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Getting from Sapporo to Kushiro (2026 Guide): Comparing Trains, Buses & Driving Times and Fares
Located in eastern Hokkaido, Kushiro is popular for its rich nature, epitomized by the Kushiro Wetlands, and its gourmet cuisine unique to a port town. Transportation options to Kushiro include JR trains, buses, and rental cars. Here's a detailed look at the travel times, fares, and more for each option.
The Standard Choice for Sapporo-Kushiro Travel: JR Train
The JR train is the classic way to travel from Sapporo to Kushiro. The journey on the Limited Express Ozora takes about 4 hours. All seats on the Limited Express Ozora are reserved. A reserved seat costs 11,410 yen, while a Green Car (first class) seat is 16,510 yen.
Save Money with Ekinet's "Toku-da-ne (Ticketless)"!
By booking your JR tickets through the "Ekinet" website, you can purchase reserved seat tickets at up to a 40% discount off the regular price. If you know your travel time in advance, booking through Ekinet is highly recommended.
■ Toku-da-ne (Ticketless Limited Express Ticket): This is a discounted limited express ticket purchased on your smartphone, separate from the basic fare ticket. You can use it in combination with your existing IC card or a separate basic fare ticket.
■ Tokkyu Toku-da-ne 1 (Book by the day before):
・Discount Rate: Up to approx. 15%–20% OFF
・Features: A discounted set including the basic fare ticket and reserved seat, booked by 23:50 the day before travel. If seats are available on the day of travel, you can still get a discount with the "Ticketless" option.
■ Tokkyu Toku-da-ne Special 21 (Book 21 days in advance):
・Discount Rate: Up to 50%–55% OFF (e.g., Sapporo to Kushiro from 4,630 yen)
・Features: This is a limited-time, limited-seat promotional offer. If your plans are set well in advance, looking for this deal is the quickest way to get the lowest price.
The Budget-Friendly Option: Intercity Highway Bus
Two intercity highway bus services operate between Sapporo and Kushiro: the "Starlight Kushiro" and the "Kushiro Express New Star." Choose the one that best fits your itinerary and budget.
1. Starlight Kushiro (Reservation Required), Operated by 3 Companies
The "Starlight Kushiro" is jointly operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus, Kushiro Bus, and Akan Bus. You can board it from "Bus Stop No. 3" on the west side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building, about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including a break at the Tokachi-heigen Service Area.
■ One-way Fare: 6,000 yen to 7,000 yen (dynamic pricing based on a calendar system)
■ Features: 3-row individual seats, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
2. Hokkaido Bus Inc.'s "Kushiro Express New Star"
The "Kushiro Express New Star" by Hokkaido Bus Inc. departs from the Sapporo Ekimae bus stop (Platform 33) at Kita 3 Nishi 3. The journey takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including a 15-minute break.
■ One-way Fares
・Online Discount: 4,770 yen *Changes cannot be made to tickets purchased with the online discount.
・Advance Payment: 5,500 yen
・On-board Payment: 6,000 yen
A Fun and Relaxing Drive: Car / Rental Car
To drive from central Sapporo to Kushiro using the expressway, enter the Do-o Expressway from Sapporo-minami IC, switch to the Doto Expressway at Chitose-Eniwa JCT, and exit at Kushiro-nishi IC. The distance is about 300 kilometers, the travel time is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, and the expressway toll is 6,210 yen (for a standard car).
Enjoy Your Trip with the Best Travel Method for You!
Kushiro City is famous for Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan's largest wetland and home to diverse flora and fauna. Other attractions include the Nusamai Bridge, known for its beautiful seasonal scenery and sunsets; Lake Akan, a renowned hot spring destination; and Washo Market, famous for its "Katte-don," where you can create your own seafood bowl. The hearty "Supakatsu" (spaghetti with pork cutlet) is another local gourmet dish you must try.
If you want to get to Kushiro quickly and start sightseeing, flying is also a great option. It takes about 45 minutes from Sapporo Okadama Airport or New Chitose Airport to Tancho Kushiro Airport. For those coming from outside Hokkaido, you can also fly directly from Haneda Airport to Tancho Kushiro Airport in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Choose the method that best suits your schedule and budget, and enjoy your trip!
*All prices include tax.
*All information is current as of April 2026. Information may change, so please check official websites for the latest details.
