Obihiro, a major city in Hokkaido's Tokachi region, is a popular tourist destination known for its great food, sweets, and Ban'ei horse racing. To get to Obihiro from Sapporo, you can take the JR train, a bus, or a rental car. Here's a detailed look at the travel times and fares for each option.

The Standard Choice for Sapporo-Obihiro Travel: JR Train

The JR train is the classic way to travel from Sapporo to Obihiro. The journey on the Limited Express Ōzora or the Limited Express Tokachi takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. All seats on both the Ōzora and Tokachi trains are reserved. A reserved seat costs 9,210 yen, while a Green Car (first class) seat is 12,870 yen.

Save with Ticketless Fares! How to Use "Ekinet"

Booking through the "Ekinet" website can get you significant savings compared to standard fares. Following a service renewal in March 2026, "Ticketless (smartphone boarding)" now offers the best deals.

For the Best Fares, Choose the Intercity Express Bus

Two intercity express bus services run from Sapporo to Obihiro: the "Potato Liner" and the "Obihiro Express New Star." Choose the one that best fits your travel schedule and destination to save money.

1. The "Potato Liner," Operated by 5 Companies

The "Potato Liner" is jointly operated by five companies: Hokuto Kotsu, Hokkaido Chuo Bus, JR Hokkaido Bus, Tokachi Bus, and Hokkaido Takushoku Bus. To catch the bus, go to "Bus Stop No. 4" on the west side of the Nippon Life Insurance Sapporo Building, about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The journey takes about 4 hours, including a break at the Shimukappu Parking Area.

2. Hokkaido Bus Co., Ltd.'s "Obihiro Express New Star"

The "Obihiro Express New Star," operated by Hokkaido Bus Co., Ltd., departs from Sapporo Ekimae Bus Stop No. 33 (Kita 3 Nishi 3). The trip takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes, including one 15-minute rest stop.

A Fun and Relaxing Drive by Car or Rental Car

Traveling to Obihiro by car or rental car is also very convenient, thanks to the expressway. From central Sapporo, the drive to Obihiro via the expressway from the Sapporo-minami IC to the Otofuke-Obihiro IC is about 200 kilometers and takes approximately 3 hours. The toll is 5,200 yen (for a standard car with standard ETC rates).

Enjoy Your Trip with the Travel Method That's Right for You!

Obihiro is a place where you can enjoy delicious food, unique activities, and beautiful nature. When it comes to food, the local specialty is Butadon (pork bowl). Additionally, the Ban'ei horse racing held at Obihiro Racecourse is a thrilling spectacle where large draft horses pull heavy sleds. The beautiful avenues of white birch trees are also a very popular spot.

If you are coming to Obihiro from outside Hokkaido, another option is to fly directly into Tokachi-Obihiro Airport from airports like Haneda. Choose the method that best suits your schedule and budget, and have a wonderful trip!

*All prices include tax.

*All information is current as of April 2026.
*Please note that all information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.

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