Located almost in the center of Hokkaido, Asahikawa is the second most populous city after Sapporo. Easily accessible from Sapporo, you can get there by JR train, bus, or rental car. Here's a detailed guide to travel times, fares, and more for each option.

The Classic Choice: JR Trains and Their Special Discount Tickets

The JR train is the classic way to travel from Sapporo to Asahikawa. Two types of limited express trains, the "Kamui" and the "Lilac," operate on this route, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. A standard one-way ticket costs 4,910 yen for a non-reserved seat and 5,440 yen for a reserved seat. However, you can travel for less by using special discount tickets.

45% Off with Advance Online Booking: "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne 1"

By booking your JR ticket through the "Ekinet" website, you can purchase a reserved seat ticket at a 45% discount off the regular price. If you know your travel time in advance, booking through Ekinet is highly recommended.

Round-Trip Discount from Ticket Machines: "S-Kippu"

If you're making a round trip between Sapporo and Asahikawa by JR, the "S-Kippu" is a popular choice. You can purchase the S-Kippu from station ticket vending machines before you board.

Should You Reserve a Seat on the JR Train?

The "Limited Express Lilac" that connects Sapporo and Asahikawa has 2 non-reserved cars out of a 6-car train, while the "Limited Express Kamui" has 2 non-reserved cars out of a 5-car train. If you want to be sure of getting a seat, it's a good idea to purchase a reserved seat ticket. The "S-Kippu" is a round-trip ticket for non-reserved seats, but you can reserve a seat by paying an additional 530 yen (one way) at a ticket machine or the Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket office).

① At the reserved seat ticket machine, select "Discount Tickets" (おトクなきっぷ).

② Select "Add seat reservation to coupon/discount ticket" (回数券・おトクなきっぷに座席指定) to add a reservation to your purchased S-Kippu.

*Note: Only the "orange" S-Kippu tickets purchased from reserved seat ticket machines can be used for seat reservations at the machine. If you have a "green" S-Kippu, please go to the Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket office) to reserve your seat.

The Budget-Friendly Option: Expressway Bus

The Chuo Bus "Highway Asahikawa-go" operates from "Bus Stop No. 2," located on the west side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building, about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The journey takes about 2 hours on the summer schedule and about 2 hours and 30 minutes on the winter schedule.

Round-trip tickets can be purchased at the ticket office located behind the bus stop.

Enjoy the Drive and Service Areas: Car/Rental Car

If you're driving from central Sapporo via the expressway, take the Sasson Expressway from the Sapporo-Kita IC and get off at the Asahikawa-Takasu IC. The drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the expressway toll is 3,800 yen.

Along the way, we recommend taking a break at the Iwamizawa SA (Service Area) or Sunagawa SA to enjoy meals and shopping. The "Sunagawa Highway Oasis," accessible from the Sunagawa SA, offers Hokkaido gourmet food, soft-serve ice cream, local vegetables, and more.

Choose Your Ride and Enjoy the Journey

In Asahikawa, you can enjoy popular attractions like the Asahiyama Zoo and delicious food like Asahikawa ramen, as well as beautiful scenery. It's also a great base for accessing Biei and Furano. If you're coming to Asahikawa from outside Hokkaido, flying directly into "Asahikawa Airport" from airports like Haneda is another option. Choose the method that best suits your schedule and budget, and enjoy your trip!

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