Hakodate, a port city in southern Hokkaido, is a popular tourist destination with an exotic atmosphere. If you're visiting Hakodate after Sapporo on your Hokkaido trip, you have several transportation options: JR train, bus, plane, or rental car. Here's a detailed guide to the travel times, fares, and more for each option.

The Classic Choice for Sapporo-Hakodate Travel: JR Train

The JR train is the classic way to travel from Sapporo to Hakodate. The journey on the Limited Express Hokuto takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes. All seats on the Limited Express Hokuto are reserved. A standard seat costs 9,770 yen, while a Green Car (first class) seat is 13,430 yen.

Convenient and Ticketless with Ekinet's "Toku-da-ne" Deals

As of March 2026, the discounts on the "Ekinet" booking website have become even more user-friendly. We recommend the "Ticketless Limited Express Ticket," which turns your smartphone into your ticket.

The Budget-Friendly Option: Intercity Highway Bus

Two intercity highway bus services run from Sapporo to Hakodate: the "Highway Hakodate-go" and the "Hakodate Express New Star." Choose the one that best fits your itinerary and destination to save money.

"Highway Hakodate-go" [Service to New Chitose Airport starts April 2026]

The "Highway Hakodate-go," operated by Hokuto Kotsu, Hokkaido Chuo Bus, and Hakodate Bus, departs from "Sapporo Ekimae Stop 4," located on the west side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building, about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. Some buses now stop at New Chitose Airport, making connections with flights smoother. The journey takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes, including a break at Usuzan Service Area (daytime buses only).

Hokkaido Bus Co., Ltd. "Hakodate Express New Star"

The "Hakodate Express New Star" by Hokkaido Bus Co., Ltd. departs from the Sapporo Ekimae bus stop "No. 33" (Kita 3 Nishi 3). The journey takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes, including a break of over 30 minutes at a parking area.

A Leisurely Drive with Fun Stops: Car/Rental Car

If you're driving from central Sapporo to Hakodate via the expressway, you'll get on the Hokkaido Expressway at Sapporo-minami IC, pass through Tomakomai, Noboribetsu, and Muroran, and get off at Onuma Koen IC. After exiting the expressway, take National Route 5 and the Hakodate Shindo. The distance is about 310 km, and the journey takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes. The expressway toll is 6,120 yen (for a standard car, regular fare).

A great place to take a break is the Usuzan Service Area. Here, you can enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Usu and Uchiura Bay. On a clear day, the panoramic scenery is perfect for taking photos. You can also savor delicious Hokkaido ingredients, such as a ginger pork set meal made with "Kogane-ton," a local brand of pork from Date City, or soy sauce ramen made with 100% Hokkaido wheat noodles. It's also one of the few places with gas and electric vehicle charging stations.

Fly to Hakodate Airport

If you want to get there as quickly as possible, flying from Sapporo Okadama Airport to Hakodate Airport is incredibly convenient. It takes about 40 minutes to get from central Sapporo to Okadama Airport. Another appeal of Hakodate is its airport's proximity to the city center, which is only about a 20-minute ride away. You can also fly directly to Hakodate Airport from other airports like Haneda.

In Hakodate, you can stroll through the Motomachi area with its historic buildings and gaze at the beautiful star shape of Goryokaku Park from Goryokaku Tower. At night, enjoy the famous night view from Mt. Hakodate and savor fresh local seafood! Why not find the perfect trip that fits your budget and schedule?

*All prices include tax.

*All information is current as of April 2026. Information may change, so please check official websites for the latest details.