Niseko, a world-renowned winter resort, attracts countless tourists from Japan and abroad. It's a vast area comprising five towns around the Niseko mountain range. There are several ways to get to the Niseko area from Sapporo, including JR trains, buses, and rental cars. Here's a detailed guide to travel times, fares, and more for each option.

The Classic Choice for Sapporo-Niseko Travel: JR Train

The JR train is a classic way to travel from Sapporo to the Niseko area. From JR Sapporo Station, you'll first travel to JR Otaru Station, where you'll transfer to a train heading to the Niseko area (Kutchan Station, Niseko Station, or Rankoshi Station).

The journey from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station takes about 33 minutes on the Rapid Airport train or about 45 minutes on a local train. From Otaru Station, the travel times are approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to Kutchan Station, 1 hour and 45 minutes to Niseko Station, and 2 hours and 10 minutes to Rankoshi Station. The fares from Sapporo Station are 2,240 yen to Kutchan Station, 2,530 yen to Niseko Station, and 3,080 yen to Rankoshi Station. Please note that JR services from Otaru to Niseko are infrequent, so it's wise to check the schedule in advance.

Another Popular Option: Buses That Take You Closer to Your Destination

Many travelers also use highway or local buses to get between Sapporo and the Niseko area. While traveling by JR requires another mode of transport from the station to the ski resorts, a bus might take you directly there, depending on your destination.

Hokkaido Chuo Bus "Highway Niseko-go"

You can board the Hokkaido Chuo Bus "Highway Niseko-go" from Bus Stop No. 1, located on the west side of Kita 3-jo Hiroba (Akapla), about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. This route operates three round trips daily, connecting JR Sapporo Station, Otaru, and the Niseko area. The journey from Sapporo to Niseko takes about 3 hours, with a one-way fare of 2,560 yen. (※The fare may be lower depending on your drop-off point.)

This bus conveniently stops at locations like "Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza" and "Annupuri Ski Resort." If your destination is near one of these stops, this is a great option. You can also get off at "Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza" and transfer to a local bus to access other parts of the Niseko area.

Driving in Winter: Be Cautious with a Car or Rental Car

Of course, you can also drive to the Niseko area by car or rental car. From Sapporo, you can reach Niseko in about 2 hours via National Route 230. Taking the expressway is a roundabout route and doesn't significantly change the arrival time. While driving is faster, the main challenge is navigating winter roads. If you're not used to it, it's safer to use the JR or bus. Prioritize safety to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Enjoy Your Trip with the Best Transportation for You

The Niseko area is famous for its winter ski resorts, but it's also dotted with hot springs and delicious restaurants. Why not find the perfect travel plan that fits your itinerary and budget?

※All information is current as of September 2025.
※All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.