Written by Jane Pipkin
While many people choose to take the scenic Shinkansen route to Kyūshū, flying can often be the quicker and more economical choice. Fukuoka Airport is Kyūshū’s main airport and the gateway to Hakata, one of Japan’s most popular travel destinations. Here’s everything you need to know if you are traveling there.
Fukuoka Airport: The basics
Airport code: FUKHakata Ward, Fukuoka
3 km (1.8 miles) east of Hakata Station (around 5 minutes away by train)
Fukuoka Airport is Kyūshū’s main airport and the fourth busiest in Japan after Haneda, Narita, and Kansai International Airport. Despite opening in 1944, Fukuoka Airport only became a domestic flight service in 1951 and expanded to international services in 1965. It is now one of the major airports in East Asia — with plans to expand its services and add a new runway.
Fukuoka Airport Opening Hours
The Domestic Terminal Building is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The International Terminal Building has slightly different hours, opening at 5 a.m. and closing at 10:40 p.m.
24-hour amenities at Fukuoka Airport
There are no 24-hour facilities, given that this airport closes soon after the last flight departs. This means that you cannot stay in the airport overnight.
Pro tip: Since the airport is so close to Hakata Station, those with an early-morning flight should book an extra night in a hotel near the station. Our personal recommendation is Via Inn Hakataguchi Ekimae.
Tips for arriving at Fukuoka Airport
The arrival procedure differs for domestic and international flights. With domestic flights, you just need to go through baggage claim and then the arrivals lobby.
However, with international flights, passengers will need to go through immigration, baggage, and customs before reaching the arrivals lobby. Once in the arrivals lobby in the International Terminal, make sure that you have checked out any services that you may need, like Wi-Fi or SIM rentals, before heading to your transport of choice.
Tips for departing from Fukuoka Airport
Despite the airport being near to Hakata City, those flying internationally should still consider coming to the airport 3 hours prior to depature. This not only gives you time to get through all the neccessary security checks, but the chance to go to the Domestic Terminal if you desire. For domestic flights, most airlines suggest arriving at the airport about a hour and a half before departure.
Note: During public holidays, the airport can get very busy, so try to plan accordingly and aim to get to the airport earlier than needed.
Fukuoka Airport services and facilities
Both terminals offer similar services, however, the Domestic Terminal has a better choice of restaurants and shops. Notably, some services are only available in the International Terminal.
Services and facilities in both terminals:
- Toilets (accessible toilets), baby-changing spaces, and lactation rooms
- Free Wi-Fi and charging outlets
- Restaurants and cafés
- Airline lounges
- Prayer rooms, quiet rooms, and kids’ play areas
- Accessibility services such as wheelchair rental
- Banks and currency-exchange counters
- Baggage-delivery services and coin lockers
- Bus-ticket counters
Domestic Terminal
Domestic flights operated by Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), Star Flyer (SFJ), and more.
The Domestic Terminal consists of six floors, with B2 being the Airport Subway Station and B1 being the connecting walkway. For check-in and arrivals, head to 1F. When you are ready to go through security and into departures, you will need to go up to 2F.
Domestic Terminal Amenities
Highlight: Sweets Hall (2F), Ramen Runway (3F), Tsutaya Bookstore (3F) and Observation Deck (4F)
On 1F and 2F, there is a number of restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and other useful services. Keep in mind that once you are pass security, there isn’t as much choice in terms of food and shopping.
Fukuoka Airport really has no shortage of food options, with the best places being on the third floor. Here, you will find an impressive range of Western and Japanese restaurants, as well as a few bars. There is even the Ramen Runway, where you can get your last fix of Hakata Ramen. On this floor, there are also a few boutique-style shops and paid lounges.
Pro tip: If you have spare time, go up to the 4F observation deck for a 360-degree view of the planes landing and flying off into the distance. Note that you can’t access the deck after you have entered security.
International Terminal
International carriers (mainly Asian airlines) operated by Finnair, Air China, Korean Air, and more.The International Terminal consists of four floors. 1F is the arrival gate where you can find the various bus stops, taxi stand, and car parking. 2F is Immigration, so you will need to go up to 3F for the check-in counters and security. Similar to the Domestic Terminal, there is an Observation Deck on 4F.
