— Accommodation In & Around Fukuoka Airport
— 30 Things to Do Around Kyushu & Where to Stay
Fukuoka Airport is somewhat unique for a Japanese airport in that it is situated in the heart of the city that it services, rather than at distance from the city or on a reclaimed island as many are. Only 3km from Hakata Station – the largest train station in Fukuoka and all of Kyushu – there airport is only 5 minutes by subway from the centre of Fukuoka. It’s important to note that only the domestic terminal can be reached using the subway, while the international terminal is accessible by bus or taxi taking around 15 to 20 minutes. Moving between the domestic and international terminals is easy thanks to a 15-minute free shuttle bus.
Both of Japan’s major carriers – All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) – operate domestic route to major destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Okinawa and more with their affiliate regional lines also covering many smaller destinations. Low-cost carriers including Jetstar Japan, Peach Aviation and others also operate to and from Fukuoka. International routes are serviced by many carriers including (but not limited to) Air China, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, EVA Air, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, United Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. Low-cost carriers include AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia X among others.
With no shortage of international carriers operating from the airport, you can fly directly to Fukuoka for locations including Bangkok, Beijing, Busan, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Manila, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei and other cities. It is important to note that this page is intended for international visitors using Fukuoka Airport as they enter, exit or move around Japan – with a focus information regarding entering Japan, moving to and from the airport, finding nearby accommodation and what’s on offer in the region. It does not provide information about all services and facilities at Fukuoka Airport.
ENTERING & EXITING JAPAN: ESSENTIAL INFO
Fukuoka Airport is Japan’s fourth busiest airport. As such, it is the entry and departure point for many international visitors heading to Kyushu and western Japan. Our ‘Entering & Exiting Japan’ page has useful information including visa requirements, clearing immigration and customs and things to take care of while at the airport. For further essential travel information, see our ‘Plan Your Visit’ main page.
COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
Given the continued impact of COVID-19 on global travel, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest news and requirements. Our ‘Who Can Enter Japan & What’s Required’ page includes information about who can enter, whether you need to quarantine and vaccination passports. For other essential information including the latest COVID and vaccination numbers from Japan, see our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ main page.
GETTING TO & FROM THE INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL
Rail services do not run to the international terminal however do run the domestic terminal from where you can use the airport’s free shuttle bus to transfer to the international terminal – see below for details. The international terminal can be reached directly by bus from Hakata Station, Tenjin Station and other locations in Fukuoka City. Buses operate from Bus Stop No.11 of Hakata Bus Terminal, taking around 15 to 20 minutes / JPY260 a run regularly throughout the day. Tickets are available from machines next to the bus stop. Alternatively, a taxi will take around 20 minutes from Hakata Station and cost around JPY1600.
GETTING TO & FROM THE DOMESTIC TERMINAL
The airport’s domestic terminal is serviced by the Fukuoka City Subway-Kuko Line, taking only 5 minutes / JPY60 to reach Fukuoka Airport Station from Hakata Station. Operating every 4 t0 8 minutes from 05:30 to 0:25, the subway is not covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass. Buses and taxis are also available – also taking between 15 to 20 minutes / JPY260 for the bus and around JPY1600 for a taxi – however using the subway is by far the easiest way to move to and from the domestic terminal.
TRANSFERRING BETWWEN THE TERMINALS
A free shuttle bus operates between the international and domestic terminals, every 5 to 8 minutes from 06:17 to 23:08 (international to domestic) and from 06:00 to 22:46 (domestic to international). Buses depart from 1F of both terminals, taking 10 to 15 minutes to cover the journey.
ACCESSING THE SHINKANSEN NETWORK FROM FUKUOKA AIRPORT
Travelers wanting to head access the ‘Shinkansen’ / ‘Bullet Train’ network can do so easily from Fukuoka Airport. Nearby Hakata Station is the terminus of both the Kyushu Shinkansen line – running from Hakata to Kumamoto, Kagoshima and other destinations – along with the San’yo Shinkansen line – running to Hiroshima, Okayama, Kobe, Osaka and other destinations. Hakata Station is only 5 to 20 minutes from the airport depending on whether to make the journey by train, bus or taxi.
EXCHANGING & ACTIVATING A JR PASS
Holders of the Japan Rail (JR) Pass will need to exchange/activate that pass before using it. You do so by exchanging the order/proof of purchase you received online. This can be done a numerous JR Pass Exchange Offices found at any major train station and multiple airports however passes cannot be exchanged at Fukuoka Airport. This doesn’t present any great problem as you can exchange and activate your pass at the following office in Hakata Station*:
— JR Kyushu Ticket Office: open daily from 07:00 to 21:00
To exchange/activate your pass you will need your exchange order and passport. Make sure you allow adequate time to exchange and activate your pass if you are intending to use it on the same day or do so a day or two before you plan to start using it (you can always nominate a later activation date).
Once you have your activated pass you are free to ride however you can’t insert your pass into the ticket gates. Simply walk through the side booth (permanently attended by station staff) and show your pass. You will be waved through and you can make your way to the platform. For full details, refer to our Japan Rail (JR) Pass page.
*please note, the JR Pass does not cover the Fukuoka subway / train travel between the airport and Hakata Station.
CAR RENTAL
Fukuoka Airport has multiple car rental companies including Budget Rent-A-Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Nissan Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental and Toyota Rent-A-Car in both the international and domestic terminals. Vehicle types and prices vary by company but prices are competitive. The process of renting a car in Japan is easy. We recommend booking online prior to arriving in Japan and arranging a vehicle and unless you have decent spoken Japanese, making sure to request a vehicle with English or other foreign language navigation system. To rent a car in Japan, you must:
— be 18 years of age or older,
— and have a valid Japanese drivers license, or
— have a valid drivers license in your home country and a valid international drivers license*
It is important to note that if you do not have a Japanese drivers license, you cannot drive in Japan unless you are also carrying a valid international license – even if you have a valid license in your home country. To obtain one, you will need to apply and have it issued before traveling to Japan. The process and cost varies by country so check with your local/national automotive association for further details. For more information about driving in Japan, see our ‘Moving Around Japan: Using Trains, Buses, Planes or Drive Yourself’ page.
*Nationals of Belgium, Estonia France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland and Taiwan are not eligible for an international drivers license. Agreement between those countries and Japan means that those nationals can drive in Japan on the drivers license issued in their home country as long as they are also carrying an official Japanese translation.
ACCOMMODATION IN & AROUND FUKUOKA AIRPORT
Located in the heart of Fukuoka City, the airport has restricted operating hours from 07:00 to 22:00. As such, there are no hotel inside the airport and it is not possible stay overnight. There are however many mi-size to large hotels in the area around the airport including nearby Hakata Station ranging from high-end to budget, most of which offer Western-style rooms and amenities. For more information, see our ‘Hakata Station Area’ hotel page.
30 THINGS TO DO AROUND KYUSHU & WHERE TO STAY
Lying to the southwest of Japan’s main island of Honshu, Kyushu is a region blessed with attractions, from the historic to the natural and the exotic. Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu while Nagasaki’s history transcends the national to occupy a place in the global consciousness. Kumamoto and its famous castle or Kagoshima and its nearby natural splendours including the World Heritage island of Yakushima, all combine to make this one of the most rewarding travel destinations in Japan. Our ’30 Things to Do Around Kyushu & Where to Stay’ page is a great place to start when planning your visit to the region.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
For many international visitors, Fukuoka Airport will be their point of entry when arriving in Japan but as we all know, your trip begins long before your get here as you plan your adventure in this wonderful country. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.
