Hello, I’m Sachi.
If you’re arriving at Fukuoka Airport and planning to visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, this article will guide you step by step.
Here, I’ll explain exactly how to get from Fukuoka Airport to Dazaifu—whether by direct bus, subway, or train.
With this access guide, even first-time visitors can travel smoothly and enjoy their trip to one of Japan’s most famous shrines.
Planning to visit Dazaifu from Hakata Station? Click here for the full guide.
✨ Comparison: Two Main Routes from Fukuoka Airport to Dazaifu
| Route | Travel Time | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Bus “Dazaifu Liner Tabito” (from Fukuoka Airport International Terminal) | ~40 minutes | ~600 yen | No transfers, easy access directly to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine | Often full (bus may already be full from Hakata Station) |
| Train Route (Subway + Nishitetsu Line) | ~50–60 minutes | ~850 yen | Frequent trains, reliable, almost always available | Multiple transfers, less convenient with luggage |
Note: Train route cost breakdown = Subway ¥260 + Nishitetsu ¥420 + Dazaifu Line ¥170.
Note: The fares shown are based on information as of October 2025 and may change in the future.
Route 1: Direct Bus “Dazaifu Liner Tabito” from Fukuoka Airport International Terminal
If you arrive at the International Terminal of Fukuoka Airport, the most convenient way to reach Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is by taking the direct bus called “Dazaifu Liner Tabito.” This bus goes straight to Dazaifu without any transfers.
Where to Board the Bus
The bus stop is located just outside the International Terminal.
Look for the signs showing “Dazaifu Liner Tabito.”
The buses are easy to recognize, often decorated with colorful designs related to Dazaifu.
Timetable & Frequency
- Weekdays: about 28 buses per day
- Weekends & holidays: about 37 buses per day
- No reservation required — simply line up and pay when you board.
Ticket & Payment
The fare is about 600 yen (one way).
You can pay with cash or use an IC card (like Suica, Pasmo, or local cards such as Nimoca).
Pros & Cons of the Tabito Bus
Pros:
- The easiest way to go from Fukuoka Airport to Dazaifu
- Direct service to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine without transfers
- Comfortable ride with sightseeing information onboard
Cons:
- Seats are limited, and buses often get full before they even arrive at the airport.
- Since the bus starts from Hakata Station, there’s a chance it will already be full when it reaches the International Terminal.
This photo was taken on a weekday afternoon at Hakata Station, showing travelers lining up for the Dazaifu Liner Tabito bus. The boarding point is under the sign No. 11 in the distance, and the line actually stretched even further back.
Since Hakata Station is the bus’s starting point, the seats are often almost full by the time it reaches the airport.
Travel Tip
If the bus is already full and you cannot board, don’t worry!
You can take the free shuttle bus to the Domestic Terminal and then switch to the train route (Subway + Nishitetsu Line) explained in Route 2 below.
Route 2: Subway + Nishitetsu Train
If you cannot take the direct bus, or if you arrive at the Domestic Terminal, the other reliable way to reach Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is by using the subway and Nishitetsu train.
This route involves several transfers, but trains are frequent and you can almost always get a seat.
0. Transfer from International Terminal to Domestic Terminal (Free Shuttle Bus)
If you arrive at the International Terminal of Fukuoka Airport, first take the free shuttle bus to the Domestic Terminal.
The shuttle runs every few minutes and takes about 10 minutes.
Once you arrive at the Domestic Terminal, you can directly access Fukuoka Airport Subway Station to continue your journey.
1. Fukuoka City Subway (Fukuoka Airport Station → Tenjin Station)
From the Domestic Terminal, go to Fukuoka Airport Subway Station.
Take any train bound for Meinohama, Chikuzen-Maebaru, or the rapid service to Nishikaratsu.
- Travel time: about 10–12 minutes
- Fare: ¥260
Inside the Domestic Terminal, here’s how to reach the subway:
First, head toward Arrivals / South.
Near that area, you’ll find an escalator going down to the basement.
Take it, and you’ll arrive directly at the subway station entrance.
Next, purchase a ticket to Tenjin from the ticket machine and board the train.
You can take any train bound for Meinohama, Chikuzen-Maebaru, or Nishikaratsu, as all of them stop at Tenjin.
Just be careful not to miss your stop at Tenjin!
2. Walk from Subway Tenjin Station to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station
After arriving at Tenjin Station on the subway, you need to walk to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.
The walk takes about 8 minutes.
The route is well-signposted, so it’s not difficult to follow.
(We will introduce this walking route with photos in a separate article.)
3. Nishitetsu Tenjin-Ōmuta Line (Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) → Nishitetsu Futsukaichi)
At Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, transfer to the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Ōmuta Line.
It’s best to take a Limited Express (Tokkyu) or Express (Kyuko) train.
- Travel time: about 15–16 minutes
- Fare: ¥420
(You can also take a local train, but it will take around 24–28 minutes.)
4. Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line (Nishitetsu Futsukaichi → Dazaifu Station)
From Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station, transfer to the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line.
Want to know how to transfer at Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station? ⇒Check this page
- Travel time: about 8 minutes
- Fare: ¥170
Once you arrive at Dazaifu Station, it’s only a 5-minute walk to the entrance of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
As soon as you step outside the station, you will see the lively approach street (sando) leading directly to the shrine, lined with souvenir shops and cafés.
The station itself is also worth a look — its red-and-white interior and exterior design are inspired by Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, making it a charming first impression of your visit.
Which Route Should You Choose?
Both the direct bus “Dazaifu Liner Tabito” and the subway + Nishitetsu train route are good ways to reach Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine from Fukuoka Airport.
Which one you choose depends on your travel style:
- Choose the Direct Bus (Tabito Liner) if you want the easiest and most direct route with no transfers. It’s perfect for first-time visitors.
However, keep in mind that buses often get full, especially on weekends and holidays. - Choose the Train Route (Subway + Nishitetsu) if you want a reliable option that runs frequently. Even during busy times, you can always board a train. It does involve more transfers, but it’s the safest choice if you don’t want to risk missing the bus.
👉 Our recommendation: Try the Tabito Bus first, and if it’s full, switch to the train route. Either way, you’ll arrive in Dazaifu in less than an hour!
✨ Closing Message
I hope this guide helps you travel smoothly from Fukuoka Airport to Dazaifu.
Wishing you a wonderful trip filled with memories!
– Sachi 🌸
幸おおい大宰府旅行になりますように！⛩️
Sachiより♪
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