International Terminal Amenities
Highlight: The Matcha Tokyo (3F) and Observation Deck (4F)
Although you won’t find as many restaurants in the International Terminal, there is still a decent range — mainly on 1F and 3F. The terminal also has a few drug stores, a travel goods store, and a big duty-free store.
Unlike the Domestic Terminal, this terminal has a small kids’ play corner on 3F. At the time of writing, the terminal was under development, so we expect that even more amenities will be added in the near future.
One key thing to note is that all the pocket Wi-Fi rental services and SIM card vendors are on the 1F of the International Aiport. There are none in the Domestic Terminal.
Getting between terminals
It couldn’t be easier to get between the two terminals, all you need to do is hop on the free shuttle bus.
Taking the shuttle bus between terminals
The shuttle bus runs every 6 to 7 minutes between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Before and after that, the times are slightly irregular, with the last bus of the day departing at 11:19 p.m.
There are three different bus stops: Domestic Terminal/South Bus Stop, Domestic Terminal/North Bus Stop, and International Passenger Terminal Building Bus Stop. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to travel between each terminal.
Walking between terminals at Fukuoka Airport
While there probably is a way to walk between the two terminals, we wouldn’t recommend it as there is no dedicated route. It is much easier and quicker to take the free shuttle bus.
Getting to and from Fukuoka Airport
Fukuoka Airport is close to the center of Hakata, meaning there are great transport connections. From Hakata Station, you can simply hop on the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line and arrive directly at the Domestic Terminal. This journey only takes 6 minutes and costs ¥260. If you are coming from Tenjin Station, another of Hakata’s main stations, it takes around 10 minutes and costs the same amount.
Alternatively, there are many local and highway buses that go to both terminals. Conveniently, you can get on one of the local buses from a range of Fukuoka’s top attractions including Fukuoka Tower, LaLaport Fukuoka, AEON Mall Fukuoka, and of course, Hakata Station. We recommend looking at the bus schedule in advance, as not all the bus routes stop at both terminals.
For those wanting to take the bus into Hakata from Fukuoka Airport, you can take a Nishitetsu Bus from the International Terminal. A ticket costs ¥310 for adults and ¥160 for children. It takes approximately 18 minutes.
It is also easy to get to and from Kyūshū’s other prefectures by highway bus. Times and prices depend on where you are coming from; we suggest searching your route on Nishitetsu Bus Service.
Pro tip: For those traveling in bigger groups, you could also consider booking a private transfer.
Things to do in Fukuoka Airport
For an airport with only two terminals, there are a good amount of facilities. As mentioned, the Domestic Terminal offers a lot, especially on the food front. You could spend a hour or so just walking around all the restaurants.
In the Domestic Terminal, you will find a variety of concessions selling sweets and souvenirs from Hakata and the wider Kyūshū area. That’s why if you are on the hunt for some last-minute omiyage (gifts), we suggest popping into this terminal — even if you are flying out from the International Terminal.
Additionally, on the 3F of the Domestic Terminal is a Tsutaya Bookstore — and not just any normal one. This carefully curated store is filled with books inspired by traveling. There is also a Cafe Lounge at the back where you can work while watching the planes. There is a hourly charge to use this lounge, however, you can enjoy free drinks and a comfy place to relax.
On the topic of relaxation, both terminals offer a number of free and paid Lounges. These differ from the four Airline Lounges, which are exclusive to passengers of certain airlines.
Fukuoka Airport FAQs
Is Fukuoka a big airport?
Yes, it is a fairly large airport, being the fourth largest in Japan. It covers approximately 877 acres of land, and has one runway that is 2,800 m long. In 2024, it handled 12.96 million passengers during April to September, highlighting its significance as a major hub for both domestic and international travel.
Does Fukuoka have direct flights to Haneda and Narita?
Yes, Fukuoka Airport has direct flights to both Haneda Airport and Narita Airport.
How far is Fukuoka from Tokyo by plane?
Fukuoka is roughly 900 km away from Tokyo. The typical flight time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
