Fukuoka City Subway — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

Fukuoka City Subway Information

As its name suggests, the Fukuoka City Subway serves the city of Fukuoka, Japan. This rapid transit network consists of 3 lines serving a total of 35 stations. It started operating in 1981 and has been under the management of the Fukuoka City Transportation Bureau ever since. This subway network has some of the most modern facilities on offer. Not only does it have automatic platform doors at each station, but all lines are automatically operated by the ATO system. As a precautionary measure, this almost 30 km long network employs drivers for increased safety.

The Fukuoka Metro, also known as the Subway, is a popular transport system in the city. It serves approximately 340,000 passengers per day. The fare system uses gates and a smart card for convenient payment.

Fukuoka Metro does not operate 24 hours a day and has no air conditioning. However, passengers can walk between platforms, increasing accessibility and comfort. The trains are not driverless.

A notable feature of the Fukuoka Metro is the presence of screen doors on the platforms, which provide additional safety. Operating hours are from 5:30am to 12:25am daily. The fare for a single journey is ¥100.

Fukuoka City Subway Map

Map of Fukuoka City Subway showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Fukuoka City Subway map in PDF format.

Lines and Stations

The Fukuoka City Subway (Fukuoka-shi Chikatetsu) consists of three separate lines operated by the city’s Transportation Bureau. These are supplemented by other forms of transport to provide an efficient service for both tourists and residents. The entire system covers 29.8 kilometres and has 35 stations along its routes. Each line is distinguished by a unique colour, number and name, with the number often used as the primary identifier. Symbolic representations are also used at each station, such as an aeroplane symbol indicating a station serving an airport.

At the entrance to each station, the Fukuoka Railway logo, the line number and the station logo are prominently displayed. The colour of these symbols does not correlate with the colour of the line. All stations have automatic platform doors and are operated by automated systems, with human drivers present for safety.

Kūkō Line

The first line of the Fukuoka subway has 13 stations and connects the Nishi-ku and Hakata-ku wards, covering major areas of the city such as Nishijin, Tenjin, Hakata and the airport. Commonly known as Line #1 (Ichi-gō-sen), this line integrates with the Chikuhi Line, a railway connecting Meinohama with Karatsu and Imari. As the only railway in Japan with a direct connection to the airport, it is the line most used by tourists due to its accessibility to Fukuoka’s tourist attractions.

Color: Orange
Number: 1
Stations: 13
Length: 13.1 kilometers
Duration: 25 minutes
Operating Hours: 5:30 am to 0:25 am

Stations: Meinohama, Muromi, Fujisaki, Nishijin, Tojinmachi, Ohorikoen, Akasaka, Tenjin, Nakasu-Kawabata, Gion, Hakata, Higashi-Hie, Fukuokakuko (Airport)

Hakozaki Line

Commonly known as Line 2 (Ni-gō-sen), this line was the second to be opened in the subway system. Its seven stations connect the districts of Hakata-ku and Higashi-ku. Its terminus, Kaizuka, is part of the Kaikuka line, which connects Fukuoka with Shingu. Some trains from the Kuko line use the Hakozaki line instead of going to the airport.

Color: Blue
Number: 2
Stations: 7
Length: 4.7 kilometers
Duration: 10 minutes
Operating Hours: 5:30 am to 0:25 am

Stations: Nakasu-Kawabata, Gofukumachi, Chiyo-Kenchoguchi, Maidashi-Kyudaibyoinmae, Hakozaki-Miyamae, Hakozaki-Kyudaimae, Kaizuka

Nanakuma Line

The most recent addition to the subway system, the Nanakuma Line was inaugurated in 2005, while the other two lines were inaugurated in 1981 and 1982 respectively. Also known as Line 3 (San-gō-sen), this line connects the Nishi-ku and Chuo-ku districts, linking the city’s commercial centre with its southwestern region.

Color: Green
Number: 3
Stations: 16
Length: 12 kilometers
Duration: 24 minutes
Operating Hours: 5:30 am to 0:25 am

Stations: Tenjin-minami, Watanabe-dori, Yakuin, Yakuin-odori, Sakurazaka, Ropponmatsu, Befu, Chayama, Kanayama, Nanakuma, Fukudai-mae, Umebayashi, Noke, Kamo, Jiromaru, Hashimoto

Schedule and Frequency

All three lines operate from 5.30am to 0.25am. Trains run approximately every 3-6 minutes during peak periods and every 4-8 minutes during the rest of the day. At weekends the timetable remains the same and there are no late night replacement services during off-peak hours.

