Fukuoka: A Guide to Flights and Easy Access to Your Gateway to Asia

Fukuoka, a vibrant city in Japan, has become a popular destination for travelers worldwide. With its rich cultural heritage and modern sights, it's no wonder that Fukuoka is attracting more international and domestic visitors than ever before. Fukuoka airport’s international flights, as well as the city’s proximity to Seoul and Hong Kong, make it an ideal hub for travelers seeking convenient connections to other cities around Asia. Fukuoka also boasts excellent accessibility from other major Japanese cities, making it a prime choice for domestic travelers too.

Getting Around in Fukuoka

Fukuoka Prefecture is accessible from all parts of Japan from Fukuoka and Kitakyushu airports. You can reach Fukuoka’s city center in five minutes by subway from Fukuoka Airport or via a 33-minute bus ride from Kitakyushu Airport to Kokura Station, the gateway to Kitakyushu, famous for Kokura Castle.

In addition to international flights, Fukuoka hosts a reliable ground transportation infrastructure for traveling within Japan. Upon arrival at Fukuoka Airport, you can choose from several transportation options, including Japan Railways (JR), the locally operated Nishitetsu Railways, three subway lines, and a bus network. Hakata Station is the central transportation hub in the city, providing efficient train services that connect travelers to Honshu and different parts of Kyushu, including well-organized bus networks that service different parts of the city.

International Flights Connecting Fukuoka with the World

For travelers from Europe, transfer from one of Japan’s major international airports is one option: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda International Airport (HND) in Tokyo, or Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Itami International Airport (ITM) in Osaka.

Many travelers from Europe can also transfer through one of Asia’s world-class airports, such as Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Incheon Airport in Seoul (SEL), for a seamless transit experience, whether transferring flights or exploring the city during a layover before continuing on to Fukuoka

Direct Flights from Seoul, Hong Kong, and Taipei Airports to Fukuoka

In recent years, the demand for travel to Fukuoka from those traveling from South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taipei has increased, resulting in more frequent direct flights.

Incheon Airport in Seoul (SEL) offers direct flights to Fukuoka, operated by Korean Air, Jin Air, Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines,T'way Air, Air Busan and Air Soul, with an average flight time of 1 hour and 30 minutes (SEL → FUK).

Direct flights between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to Fukuoka are operated by Hong Kong Express, Hong Kong Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, with an average flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes (HKIA → FUK).

Direct flights between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Fukuoka are operated by China Airlines, EVA Air, Starlux Airlines, and Tigerair, with an average flight time of 2 hours and 10 minutes (TPE → FUK).

Average Flight Times from Asia

Seoul → Fukuoka (SEL — FUK) About 1 hour and 30 min.

Singapore → Fukuoka (SIN — FUK) About 6 hours.

Taiwan → Fukuoka (TPE — FUK) About 2 hours and 10 min.

Hong Kong → Fukuoka (HKIA — FUK) About 3 hours and 30 min.

Bangkok → Fukuoka (BKK — FUK) About 5 hours and 20 min.

Domestic Access from Major Japanese Cities to Fukuoka

Traveling to Fukuoka from Japan's major cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo has become more convenient, thanks to exciting changes in Japan Railways (JR) policies. From October 2023, JR Pass holders will be able to ride Japan’s fastest bullet trains – Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansen – opening up a much wider range of convenience and possibilities.

Domestic travelers, including those traveling from Okinawa and Hokkaido, also have the option of taking direct flights to Fukuoka to arrive at the city more quickly and efficiently.

By Plane

Haneda International Airport (in Tokyo) → Kitakyushu Airport (HND — KKJ) About 1 hour and 45 min.

Haneda International Airport (in Tokyo) → Fukuoka Airport (HND — FUK) About 1 hour and 55 min.

Narita International Airport (in Tokyo) → Fukuoka Airport (NRT — FUK) About 2 hours and 5 min.

Kansai International Airport (in Osaka) → Fukuoka Airport (KIX — FUK) About 1 hour and 15 min.

Itami International Airport (in Osaka) → Fukuoka Airport (ITM — FUK) About 1 hour and 15 min.

Naha Airport (in Okinawa) → Fukuoka Airport (OKA — FUK) About 1 hour and 45 min.

Chitose Airport (in Sapporo) → Fukuoka Airport (CTS — FUK) About 2 hours and 35 min.

By Shinkansen

Tokyo → Hakata: About 4 hours and 55 min.

Nagoya → Hakata: About 3 hours and 20 min.

Osaka → Hakata: About 2 hours and 25 min.

Hiroshima → Hakata: About 1 hour and 8 min.

Getting to and around Fukuoka has never been easier, thanks to the growing network of international and domestic flights, Japan's excellent Shinkansen train infrastructure, and Fukuoka's efficient train and bus services. Experience the convenience and excitement that awaits in this cosmopolitan city!