Fukuoka’s international airport connects the city with a number of domestic and regional Asian cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong and Beijing. Japan Airlines is one of the main carriers operating out of Fukuoka, but many other global carriers also offer regular flights.

There are three domestic terminals at the airport that are interconnected, and a separate international terminal. The domestic and international terminals are connected by a free shuttle. The terminals are modern and fully equipped with all the amenities a traveller will need upon arriving at Fukuoka.

There is a very convenient subway station stop located right under the domestic terminal complex. If you arrive at the international terminal, just take the free shuttle to the domestic terminal. The subway provides quick and easy access to the centre of Fukuoka, stopping at Hakata Station in five minutes and Tenjin Station in 11 minutes. There are also buses operated by Nishitetsu that run from the international terminal to the bus terminal at Hakata Station every 30 minutes throughout the day.

There is convenient rail and coach transport to Fukuoka from the rest of Japan. The city’s main train station is Hakata Station, which is the final stop on the famous Nozomi Shinkansen bullet train line that runs from Tokyo. Long-distance coaches are another easy way to get to Fukuoka from every corner of the country. These buses arrive at Tenjin Station in the centre of the city.

From the main Hakata Station you can walk to many of the attractions and hotels in Fukuoka. The city has an excellent subway system, which is probably the most convenient means of getting around Fukuoka for visitors. There are only two main lines on the subway so it’s hard to get lost. The subway stops are announced in English, and you can buy a cheap one-day pass if you plan to sightsee a lot.

The public bus system is another option to get around Fukuoka. The city’s two main bus terminals are located near Hakata Station and in Tenjin near the Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station. There is also a convenient tourist bus called the ‘¥100 Bus’ that runs in a loop from Hakata Station, hitting 18 useful stops such as Canal City and the Hakata Riverain complex.

Taxis are also easy to find in the city and relatively cheap if you need a quick direct transport option. Renting a car is straightforward, and best done at the airport. You’ll need an international driving license and a credit card to rent a car in Japan.