Sapporo and Otaru are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido. The distance between Sapporo and Otaru is surprisingly short, at about 40 kilometers, and many people plan their trips to visit both cities. There are several ways to travel between Sapporo and Otaru, including JR trains, buses, and rental cars. We will introduce details such as travel times and fares for each option.

JR is the standard way to travel between Sapporo and Otaru

The standard way to travel from Sapporo to Otaru is by JR. The JR travel time between Sapporo and Otaru is approximately 30 minutes on the Rapid Airport train, and approximately 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. The fastest travel time is approximately 73 minutes. The fare is 2,040 yen.

Buses are cheap and have no stops along the way

To travel by bus from Sapporo to Otaru, take the Chuo Bus "Express Otaru-go" from bus stop number 1 on the west side of the Nippon Life Insurance Sapporo Building, about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The journey takes about an hour, and there are generally no breaks along the way. (If you would like to take a break, the bus will stop at the Kanayama Parking Area.) The fare is 730 yen one way and 1,360 yen round trip.

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

A leisurely drive on a long, straight road (car rental)

If you are traveling by highway from central Sapporo, take the Sasson Expressway from Sapporo Kita IC and exit at Otaru IC. It takes about 10 minutes from Otaru IC to the center of the city, where Otaru Station and the Otaru Canal are located. The total travel time is about 42 minutes, and the highway toll from Sapporo Kita IC to Otaru IC is 1,240 yen. If you are using a public road, take National Route 5, which takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. When parking around the Otaru Canal, we recommend using a paid parking lot.

Round trips are possible for 1 night and 2 days or 2 nights and 3 days!

Even within the vast expanse of Hokkaido, Sapporo and Otaru are relatively easy to travel between, so you can stop by Otaru while sightseeing in Sapporo, or vice versa. In Otaru, you can enjoy the nostalgic, historic cityscape, including the Otaru Canal, and enjoy the food, such as sushi and seafood bowls unique to this port town, and the local delicacy of thick, thick fried noodles. Be sure to consider planning a wonderful stay.

*All information listed is current as of September 2025. *All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.