Noboribetsu, home to the famous Noboribetsu Onsen created by rich nature and volcanic activity, offers a variety of tourist attractions. There are several ways to get to Noboribetsu from Sapporo, including JR trains, buses, and rental cars. Here's a detailed guide to the travel times, fares, and more for each option.

The Standard Choice, "JR" — Special Discount Tickets Available

The JR train is the standard way to travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu. The journey between Sapporo and Noboribetsu on the Limited Express Hokuto or Limited Express Suzuran takes about 1 hour and 14 minutes. All seats on these trains are reserved. A reserved seat costs 4,890 yen, and a Green Car (first class) seat is 7,160 yen.

Alternatively, you can take the Rapid Airport train from Sapporo Station to Minami-Chitose Station, transfer to the JR Chitose Line for Tomakomai, and then transfer again at Tomakomai Station to the JR Muroran Main Line for Muroran to get to Noboribetsu Station. This route takes about 2 hours, depending on transfer times, and costs 2,530 yen (if you don't use a reserved seat on the Rapid Airport train, which costs an extra 840 yen).

Get 45% Off with "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne" by Booking Online in Advance

By booking your JR tickets through the "Ekinet" website, you can purchase reserved seat tickets for up to 45% off the regular price. If you know your travel time in advance, booking through Ekinet is highly recommended. The "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne" discount prices (one-way set price for a basic fare ticket + limited express reserved seat ticket, in yen) on Ekinet are as follows:

For the Lowest Fares, Choose the "Intercity Highway Bus"

There are three highway bus services operating from Sapporo to Noboribetsu: the "Kousoku Onsen-go Chokko-bin (reservation required)," the "Kousoku Hakucho-go," and the "Kousoku Muroran-go."

1. Reservation-Only "Kousoku Onsen-go Chokko-bin" (Express Onsen Liner Direct)

To take the "Kousoku Onsen-go Chokko-bin" operated by Donan Bus, go to bus stop number 7, located on the east side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building (Ekimae-dori side), about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The ride takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 2,500 yen. An online reservation and advance payment are required at least 2 hours before the first departure of the day.

2. Donan Bus "Kousoku Hakucho-go" (Express Hakucho)

Also operated by Donan Bus, the "Kousoku Hakucho-go" departs from bus stop number 7, located on the east side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building (Ekimae-dori side), about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The ride takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 2,500 yen. Generally, no reservation is needed, but if you are boarding from the "Kousoku Watsu" or "Kousoku Eniwa" stops, you must make a reservation with the Sapporo Office (011-865-5511).

3. Chuo Bus "Kousoku Muroran-go" (Express Muroran)

The "Kousoku Muroran-go," operated by Chuo Bus, also departs from bus stop number 7 on the east side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building (Ekimae-dori side), about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The ride takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 2,280 yen (Note: The fare may be lower depending on your destination stop).

Generally, no reservation is needed, but if you are boarding from the "Kousoku Watsu," "Kousoku Eniwa," or "Kousoku Takeura" stops, you must make a reservation with the Chuo Bus Sapporo Kita Office (011-751-2637) at least 2 hours in advance.

Enjoy the Drive to Your Destination by "Car / Rental Car"

If you're driving from central Sapporo to Noboribetsu using the expressway, you'll take the Do-O Expressway from the Sapporo-Minami IC and get off at the Noboribetsu-Muroran IC. The distance is about 103 kilometers, and the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The expressway toll is 2,930 yen. However, while a car offers the convenience of direct travel, be cautious of road conditions in winter. If you're not confident in your driving skills, prioritize safety and consider using public transportation like JR trains or buses to enjoy your trip.

Enjoy Your Trip with the Transportation Method that Suits You Best

Noboribetsu is an area packed with diverse attractions, including its famous onsen, the "Noboribetsu Bear Park," "Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura," and the "Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe" aquarium. Why not plan the perfect trip that fits your travel style and budget?