Planning a family trip to Fukuoka? With temples, museums, riverside parks, and seaside adventures, it’s a city packed with easy-to-reach fun. But when it comes to saving time and money on transportation, should you go with the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass or the Fukuoka Subway Pass? Both offer unlimited rides for a day, but they work very differently, and one might be a better fit for your family’s adventure.
In this guide, we compare the two passes side by side to help you figure out which one works best for your plans, whether you’re spending a day in central Fukuoka or heading out to Dazaifu.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase, it’s at no extra cost to you… when you book through our links, you help support LuNi Travels and the family guides we create!
| Fukuoka Tourist City Pass | Fukuoka Subway 1-Day Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ¥1,500 (Adult), ¥750 (Child) | ¥640 (Adult), ¥320 (Child) |
| Transport Coverage | Subway + Nishitetsu Trains + Buses | Subway only |
| Attractions Discounts | Yes – at museums, cruises, and landmarks | No |
| Validity | 1 calendar day | 1 calendar day |
| Best For | Day trips, museum hopping, exploring wider Fukuoka | Short city travel, hot/cold weather flexibility |
Fukuoka Tourist City Pass Overview
- Covers the Fukuoka City Subway, Nishitetsu trains, and Nishitetsu buses
- Ideal for day trips to Dazaifu or travel across Hakata, Tenjin, and Ohori
- Includes discounts at select attractions, such as Fukuoka Tower, Fukuoka City Museum, and Fukuoka Art Museum
Fukuoka Subway 1-Day Pass Overview
- Covers only the Fukuoka City Subway system
- Works best for families staying in central areas like Tenjin or Momochi
- Easy, straightforward, and a budget-friendly choice for short city days
Best Pass for These Family Itineraries
Choose the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass if:
- You’re taking a day trip to Dazaifu or Yanagawa
- You want to visit multiple attractions, like the Fukuoka Tower and Kyushu National Museum
- You’ll ride both trains and buses, or hop between Tenjin, Ohori, and Hakata
- You want bonus discounts at museums or sightseeing cruises
Choose the Fukuoka Subway Pass if:
- You’re staying in central Fukuoka (Tenjin, Hakata, Ohori)
- Your plan includes mostly indoor activities like TeamLab, museums, and food halls
- You’re traveling light with toddlers and want simple, quick rides
- You don’t need trains or buses and just want to get around on the subway
Where to Buy Each Pass
Both passes are easy to purchase once you arrive in Fukuoka, but can also be bought online. When you book through our links, it helps support LuNi Travels at no extra cost to you!
Luca & Nico’s Tip: If your day includes Dazaifu, multiple transport lines, or attraction discounts, the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass usually pays off, especially if you’re visiting more than two places outside of central Fukuoka!
FAQ: Choosing the Right Fukuoka Transport Pass
Confused about which Fukuoka pass to choose for your family trip? These answers break down the most common questions about the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass and Subway Pass to help you travel
A: The Fukuoka Tourist City Pass includes unlimited rides on subways, Nishitetsu trains, and buses, plus attraction discounts. The Fukuoka Subway 1-Day Pass covers subway rides only and is ideal for central city travel.
A: Yes, it’s great for families visiting Dazaifu, taking multiple transport types, or planning to visit several attractions in a single day. It also includes discounts at museums and sightseeing spots.
A: No, the Subway Pass does not cover Nishitetsu train lines to Dazaifu. For that, you’ll need the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass.
A: The Tourist City Pass is available at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, and select hotels. The Subway Pass can be purchased at subway station vending machines or counters.
A: Yes. Children aged 6 to 11 qualify for child fares with both the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass and the Fukuoka Subway Pass. Kids under 6 usually ride free with an accompanying adult.
A: Yes, both the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass and the Fukuoka Subway Pass cover subway rides to and from Fukuoka Airport Station, making them convenient options for airport transfers.
A: The Fukuoka Subway 1-Day Pass is ideal for rainy weather, since most popular indoor attractions are easily accessible by subway without the need for outdoor transfers.
A: No, the pass does not include JR trains. It only covers Fukuoka Subway, Nishitetsu trains, and Nishitetsu buses.
Until Next Time…
Whether your family is diving into samurai history at Dazaifu or hopping between hands-on exhibits in Hakata, the right Fukuoka pass makes everything easier. Choose wisely, and you’ll unlock more of the city without overspending on transit.
Need help planning the rest of your Fukuoka stay?
Check out our Fukuoka Family Travel Guide for tips on what to pack, how to get around, and when to visit. Or head to our Fukuoka Family Travel Hub Page to explore every itinerary, attraction, and rainy-day adventure in one place!
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
