The fastest way to reach Fukuoka from major Japanese cities is by plane. Fukuoka Airport is one of the most convenient airports in Japan, located just a few minutes from the city center (airport connections).
The main airlines are ANA, JAL, and low-cost carriers such as Peach and Jetstar. By booking in advance, you can often find very competitive prices, making flying the best option in terms of time and often also cost if you are traveling from Tokyo.
Fukuoka is well connected to the rest of Japan via the shinkansen (high-speed train), arriving at Hakata Station in the heart of the city. Several local lines also connect Fukuoka with other major destinations across the Kyushu region. The train is a very convenient and scenic option, especially if you have a Japan Rail Pass, or if you are traveling from Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima. From Tokyo and cities north of Tokyo, however, the journey is quite long, so flying is often more convenient.
| City | Travel time | Price (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | about 5 hours (Nozomi shinkansen) | ~23,000 ¥ |
| Kyoto | about 2 hours and 45 minutes | ~15,000 ¥ |
| Osaka | about 2 hours and 30 minutes | ~14,500 ¥ |
| Hiroshima | about 1 hour | ~9,000 ¥ |
High-speed shinkansen lines also connect Fukuoka with other important cities in the Kyushu region, such as Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Kumamoto. Several local and limited express lines serve additional destinations across the region. By purchasing a Kyushu Rail Pass, you can travel around Kyushu by train at a very convenient price.
| City | Shinkansen | Price (one way) | Local / Limited Express | Price (one way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kumamoto | about 40 min | ~5,500 ¥ | about 1h 30 min | ~3,500 ¥ |
| Kagoshima | about 1h 20 min | ~10,500 ¥ | about 3h 30 min | ~7,000 ¥ |
| Nagasaki | about 1h 30 min (Shinkansen + Limited Express) | ~6,500 ¥ | about 2h | ~4,800 ¥ |
| Beppu | — | — | about 2h (Limited Express Sonic) | ~5,500 ¥ |
| Oita | — | — | about 2h 10 min (Limited Express Sonic) | ~6,000 ¥ |
| Miyazaki | — | — | about 4h (Limited Express Nichirin) | ~8,500 ¥ |
| Saga | — | — | about 40 min | ~1,200 ¥ |
A budget-friendly alternative to reach Fukuoka is the long-distance bus, which is very common in Japan. Major companies operate both overnight and daytime buses from several cities.
The most well-known company for tourists is Willer Express, which offers comfortable buses with different types of seating, from the most affordable to fully reclining seats. Traveling overnight can be a good way to save on one night of accommodation. However, despite the low price, the bus is generally the least practical option to reach Fukuoka due to the long distances involved. It is mainly recommended for those who want to save as much as possible.
Fukuoka is connected by sea mainly with South Korea, particularly with the city of Busan. The most commonly used route is operated by Camellia Line, a night ferry that connects Hakata to Busan in about 6–7 hours. On board, you will find private cabins and shared areas, making it an interesting option to save a night in a hotel.
In the past, there was also a high-speed hydrofoil service (the Beetle), which took about 3 hours to reach Busan. However, this service has been suspended in recent years and is currently not in operation.
Today, the ferry remains the only sea option between Japan and Korea on this route. It can be an interesting choice if you are planning a combined trip between the two countries or if you want to enjoy a different travel experience compared to trains and flights.
There are no direct flights from Italy to Fukuoka. The most common way to reach the city is to transfer at one of Japan’s main airports, such as Tokyo or Osaka, and then continue with a domestic flight or train.