Tickets and Pricing

Ticket prices vary depending on the distance travelled. Prices range from ¥200 to ¥370 for adults (approximately $1.84 to $3.4 in USD). There are six different price zones based on distance, and each zone has a corresponding fare. For example, travel within 0-3 kilometres falls under zone 1, which costs ¥200 (approx. $1.84).

IC Card “Hayakaken”

In addition to purchasing individual tickets, the Hayakaken card is available, which allows users to pay for a day’s travel in advance. This card is also accepted on trains, buses and in IC-branded shops in Japan. Users can earn points by using the card, which can be redeemed for tickets or other related expenses.

Common Fares

Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station: ¥260 for adults, ¥130 for children and disabled passengers.
Fukuoka Airport to Tenjin Station: ¥260 for adults, ¥130 for children and disabled passengers.
Tenjin to Hakata: ¥200 for adults, ¥100 for children and disabled passengers.
Nakasu-Kawabata to Kaizuka: ¥260 for adults, ¥130 for children and disabled passengers.
Tenjin-minami to Hashimoto: ¥330 for adults, ¥170 for children and disabled passengers.

Age Categories and Discounts

The Fukuoka Railway System divides customers into four age groups: Adults (12 and over), older children (6 to 11), younger children (1 to 5) and infants (under 1). This is important because an adult or older child can travel with two younger children for the price of an adult ticket. Older children always pay a reduced fare, even when accompanied by an adult. The discount for children is around 45%, while infants always travel free.

Purchasing Tickets

Ticket vending machines are available at all stations in Fukuoka. To purchase a ticket, first consult the fare table above or beside the machine to determine the cost of the journey, then select the appropriate option on the machine to obtain the ticket. These machines also sell tickets for the JR Chikuchi and Nishitetsu Kaizuka trains.

Passes

In addition to single tickets, Fukuoka Subway offers a variety of passes for tourists and residents.

One Day Pass

This pass allows unlimited travel on all three lines for a single day. It is valid only on the day of purchase and can be purchased from any station ticket machine. Some shops and restaurants may offer discounts to holders of this pass, details of which can be found on the official Fukuoka Subway website. The One-Day Pass can be purchased with cash or the Hayakaken Card.

Adults: ¥620 (approximately $5.7 USD)
Children and disabled passengers: ¥310 (approximately $2.85 USD)

2-Day Pass:

The 2-Day Pass allows tourists unlimited travel on the Fukuoka Railway for two consecutive days from the date of purchase. It is specially designed for tourists with short-term visas, and they must show their passport at the ticket office to purchase the pass. The pass can be purchased at the airport, Tenjin and Hakata stations, tourist information centres and Fukuoka Railway offices.

Adults: ¥720 (US$6.6)
Kids and handicapped people: ¥360 (US$3.3)

Tourists’ Pass:

The Fukuoka Railway offers a Tourist Pass that allows unlimited travel for one day. It also offers discounts at major tourist sites in the city, such as museums and gardens. The pass can be purchased at Tenjin and Hakata bus terminals, the airport, Tenjin Station and other designated locations. For more information on museums and tourist sites, visitors can visit the Fukuoka Railway website.

Adults: ¥820 (US$7.5)
Kids and handicapped people: ¥410 (US$3.7)

Chika Pass:

Fukuoka Railway also offers 1, 3 and 6 month passes. For information on the prices and conditions of these passes, individuals can visit ticket offices or information centres.

Connections:

Connections between lines:

There are free connections between the Kuko and Hakozaki lines at Nakasu-Kawabata station. Some passengers travelling from the Kuko Line continue their journey via Hakozaki, so a connection may not always be necessary.
A free connection between the Nanakuma and Kuko lines can be made by walking from Tenjin station to Tenjin-Minami station (or vice versa) through an underground shopping mall. Although the connection is free, passengers are required to show their ticket at the entrance.

