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Leaving the neon food stalls of Dotonbori for the ramen counters of Hakata is an easy trip. Osaka is loud, funny and fast; Fukuoka is a relaxed coastal city where the mountains meet the sea. The Sanyo Shinkansen links the two city centres, and a short flight is the other option.
Osaka to Fukuoka by Train
Shinkansen trains leave from Shin-Osaka Station and arrive at Hakata Station in the middle of Fukuoka, so you skip airport transfers and security lines. About 74 trains a day run between the two, from around 06:00 until about 21:25. The Mizuho takes 2 hours 24 to 2 hours 28 minutes, the Nozomi 2 hours 28 to 2 hours 31 minutes and the Sakura 2 hours 33 to 2 hours 39 minutes. A Kodama that stops everywhere needs 4 hours 2 minutes to 4 hours 24 minutes.[1]
On smartEX, JR's online booking service, a reserved ordinary seat on a Hikari or Sakura costs ¥15,080 and an unreserved seat ¥14,750 (regular season, prices as of April 2025).[2][3] Nozomi and Mizuho prices are listed separately. A reserved seat guarantees your place, and during the major peak periods every Nozomi seat is reserved.[4]
The Japan Rail Pass does not cover the Nozomi and Mizuho. Pass holders ride the Sakura or Hikari, or buy a NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket before boarding.[5]
Osaka to Fukuoka by Flight
Flights from Osaka Itami (ITM) to Fukuoka take about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, with ANA and JAL flying through the day, and Peach flies from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in about 1 hour 25 minutes.[6] Itami is the closer of the two to central Osaka; Kansai is further out. In Fukuoka, the domestic terminal connects directly to the subway to Hakata Station and Tenjin.[7] Fares change with date and airline, so compare them when you book.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen | Shin-Osaka to Hakata | 2h 24m to 4h 24m[1] |
| Flight (Itami) | Osaka Itami to Fukuoka Airport | 1h 15m to 1h 25m[6] |
| Flight (Kansai, Peach) | Kansai International to Fukuoka Airport | 1h 25m[6] |
Tips for Traveling from Osaka to Fukuoka
- Station Location: The Shinkansen leaves from Shin-Osaka Station, not Osaka Station. Allow time for the short local train between them.
- Luggage Rules: Bags up to 160 cm in total dimensions fit at your feet or on the overhead rack. Bags of 161 to 250 cm need a seat with oversized baggage space, which you reserve when you buy your ticket at no extra charge.[8]
- Bento on Board: Pick up an ekiben, a station bento box, at Shin-Osaka before you board. It is part of the Shinkansen ritual.
- Airport Choice: If you fly, check whether your flight leaves from Itami (ITM) or Kansai (KIX) before you plan how to reach the airport.
Timetable
| Flight Osaka - Fukuoka $ 79.46–124.16 1h 10m – 1h 20m | |
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| Bus Osaka - Fukuoka $ 28.27–40.57 8h 40m – 10h 30m | |
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| Train Osaka - Fukuoka $ 68.44 2h 28m – 4h 24m | |
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| Flight Kansai Airport - Fukuoka $ 56.89–84.99 1h 20m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Osaka to Fukuoka, including current prices and schedules.
An unreserved Shinkansen seat from Shin-Osaka to Hakata costs ¥14,750 on a Hikari or Sakura (prices as of April 2025). Flight fares change with date and airline, so compare them when you book.
The Mizuho and Nozomi trains take about 2 hours 24 to 2 hours 31 minutes from Shin-Osaka to Hakata. A flight from Itami takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, but once you add the trip to the airport and security, the train is often as quick door to door.
By train it takes between about 2 hours 24 minutes (Mizuho) and 4 hours 24 minutes (Kodama). By plane it takes about 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 25 minutes in the air, plus airport transfers.
Yes, on the Sakura and Hikari trains between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. The Nozomi and Mizuho are not covered; pass holders can ride them with a NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket bought before boarding.
For flights, book as early as you can for the best fares. For the Shinkansen you can buy tickets on the day, but reserve a seat ahead during Golden Week, Obon and New Year, when trains fill up. Reserved seats go on sale one month before departure.
Itami (ITM) is closer to central Osaka and has ANA and JAL flights through the day. Kansai (KIX) is further out and has Peach flights.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] West Japan Railway Company (JR-Odekake Net): Section timetable: Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen, Tokyo to Kagoshima-Chuo. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [2] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service Prices (Reserved Seat in Ordinary Cars). Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service Prices (Non-reserved Seat in Ordinary Cars). Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [4] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): All seats on Nozomi trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen are reserved seats during the major peak periods. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [5] JAPAN RAIL PASS: Use of NOZOMI/MIZUHO trains. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [6] Fukuoka Airport: Fukuoka Airport Domestic Flight Schedule 2026/10/25 to 2026/11/30. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [7] Fukuoka Airport: Subway. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [8] West Japan Railway Company (JR West): Oversized Luggage. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.