Tomamu, home to one of Hokkaido's premier ski resorts, is an area where you can enjoy the ski slopes in winter and outdoor experiences in its great nature during summer. There are several ways to get to Tomamu from Sapporo, including JR trains, buses, and rental cars. Here's a detailed look at the travel times, fares, and more for each option.

The Standard Choice: JR Trains and Special Discount Tickets

The JR train is the standard way to travel from Sapporo to Tomamu. The journey on the Limited Express Ozora or Limited Express Tokachi takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. All seats on these trains are reserved. The fare for a reserved seat is 5,880 yen, and a Green Car (first class) seat is 8,150 yen.

Get up to 55% Off with "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne" by Booking Tickets to Shintoku Station Online

By booking your JR ticket to Shintoku Station, the station after Tomamu, on the "Ekinet" website, you can purchase a reserved seat ticket for up to 55% off the regular price. While the "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne" discount isn't available for tickets directly to Tomamu Station, you can buy a discounted ticket to Shintoku and get off at Tomamu, the stop before it. This allows you to ride for less than the standard fare. If you know your travel time in advance, booking through Ekinet is highly recommended.

The "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne" prices on Ekinet (one-way set price for a basic fare ticket + reserved seat limited express ticket, in yen) are as follows:

Direct from Sapporo City: The Expressway Bus

*Photo for illustrative purposes.

During the winter season, you can book the "Tomamu Bus Liner," a ski bus from Sapporo to Tomamu, through Hokkaido Access Network. To ride the bus, you need to gather at your reserved boarding location. The journey from Sapporo to Tomamu takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 6,500 yen. Reservations and advance payment by phone or online are required.

Drive Carefully on Winter Roads: Car / Rental Car

If you're driving from central Sapporo to Tomamu using the expressway, enter the Doo Expressway from Sapporo-minami IC, switch to the Doto Expressway at Chitose-Eniwa JCT, and get off at Tomamu IC. The distance is about 125 km, the travel time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, and the expressway toll is 3,380 yen. Note that there are no gas stations that are always open in the Tomamu area, and there is only one on the Doto Expressway. To be safe, it's a good idea to travel with a full tank of fuel, refueling before getting on the Doto Expressway or near Obihiro, Furano, or Yubari.

While a car offers the convenience of traveling directly to your destination, be cautious when driving on winter roads. If you are not used to driving in winter conditions, prioritize safety and consider using public transportation like JR trains or buses to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Enjoy Your Trip with the Best Transportation for You

In winter, Tomamu is a resort area where you can enjoy not only winter sports but also delicious food and snowy landscapes. You can be active or relax and unwind, finding a style that suits you. Why not plan the perfect trip that matches your travel style and budget?

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