Connections with other systems:

Kaizuka’s terminal on Line 2 (Hakozaki) is connected to the Nishitetsu Kaizuka line, which provides connections to Shingu. This connection is not free, but tickets for this train can be purchased at any ticket office on the railway system.
By passing through Meinohama Station on Line 1 (Kuko), passengers can access the JR Chikuhi Railway, which connects to Karatsu and Imari. Tickets for this train can be purchased at any ticket office on the railway system.
Line 1 (Kuko) shares Hakata station with the JR Shinkansen (Bullet Train).

Rules:

The official website of the Fukuoka Railway offers a number of recommendations:

For safety reasons, board the train calmly and avoid rushing.
Be considerate when choosing a seat and give priority to the elderly, children and pregnant women.
Do not use mobile phones on the train.
Avoid shouting or making unnecessary noises that may disturb others.

Note: Japanese culture considers making noises in public spaces to be impolite, so it is important to avoid talking loudly, using cellphones, whistling, or making any noise that may inconvenience others.

Tips and Advice:

All announcements indicating the next station are in both Japanese and English.
Trains on the Kuko and Kaizuka lines stop at the same platforms between Meinohama and Tenjin stations. Make sure you get on the right train.
Tickets for KR Chikuhi and Nishitetsu Kaizuka trains can be purchased from any ticket machine at stations within the three sections.

Random Facts:

All sections of the train operate on an automated system, but drivers are still present as a precaution.
Each station on the three lines of the Fukuoka Railway has a unique logo, which can be used in conjunction with the station name and number to locate a station.
The one-day and two-day passes offer discounts at various local establishments, such as a 10% discount at shops and restaurants. Promotions may vary depending on the season, but full information can be found on the official Fukuoka Railway website.
The Fukuoka Railway is the only train in Japan with a station directly connected to an airport, making Fukuoka Airport easily accessible.

Future Expansions:

A project is currently underway to extend the Nanakuma line by 1.6 kilometres, connecting Tenjin-Minami with Hakata station via the city’s canal. The project was approved in 2014 and is expected to be completed by 2020.

Connection with the Airport:

The Kuko line (Line #1) has a station directly connected to the airport, making access easy and inexpensive. There is no extra charge for travelling to the airport. The journey from the airport to Hakata station (Line 1) takes 5 minutes, while the journey to Tenjin can take 11 minutes.

In addition to convenient access from the airport, visitors arriving in Fukuoka by Shinkansen (bullet train) can get off at JR Hakata Station. This station has two levels: one connected to the JR station and the other to the Hakata station. To change trains between the two stations, simply go to the other floor.

Sights to See by Train:

With over 2,000 years of history, Fukuoka has a wealth of historical sites, museums and scenery for tourists to explore. Here are some of the most famous tourist attractions accessible by the railway system:

Tenjin Shopping Mall: This underground mall outside Tenjin Station is famous for its many shops, restaurants and ancient shrines. It connects Tenjin Station on the Kuko Line with Tenjin-Minami Station on the Nanakuma Line.
Ohori and Maizuru Parks: These adjacent parks offer various tourist attractions. Ohori Park has a lake that was once part of the moat of a famous castle and offers beautiful scenery, a Japanese garden and the Fukuoka Museum of Fine Arts. Maizuru Park is located near the ruins of Fukuoka’s ancient castle. Both parks are just a few minutes from Ohori station on the Kuko Line.
Kushida Shrine: This beautiful Shinto shrine is one of the oldest in Fukuoka and is a 5-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata and Gion stations on the Kuko Line.
Yatai: Yatai are food stalls that open in the evening and offer a variety of typical Fukuoka dishes such as Hakata ramen. Yatai can be found in the Nakasu and Tenjin wards, which can be reached via their respective stations.
Shofukuji and Tochoji Temples: Shofukuji Temple is one of the first Buddhist Zen temples in Japan, while Tochoji Temple is famous for its 10.8 metre high wooden Buddha statue. Both temples are a 5-minute walk from Gion Station on the Kuko Line.
Hakata Canal City: Canal City is a five-storey complex divided by an artificial canal. Its unique design and vibrant colours make it one of the most popular shopping spots for tourists.
Momochi: Overlooking the sea, the Momochi area has become a major tourist destination with its beaches, museums, restaurants and shops. The main attractions are located near Fukuoka Tower.