EDITORIALS
What is the best way to travel from Sapporo to Obihiro? Learn more about travel time, fares, and how to purchase tickets at a reasonable price.
Obihiro, the representative city of Tokachi in Hokkaido, is a popular tourist destination for its gourmet food, sweets, and Banei horse racing. There are several ways to get to Obihiro, including JR, bus, and rental car. The following is a detailed description of travel time and fees for each of these options.
JR" is the standard method of travel between Sapporo and Obihiro
JR is the standard way to travel from Sapporo to Obihiro, and it takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes by "Limited Express Ozora" and "Limited Express Tokachi". All "Limited Express Oozora" and "Limited Express Tokachi" trains have reserved seats, and the fare is 7,790 yen for a reserved seat and 11,450 yen for a green seat.
55% discount for advance reservations via the Internet "Tokyu Tokuda Value".
If you make a reservation for a JR ticket through the website "Ekinet", you can purchase a reserved-seat ticket at a discount of up to 55% off the regular fare. If you know the time you will board the train in advance, it is recommended to make a reservation through Ekinet.
The set price of "Tokkyu Tokudate" on Ekinet (set price of one-way "boarding ticket + reserved-seat express ticket"/unit: yen) is as follows.
Limited Express Tokachi: Up to 55% discount
Up to 40% off for "Limited Express Ozora
Application deadline: 23:50 14 days prior to boarding date
Limited Express Tokyu Tokuda Value 1
Up to 40% off on "Limited Express Tokachi
Up to 25% off on "Limited Express Oozora
Application deadline: 23:50 on the day before the boarding date
Prices will change within the set price range depending on the estimated boarding rate and timing of application.
Choose "Intercity Express Bus" for low fares
Intercity Express Buses from Sapporo to Obihiro are operated by "Potato Liner" and "Obihiro Express New Star". Choose the one that best suits your travel schedule and destination.
Potato Liner" operated by 1.5 companies
To board the "Potato Liner" jointly operated by Hokuto Kotsu, Hokkaido Chuo Bus, J.R. Hokkaido Bus, Tokachi Bus, and Hokkaido Takushoku Bus, go to the temporary bus stop #4 on the west side of the Nippon Seimei Building Sapporo, about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The trip takes about 4 hours, including a break at Shimukappu Parking Area.
(*A, B, and C fares are available depending on the boarding date.)
Early-bird one-way: 3,180 - 3,710 yen
(*A, B, and C fares are available depending on the boarding date. For early-bird discount, reservations and payments must be made at least 30 days in advance for A- and B-fares, and 21 days in advance for C-fare).
2. "Obihiro Express New Star" transportation by Hokkaido Bus Co.
Hokkaido Bus Co., Ltd. transportation "Obihiro Express New Star" operates from "Bus Stop No. 33" (Kita 4 Nishi 3) at the Sapporo Station stop (boarding platform). The trip takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes with a 15-minute break in between.
The location of Bus Stop No. 33 will be moved to Kita 3 West 3 on August 1, 2024 (Thursday).
Net Discount: 3,230 yen *Flight change is not available for Net Discount.
Advance payment: 3,580 yen
Payment for boarding: 3,800 yen
Enjoyable and relaxing drive "Car/Rent-a-car
When traveling from central Sapporo to Obihiro by expressway, enter the Doo Expressway at the Hokugo IC, continue on to the Doto Expressway at the Chitose Eniwa JCT, and exit at the Oto-Obihiro IC. The distance is about 200 km and the time required is about 3 hours. The expressway toll is 4,860 yen.
Enjoy your trip with the means of transportation that suits you best!
Obihiro City is a place where you can enjoy gourmet food, unique activities, and beautiful nature. Gourmet food is the famous pork bowl. The Banei Horse Race held at the Obihiro Racecourse is a powerful horse race in which large horses pull heavy sleds. The beautiful birch trees are also a popular attraction.
If you are coming to Obihiro from outside of Hokkaido, another option is to directly land at Tokachi Obihiro Airport from Haneda Airport or other airports. Please enjoy your trip in a way that suits your time and financial situation.
All prices include tax.
