Sapporo and Otaru are the most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido. The distance between Sapporo and Otaru is surprisingly short, about 40 kilometers, and many people plan their trip to visit both cities. There are JR trains, buses, and rental cars to travel between Sapporo and Otaru. We will introduce the details of each method, such as travel time and prices.

JR is the standard way to travel between Sapporo and Otaru

The standard way to travel from Sapporo to Otaru is by JR. Travel time between Sapporo and Otaru using JR is about 30 minutes on the "Rapid Airport" and about 46 minutes on a local train. The fare is 800 yen. The "Rapid Airport" connects New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, and Otaru, so you can also travel directly from New Chitose Airport to Otaru via Sapporo. In that case, the fastest travel time is about 73 minutes. The fare is 2,040 yen.

Cheaper fares and fewer stops along the way: "Bus"

To travel from Sapporo to Otaru by bus, take the Chuo Bus "Kosoku 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 along the way, 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" has three routes: via Hokkaido University, via Maruyama, and via Boyodai. The routes via Hokkaido University and Maruyama go to Otaru Station, but please note that the route via Boyodai ends at Otaru Chikko Station and does not stop at Otaru Station.

A leisurely drive on a long straight road "Car/Rental Car"

If you are traveling on the highway from central Sapporo, get on the Sasson Expressway at Sapporo Kita IC and get off at Otaru IC. It takes about 10 minutes from Otaru IC to the center where Otaru Station and 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 general road, use National Route 5, and the travel time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. When parking around Otaru Canal, we recommend using a paid parking lot.

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

Even in the vast expanse of Hokkaido, it is relatively easy to travel between Sapporo and Otaru, so you can stop by Otaru while sightseeing in Sapporo, or vice versa. In Otaru, you can enjoy the cityscape with its nostalgic history, such as the Otaru Canal, and enjoy food such as sushi, seafood bowls, and the local gourmet dish, ankake yakisoba. Be sure to consider a wonderful stay plan.

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