Niseko, which attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad to enjoy one of the world's leading winter resorts, is a vast area made up of five towns surrounding the Niseko mountain range. There are several ways to travel from Sapporo to the Niseko area, including JR trains, buses, and rental cars. We will introduce the details of each method, including travel times and fares.

The standard way to travel between Sapporo and Niseko is by JR

The standard way to travel from Sapporo to the Niseko area is by JR. To travel from JR Sapporo Station to the Niseko area, first travel from JR Sapporo Station to JR Otaru Station, then transfer at JR Otaru Station to the Niseko area (Kutchan Station, Niseko Station, Rankoshi Station).

Travel time from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station is about 33 minutes if you use the "Rapid Airport" train, or about 45 minutes if you use a local train. The travel time from Otaru Station to each station is about 1 hour 10 minutes to Kutchan Station, about 1 hour 45 minutes to Niseko Station, and about 2 hours 10 minutes to Rankoshi Station. The fare from Sapporo Station to Kutchan Station is 2,240 yen, 2,530 yen to Niseko Station, and 3,080 yen to Rankoshi Station. JR trains from Otaru Station to Niseko have few trains, so it's a good idea to check the timetable in advance.

Another classic! Buses that take you to your destination

Many people use express buses and local buses to travel between Sapporo and the Niseko area. If you travel by JR, you will need a means of transportation from the station to the ski resort, but depending on your destination, it is possible to travel directly by bus.

Hokkaido Chuo Bus "Express Niseko Bus"

You can board the "Express Niseko-go" operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus from "Temporary Bus Stop No. 1" on the west side of "Kita 3-jo Square (Akapla)", about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The "Express Niseko-go" is a route that runs between JR Sapporo Station and Otaru, and the Niseko area, three times a day. The journey from Sapporo to Niseko takes about three hours, and the one-way fare is 2,560 yen. (*The fare may be cheaper than the listed price depending on the stop you get off at.)

This bus also stops at the Niseko View Plaza Roadside Station and the Annupuri Ski Resort, so if there is a bus stop near your destination, it is convenient to use this bus. Furthermore, by getting off at the Niseko View Plaza Roadside Station and transferring to a local bus, you can access various destinations in the Niseko area.

Be careful when driving on winter roads (Cars/Rental Cars)

Of course, you can also travel to the Niseko area by car or rental car. If you are heading from Sapporo, you can reach the Niseko area in about 2 hours via National Route 230. If you use the expressway to get to Niseko, it will be a longer route, so the arrival time will not change much. The travel time will be shorter, but the problem is driving on winter roads. If you are not used to it, don't push yourself too hard, use the JR or bus, and enjoy your trip with safety as your top priority.

Enjoy your trip with the transportation that suits you best

The Niseko area is dotted with hot springs and delicious restaurants, as well as winter ski resorts. Why not find the perfect trip for you based on your travel plans and budget?

*All information listed is current as of May 2025. *All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.