Fukuoka is famously known as a “15-minute city” because of its compact size and incredibly efficient transport network. For families, this is a huge advantage. Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, where transit maps can look like bowls of tangled spaghetti, Fukuoka’s system is logical, approachable, and manageable—even with toddlers and strollers in tow.
However, moving between the subway lines and the extensive bus network does come with a learning curve. Knowing how to handle fares, where to find elevators, and which tickets save you the most money can turn a chaotic commute into a smooth ride.
This guide breaks down everything parents need to know about navigating Fukuoka with Kids: The Ultimate Travel Guide (Food, Transport, Tips), covering the subway, the Nishitetsu bus system, and the smartest ways to pay.
The Basics: Ages and Fares
Before you buy a ticket, it is important to understand how “Child” and “Infant” categories work in Fukuoka, as they determine how much you pay.
- Infant (1–5 years old): Generally free. Up to two infants can travel for free with one paying adult. If you have three children under six with you, the third child will need a child ticket.
- Child (6–11 years old / Elementary School): Pays the “Child Fare,” which is typically half of the adult fare.
- Adult (12+ years old): Pays full fare.
Note: If your 6-year-old has not yet started elementary school (e.g., in March before the school year starts in April), they are often still considered an infant for transport purposes in Japan.
Mastering the Fukuoka City Subway
The Fukuoka City Subway is the lifeline for most visitors. It is fast, punctual, and easy to navigate with English signage at every station.
The Three Lines You Need to Know
- Kuko (Airport) Line (Orange): The most important line for tourists. It connects Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Station (Shinkansen), Tenjin (City Center), and Meinohama.
- Nanakuma Line (Green): Recently extended to connect directly to Hakata Station. It is essential for reaching the Fukuoka City Zoo, Ropponmatsu Science Museum, and the Hashimoto area.
- Hakozaki Line (Blue): Connects Tenjin to the eastern side of the city.
Best Value: The “100 Yen Pass” for Kids
This is the best-kept secret for families visiting Fukuoka. On weekends, national holidays, and during long school breaks (Spring, Summer, and Winter holidays), elementary school children can ride the subway all day for just 100 Yen.
- What it is: A 1-Day Pass for elementary schoolers (Chika Pass).
- Cost: 100 JPY.
- Where to buy: At the ticket machines. Look for the “Elementary School Student 100 Yen Pass” button on the screen (often highlighted on weekends).
- Why it’s great: A single ride usually costs 110–190 yen for a child. This pass pays for itself in one trip!
For Parents: Credit Card Contactless Payment
You likely do not need to buy a paper ticket. Fukuoka City Subway now accepts contactless credit card payments (Visa, Amex, JCB, etc.) at the ticket gates. You simply tap your credit card or smartphone (if your card is in your digital wallet) on the reader.
Bonus: The system automatically caps your daily fare at 640 Yen (the price of a 1-Day Pass). You never have to worry about overpaying, no matter how many times you ride.
Strollers on the Subway
Every subway station in Fukuoka is equipped with elevators. The paths are generally wide and barrier-free.
- Tip: Look for the yellow floor blocks and elevator icons on the platform floor; they indicate exactly where the elevator doors will open, so you don’t have to sprint down the platform when the train arrives.
- For a deeper dive into barrier-free routes, check our guide on How to Get Around Fukuoka with a Stroller.
Conquering the Nishitetsu Bus
While the subway is great for speed, it doesn’t go everywhere. To reach major family spots like the Fukuoka Tower, TeamLab Forest, or Marine World via ferry terminal, you will likely use the green-and-white Nishitetsu Buses.
How to Board and Pay
The bus system in Fukuoka works differently than in many western countries.
- Board at the REAR: Always enter through the back door (or middle door).
- Take a Ticket: As you board, take a small white paper ticket (called a Seiriken) from the machine by the door. It will have a number on it (e.g., “5”).
- Watch the Screen: At the front of the bus, a screen displays fare numbers. If your ticket is “5”, you pay the amount shown under number 5 on the screen.
- Pay at the FRONT: When you get off, put your exact change and the paper ticket into the fare box next to the driver.
Note: If you use an IC Card, you just tap on at the rear when boarding and tap off at the front when exiting. You do not need a paper ticket.
The “50 Yen Bus” Campaign
Similar to the subway, Nishitetsu Bus runs a fantastic campaign for kids. On weekends and school holidays, the child fare is capped at 50 Yen per ride for elementary school students.
- How to use it: When you exit the bus, tell the driver “Shogakusei desu” (I am an elementary school student) and drop 50 yen into the box.
- Important: If you use an IC card (Nimoca) during this campaign, it will deduct the normal fare, and the difference is returned as “points” later. For tourists, paying cash is much simpler to get the instant 50 yen rate.
Payment Methods: IC Cards vs. Cash
For families staying more than a few days, getting an IC Card (transit card) is highly recommended. It saves you from handling coins and buying individual tickets for every ride.
Buying a Child IC Card
Adult IC cards can be bought at any ticket machine, but Child IC Cards (which automatically deduct half-fare) require registration.
- Where to buy: Subway ticket offices (Hakata, Tenjin, Airport) or JR Ticket Offices.
- What you need: You must present the child’s passport to prove their age.
- The Card: You will get a personalized card (Hayakaken, Sugoca, or Nimoca) printed with your child’s name.
For a full explanation of how to buy, charge, and use these cards, read our dedicated guide: Using IC Cards in Fukuoka with Kids: Easy Transport for Family Travel.
When to Use Cash?
While IC cards are convenient, remember the special weekend deals mentioned above (100 yen subway pass, 50 yen bus ride). These often require cash or purchasing a specific physical ticket at the machine.
- Weekday strategy: Use IC Cards for speed.
- Weekend strategy: Buy the 100 Yen Pass (Subway) or use 50 Yen coins (Bus) to save money.
Practical Tips for Stress-Free Travel
Getting to the City
Your first transport experience will likely be leaving the airport. Fukuoka is unique because the airport is geographically located inside the city.
- Subway: The domestic terminal is directly connected to the subway. If you land internationally, you must take a free shuttle bus to the domestic terminal to catch the train.
- Bus: Direct buses run from the International Terminal to Hakata and Tenjin.
- For detailed instructions on this first leg of your trip, see Getting from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata and Tenjin with Kids: The Complete Family Guide.
Avoiding the “Crush”
Fukuoka’s rush hour is real. The Kuko (Airport) Line between Hakata and Tenjin becomes extremely crowded from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
- If you are traveling with a stroller or small children during these times, try to use the very first or very last car of the train, which are often slightly less packed.
- On buses, drivers may ask you to fold your stroller if the bus is overcrowded. It helps to have a lightweight travel stroller and to keep your bags organized so you can fold up quickly if needed.
Priority Seats
Both trains and buses have “Priority Seats” (usually marked with different colored fabric or stickers). In Japan, it is culturally expected that you give up these seats to elderly passengers, expectant mothers, or passengers with disabilities. However, small children are generally welcomed to sit here if the seats are empty, but be ready to have them stand or sit on your lap if the train fills up.
Station Conveniences
- Toilets: Every subway station has clean, free toilets, almost always with a multi-purpose stall large enough for a stroller and equipped with a diaper changing table.
- Elevators: While reliable, subway elevators can sometimes be located at only one end of the platform. Check the station map (usually posted on pillars) when you get off the train to avoid walking the wrong way.
Fukuoka’s public transport is a clean, safe, and efficient way to see the city. With the cheap weekend fares for kids and the ease of contactless payments for parents, you can zip from the zoo to the beach without the stress of driving or parking.