Noboribetsu is home to a variety of tourist attractions, including Noboribetsu Onsen, a hot spring created by volcanic activity and abundant nature. There are several ways to travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu, including JR trains, buses, and rental cars. We will introduce details such as travel times and fares for each option.

JR: The standard for transportation. Special discount tickets available.

JR is the standard way to travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu. The travel time between Sapporo and Noboribetsu using JR is about 1 hour and 14 minutes on the Hokuto Limited Express or Suzuran Limited Express. All cars on the Hokuto Limited Express and Suzuran Limited Express are reserved seats, and the fare is 4,890 yen for a reserved seat and 7,160 yen for a green seat.

Alternatively, you can take the Rapid Airport from Sapporo Station to Minami-Chitose Station, change once at Minami-Chitose Station to the JR Chitose Line bound for Tomakomai, then change a second time at Tomakomai Station to the JR Muroran Main Line bound for Muroran, and go to Noboribetsu Station. The travel time will vary depending on the wait time, but it will take about two hours. The fare is 2,530 yen (if you don't use the reserved seat on the Rapid Airport, which costs 840 yen).

45% off when you book in advance online with "Limited Express Tokudawari"

If you reserve a JR ticket through the website "Ekinet," you can purchase a reserved seat ticket at up to 45% off the regular price. If you know your boarding time in advance, we recommend making a reservation through Ekinet. The set prices for "Limited Express Tokudane" on Ekinet (set price of one-way "board ticket + reserved seat limited express ticket" / unit: yen) are as follows:

If you're looking for cheap fares, choose the intercity express bus.

There are three intercity express buses operating from Sapporo to Noboribetsu: the "Expressway Onsen Direct Bus (reservation required)," the "Expressway Shiratori Bus," and the "Expressway Muroran Bus."

1. Reservation-only "Expressway Onsen Direct Bus"

To board the "Express Onsen Direct Bus" operated by Donan Bus, take bus stop number 7 located on the east side of the Nippon Life Insurance Building Sapporo (Ekimae-dori side), about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The ride takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and the one-way fare is 2,500 yen. Reservations and payment in advance are required online at least 2 hours before the first bus departs.

2. Donan Bus "Express Shiratori"

This bus is also operated by Donan Bus, and to board the "Kosoku Shiratori-go," take bus stop number 7, located on the east side of the Nippon Life Insurance Building Sapporo (Ekimae-dori side), about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. The ride takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and the one-way fare is 2,500 yen. Generally, you can board the bus without a reservation, but if you are boarding from the "Kosoku Watatsu" or "Kosoku Eniwa" bus stops, you will need to make a reservation with the Sapporo Office (011-865-5511).

3. Chuo Bus "Expressway Muroran"

To board the "Expressway Muroran" bus operated by Chuo Bus, walk about 5 minutes from JR Sapporo Station, and get off at bus stop number 7 on the east side of the Nippon Life Insurance Building Sapporo (Ekimae-dori side). The ride takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and the one-way fare is 2,280 yen. (*The fare may be cheaper depending on the stop you get off at.)

Generally, you can board the bus without a reservation, but if you are boarding from the "Expressway Watatsu," "Expressway Eniwa," or "Expressway Takeura" stops, you will need to make a reservation with the Chuo Bus Sapporo Kita Office (011-751-2637) at least two hours in advance.

Drive to your destination with "Car/Rental Car"

If you are traveling from central Sapporo to Noboribetsu using the expressway, enter the Hokkaido Expressway from Sapporo Minami IC and get off at Noboribetsu Muroran IC. The distance is about 103 km and the travel time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The expressway toll is It costs 2,930 yen. However, while driving is convenient as it allows you to go directly to your destination, you should be careful of road conditions in winter. If you are not confident in your driving skills, it is best to use public transportation such as JR trains or buses and prioritize safety when enjoying your trip.

Enjoy your trip with the transportation that suits you best

Noboribetsu is an area packed with a variety of attractions, including hot springs, the Noboribetsu Bear Ranch, the Noboribetsu Date Historical Village, and the aquarium Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe. Why not plan a trip that's perfect for your travel style and budget?