Rent a Car at Kitakyūshū-shi Airport (KKJ)

Kitakyushu Airport (KKJ) is an artificial island airport in the Kanda district, located approximately 30 km east of Kokura city center. With a rental car from the airport, you can reach the Mojiko Retro district in 25 minutes and Fukuoka city center in approximately 60 minutes via expressway. Two rental companies are available in the arrivals hall.

The airport sits on the Suo Sea and is known for its unique design that minimizes noise disturbance. Kitakyushu is the northernmost city on Kyushu and offers industrial history at the Yahata Steel Works, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kanmon Strait and the bridge to Honshu are reached in 30 minutes.

Rent a larger car if you plan to visit Aso Volcano, which is located just over 2 hours to the south. Avoid rush hour traffic on Kitakyushu Expressway on weekdays 07-09. Check whether your rental company includes an ETC card for automatic expressway payment.

How long does it take to drive from KKJ to Fukuoka city center? Approximately 55-65 minutes via Kyushu Expressway, depending on traffic. Is the airport open 24 hours for car rental?

No, the rental desks follow airport opening hours, typically 07:00-21:00. Can I return the car in Fukuoka instead of at KKJ? Yes, both rental companies offer one-way rentals to Fukuoka for an additional fee of approximately 3,000-5,000 yen.

We compare prices from all major providers at Kitakyūshū-shi Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.