For most travelers the choice is between the Tokaido–Sanyo Shinkansen from Nagoya Station to Hakata Station (Fukuoka) or a nonstop flight from Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya) to Fukuoka Airport. The fastest bullet trains (Nozomi services that continue onto the Sanyo Shinkansen) run in about 3 hours 18 minutes on common schedules. Nonstop flights take about 1 hour 25–33 minutes in the air, and total door-to-door time can be competitive because Fukuoka Airport is inside the city with a 5–6 minute subway ride to Hakata Station. Overnight highway buses are usually the lowest price but take about 11–14 hours.
Nagoya to Fukuoka: Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Route and train types.
- You will travel Nagoya → Hakata (Fukuoka) on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen (operated by Central Japan Railway Company) continuing onto the San’yō Shinkansen (operated by West Japan Railway Company). Service types you will see include Nozomi (fastest, limited stops), Hikari/Sakura (semi-fast), and Kodama (all-stops).
- Typical journey time
- Nozomi is about 3 hours 18 minutes between Nagoya Station → Hakata (multiple departures daily). Semi-fast services take longer due to additional stops.
Luggage and Tickets
- Oversized luggage rule (important).
- If your suitcase’s length + width + height totals 160–250 centimeters, you must book a seat with an oversized-baggage area (same price as a standard reserved seat). Items over 250 centimeters are not permitted on the Tōkaidō–San’yō Shinkansen.
Why choose the Shinkansen?
It is the fastest city-center link, runs frequently through the day, and is less weather-sensitive than flying. Check JR Central status/timetable pages before travel for any disruption notices.
Nagoya to Fukuoka: Flights (Nagoya to Fukuoka)
Airlines and flight time
- Multiple carriers operate nonstop between Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO, Nagoya) and Fukuoka Airport (FUK). Typical scheduled flight time is about 1 hour 25–33 minutes.
Airport to city in Fukuoka
- From Fukuoka Airport the Fukuoka City Subway Kūkō (Airport) Line reaches Hakata Station in about 5–6 minutes for approximately ¥260; Tenjin is about 11 minutes. Trains run every few minutes.
Why choose a flight?
If flight times line up with your schedule—or you are connecting to other domestic flights—the very short transfer from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata can make the total door-to-door time competitive with the train.
Nagoya to Fukuoka: Highway Bus — Cheapest (Often Overnight)
Time and price
- Overnight and daytime services connect Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center/Sakae Oasis 21) with Fukuoka (Hakata area/Kokura). Representative schedules show about 11–14 hours depending on route and stops. Operators list seat classes from standard reclining to three-across premium, with amenities like restrooms and Wi-Fi on many services.
Why choose the bus?
Usually the lowest total price, and the overnight run can save a hotel night.
Nagoya to Fukuoka: Rent a Car
Route and time
- Typical expressway routes via the San’yō Expressway and connecting corridors run roughly 8.5–9.5 hours in normal conditions (750–760 kilometers), plus distance-based tolls. Use the official NEXCO expressway route and fare search to estimate your exact costs before deciding.
Why choose to drive?
You specifically want a road-trip with detours; otherwise, the train or a flight is faster and simpler.
Nagoya to Fukuoka: Quick Comparisons
Option | Typical time | Typical cost | Advantages | Trade-offs |
Shinkansen (Nozomi fastest) | ~3 h 18 m station-to-station | Market rail fares | Fastest city-center link; frequent; reliable | More expensive than bus; oversized-bag seat required for 160–250 cm luggage |
Flight (NGO ⇄ FUK) | ~1 h 25–33 m in the air; ~2.5–3.5 h door-to-door | Promo-dependent | Many daily flights; airport-to-Hakata subway 5–6 m | Airport time; weather and congestion risk |
Highway bus (often overnight) | ~11–14 h | Usually the lowest | Cheapest; saves a hotel night | Long ride; comfort varies by operator |
Rental car | ~8.5–9.5 h | Fuel + tolls | Maximum flexibility for detours | Tolls/parking; city traffic and navigation |
Nagoya to Fukuoka: How to Book
Shinkansen (bullet train)
- On Trip.com:
- Pick Nagoya Station → Hakata (Fukuoka)
***Refunds are available between 8:00 - 20:00 (GMT)
- Pick Nagoya Station → Hakata (Fukuoka)
- Where to buy train tickets: Purchase seats on the official Shinkansen Travel Site or SmartEX (English available). You can change your reservation up to 4 minutes before departure provided you have not entered the gates. If your suitcase totals 160–250 centimeters, select a seat with an oversized-baggage area; items over 250 centimeters are not permitted.
Flights (Nagoya ⇄ Fukuoka)
- On Trip.com:
- Search Nagoya → Fukuoka nonstops, filter flights and look for any airport transfers.
- After you land at Fukuoka Airport: Take the Fukuoka City Subway Kiko Line to Hakata Station in about 5–6 minutes (around ¥260). Trains run every few minutes.
Highway bus
- On Trip.com:
Decide between daytime or overnight coaches. - Where to buy bus tickets: Long-distance buses are typically sold by operators or national aggregators; compare seat types, amenities (restroom, power, blanket, Wi-Fi where available), and complete payment on the operator’s site.
Rental car
- On Trip.com:
Compare car rentals in Nagoya and Fukuoka. - Before you drive: Use the NEXCO expressway route and fare search to estimate tolls, check parking at your destination hotel, and confirm International Driving Permit requirements if applicable.
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Nagoya to Fukuoka FAQs
How long is the bullet train from Nagoya to Fukuoka (Hakata)?
Representative Nozomi schedules show about 3 hours 18 minutes station-to-station. Semi-fast services take longer.How do I get from Fukuoka Airport to central Fukuoka?
Ride the Fukuoka City Subway Kūkō Line to Hakata Station in about 5–6 minutes (about ¥260) or continue to Tenjin in about 11 minutes.How long is the drive from Nagoya to Fukuoka?
Plan roughly 8.5–9.5 hours in normal conditions, plus distance-based tolls; confirm your exact route and fees with the NEXCO route/fare search before you go.Is flying faster than trains from Nagoya to Fukuoka?
Sometimes. The flight is about 1 hour 25–33 minutes, and the airport-to-Hakata subway takes about 5–6 minutes, so total time can be around 2.5–3.5 hours depending on check-in and transfers.