When thinking of classic tourist destinations in Hokkaido, Sapporo and Otaru immediately come to mind. The distance between Sapporo and Otaru is surprisingly short, only about 40 kilometers, making it easy for many travelers to plan an itinerary that includes both cities. You can travel between Sapporo and Otaru by JR train, bus, or rental car. Here's a detailed look at the travel times and fares for each option.

The Standard Choice for Sapporo-Otaru Travel: The JR Train

The JR train is the most common way to travel from Sapporo to Otaru. The journey takes about 30 minutes on the "Rapid Airport" train and about 46 minutes on a local train. The fare is 800 yen. The "Rapid Airport" train connects New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, and Otaru, so you can also travel directly from New Chitose Airport to Otaru via Sapporo. This trip takes as little as 73 minutes and costs 2,040 yen.

A Cheaper Option with More Stops: The Bus

To travel from Sapporo to Otaru by bus, you can take the Chuo Bus "Highway Otaru-go" from bus stop number 1, located on the west side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building, about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The trip takes about 1 hour, and there are generally no rest stops. (If a passenger requests a stop, the bus may pull over at the Kanayama Parking Area.) The fare is 730 yen for a one-way ticket and 1,360 yen for a round trip.

The "Highway Otaru-go" has three routes: via Hokkaido University, via Maruyama, and via Boyodai. The Hokkaido University and Maruyama routes go to Otaru Station, but please be aware that the Boyodai route terminates at Otaru Chikko Station and does not stop at Otaru Station.

A Leisurely Drive on Long, Straight Roads: Car/Rental Car

If you're driving from central Sapporo using the expressway, take the Sasson Expressway from the Sapporo-kita IC and get off at the Otaru IC. From the Otaru IC, it's about a 10-minute drive to the city center, where Otaru Station and the Otaru Canal are located. The total travel time is about 42 minutes, and the expressway toll from Sapporo-kita IC to Otaru IC is 1,240 yen. Alternatively, if you use regular roads, you can take National Route 5, and the journey will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes. When parking near the Otaru Canal, it is recommended to use a paid parking lot.

Round Trips are Possible Even for 2 or 3-Day Stays!

Even in the vast expanse of Hokkaido, Sapporo and Otaru are relatively easy to travel between, making it convenient to visit Otaru as a side trip from Sapporo, or vice versa. In Otaru, you can enjoy the nostalgic, historic townscape, including the Otaru Canal, or savor the local cuisine. We recommend trying the sushi and kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) unique to a port town, as well as the local specialty, ankake yakisoba (fried noodles with a thick, starchy sauce). We hope you'll plan a wonderful stay!

※All information is current as of September 2025.
※All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.