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Getting from Sapporo to Noboribetsu (2026 Guide): A Detailed Look at Travel Times, Fares, and Discount Tickets
Noboribetsu, home to the famous Noboribetsu Onsen created by rich nature and volcanic activity, is packed with diverse tourist attractions. There are several ways to get from Sapporo to Noboribetsu, 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 Trains with Special Discount Tickets
The JR train is the classic way to travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu. The journey 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 5,410 yen, while a Green Car seat is 7,820 yen.
Alternatively, you can take the Rapid Airport train from Sapporo Station to Minami-Chitose Station, transfer once to the JR Chitose Line bound for Tomakomai, and then transfer a second time at Tomakomai Station to the JR Muroran Main Line bound for Muroran to get to Noboribetsu Station. This route takes about 2 hours, though it can vary depending on transfer wait times. The fare is 2,810 yen (if you don't use a reserved seat on the Rapid Airport, which costs an extra 1,000 yen).
Up to 55% Off with "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne" Online Advance Booking
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" set prices (one-way "basic fare + limited express reserved seat ticket" / unit: yen) on Ekinet are as follows:
■ Tokkyu Toku-da-ne 14
Up to 30% off for "Limited Express Hokuto"
Up to 55% off for "Limited Express Suzuran"
Booking deadline: By 23:50, 14 days before the travel date
■ Tokkyu Toku-da-ne 1
Up to 15% off for "Limited Express Hokuto"
Up to 55% off for "Limited Express Suzuran"
Booking deadline: By 23:50, the day before the travel date
*Sale prices may vary within the set price range depending on predicted occupancy and booking timing.
For the Best Fares, Choose an Intercity Highway Bus
There are three intercity highway bus services operating from Sapporo to Noboribetsu: the Kosoku Onsen-go Direct Bus (reservations required), the Kosoku Hakucho-go, and the Kosoku Muroran-go.
1. Reservation-Only "Kosoku Onsen-go Direct Bus"
To take the "Kosoku Onsen-go Direct Bus" operated by Donan Bus, head to Bus Stop No. 7, located on the east side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building (on the 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. A web reservation and advance payment are required at least 2 hours before the first departure of the day.
■ Bus Stops
・Sapporo side (boarding only): Sapporo Ekimae No. 7, Shiroishi-Hondori 2-chome, Shiroishi-Hondori 8-chome, Nango 18-chome, Oyachi Bus Terminal, Kosoku Watsu, Kosoku Eniwa
・Noboribetsu side (alighting only): Kosoku Takeura, Tsutsujibashi, Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu Onsen Chuo, Dai-ichi Takimotokan, Park Hotel-mae, Ashiyu Iriguchi
■ About Reservations
・Inquiries: Sapporo Office 011-865-5511
・Online reservations: From the Donan Bus Online Reservation Site
2. Donan Bus "Kosoku Hakucho-go"
Also operated by Donan Bus, the "Kosoku Hakucho-go" departs from Bus Stop No. 7, located on the east side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building (on the 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 "Kosoku Watsu" or "Kosoku Eniwa" stops, a reservation with the Sapporo Office (011-865-5511) is required.
■ Bus Stops
・Sapporo side (boarding only): Sapporo Ekimae No. 7, Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal, Sapporo Factory-mae, Shiroishi-Hondori 2-chome, Shiroishi-Hondori 8-chome, Nango 18-chome, Oyachi Bus Terminal, Kosoku Watsu, Kosoku Eniwa
・Noboribetsu side (alighting only): Kosoku Takeura, Noboribetsu Ekimae, Noboribetsu, Horobetsu Honcho, Tomikishi, Hamanasu Danchi, Washibetsu
■ Reservations for boarding from "Kosoku Watsu" and "Kosoku Eniwa"
・Inquiries: Sapporo Office 011-865-5511
3. Chuo Bus "Kosoku Muroran-go"
The "Kosoku Muroran-go," operated by Chuo Bus, also departs from Bus Stop No. 7, located on the east side of the Nippon Life Sapporo Building (on the 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 (Note: The fare may be cheaper depending on your destination stop).
Generally, no reservation is needed, but if you are boarding from the "Kosoku Watsu," "Kosoku Eniwa," or "Kosoku Takeura" stops, you must make a reservation with the Chuo Bus Sapporo Kita Office (011-751-2637) at least 2 hours in advance.
■ Bus Stops
・Boarding only: Sapporo Ekimae No. 7, Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal, Sapporo Factory-mae, Shiroishi-Hondori 2-chome, Shiroishi-Hondori 8-chome, Nango 18-chome
・Boarding and alighting: Oyachi Bus Terminal, Kosoku Watsu, Kosoku Eniwa, Kosoku Takeura
・Alighting only: Noboribetsu Ekimae, Noboribetsu, Horobetsu Honcho, Tomikishi, Hamanasu Danchi, Washibetsu
*If you board between Sapporo Factory-mae and Nango 18-chome Station, you cannot get off at Oyachi Station.
*If you board at Kosoku Takeura, you cannot get off at Tomikishi or Hamanasu Danchi.
■ About Reservations
・Inquiries: Chuo Bus Sapporo Kita Office: 011-751-2637
*Reservations are required at least 2 hours in advance if boarding from "Kosoku Watsu," "Kosoku Eniwa," or "Kosoku Takeura" stops.
Enjoy the Drive to Your Destination by Car/Rental Car
To drive from central Sapporo to Noboribetsu using the expressway, enter the Do-O Expressway from the Sapporo-minami IC and exit at the Noboribetsu-muroran IC. The distance is about 103 kilometers, and the travel time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The expressway toll is 3,230 yen. However, while a car offers the convenience of direct travel, be cautious of winter road conditions. If you are not confident in your driving skills, prioritize safety and enjoy your trip by using public transportation like JR trains or buses.
Enjoy Your Trip with the Best Transportation for You
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?
*All information is current as of April 2026.
*All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.
