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How to Get from Sapporo to Obihiro: A Guide to Travel Time, Fares, and Discount Tickets
Obihiro, a representative city of Hokkaido's Tokachi region, is a popular tourist destination known for its gourmet food, sweets, and Ban'ei Keiba (draft horse racing). To get to Obihiro, you can take the JR train, a bus, or a rental car. Here's a detailed look at the travel times and costs for each option.
The Standard Choice for Sapporo-Obihiro Travel: The JR Train
The JR train is the classic way to travel from Sapporo to Obihiro. The journey on the Limited Express Ozora or Limited Express Tokachi takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. All seats on the Limited Express Ozora and Tokachi are reserved. A reserved seat costs 8,120 yen, and a Green Car (first class) seat is 11,780 yen.
Get 55% Off with Online Advance Booking: "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne" Tickets
By booking your JR tickets through the "Ekinet" website, you can purchase reserved seat tickets for up to 55% off the regular price. If you know your travel time in advance, booking through Ekinet is highly recommended.
Here are the "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne" special discount prices on Ekinet (one-way set price for a basic fare ticket + reserved seat limited express ticket / unit: yen):
Up to 55% off on "Limited Express Tokachi"
Up to 40% off on "Limited Express Ozora"
Booking Deadline: By 23:50, 14 days before the travel date
■Tokkyu Toku-da-ne 1
Up to 40% off on "Limited Express Tokachi"
Up to 25% off on "Limited Express Ozora"
Booking Deadline: By 23:50, the day before the travel date
*Sale prices may vary within the set price range depending on the predicted occupancy rate and booking timing.
For the Best Price: The Intercity Highway Bus
Two intercity highway bus services operate between Sapporo and Obihiro: the "Potato Liner" and the "Obihiro Limited Express New Star." Choose the one that best fits your itinerary and destination for a great deal.
1. Operated by 5 Companies: "Potato Liner"
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 this bus, go to "Bus Stop No. 4" on the west side of the Nippon Life 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.
(*Fares differ based on the travel date, categorized as A, B, or C fares.)
■Early Bird One-Way Fare: 3,180 yen - 3,710 yen
(*Fares differ based on the travel date (A, B, C fares). Early bird discount requires booking and payment 30 days in advance for A and B fares, and 21 days in advance for C fares.)
2. Hokkaido Bus Co., Ltd.'s "Obihiro Limited Express New Star"
The "Obihiro Limited Express New Star" operated by Hokkaido Bus Co., Ltd. departs from the Sapporo Ekimae Bus Stop (Platform 33) at Kita 3 Nishi 3. The journey takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes, including a 15-minute break.
・Online Discount: 3,230 yen *Changes to reservations are not permitted with the online discount.
・Advance Payment: 3,780 yen
・Onboard Payment: 4,000 yen
A Fun and Relaxing Drive: Car / Rental Car
To drive from central Sapporo to Obihiro using the expressway, enter the Do-O Expressway from Sapporo Minami IC, switch to the Doto Expressway at Chitose-Eniwa JCT, and exit at Otofuke-Obihiro IC. The distance is about 200 kilometers, and the drive takes approximately 3 hours. The expressway toll is 4,440 yen.
Enjoy Your Trip with the Best Travel Option for You!
Obihiro is a place where you can enjoy gourmet food, unique activities, and beautiful nature. When it comes to food, the local specialty is Butadon (pork bowl). Also, the Ban'ei Keiba held at Obihiro Racecourse is a thrilling event where large draft horses pull heavy sleds. The beautiful avenue of white birch trees is another 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 enjoy your trip!
*All prices include tax.
*All information is current as of September 2025.
*All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.
