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What's the best way to travel from Sapporo to Lake Toya? A detailed guide to travel times, fares, and ticket deals
If you're heading directly from Sapporo Station to Lake Toya, take the JR line.
If you're traveling from Sapporo Station to Lake Toya, JR is one option. There are three main travel times between Sapporo Station and Toya Station using JR.
1. The only way to get there is by taking the Hokuto Limited Express. The journey takes about two hours, and the fare is 6,690 yen for a reserved seat and 8,960 yen for a green seat.
2. The only way to get there with one transfer is to take the Limited Express Suzuran to Higashi-Muroran Station, then transfer to the JR Muroran Main Line bound for Toyoura and get off at Toya Station. The travel time is around 2 hours and 20 minutes, and the fare is 6,320 yen.
3. The only way to get there with two transfers is to take the Rapid Airport train to New Chitose Airport and get off at Minami-Chitose Station, then take the JR Chitose Line to Muroran and get off at Higashi-Muroran Station. From there, take the JR Muroran Main Line to Oshamanbe Station to Toya Station. The journey takes about three hours and costs 3,960 yen (unless you use the 840 yen reserved seat on the Rapid Airport train).
*If you have to transfer twice, depending on the time of day, it may be easier to travel using different transfer stations.
Once you arrive at JR Toya Station, you can take a Dounan bus or taxi to your destination, such as Toyako Onsen. It is just over a 10-minute drive from JR Toya Station to Toyako Onsen.
Additionally, if you are using the "Hokuto Limited Express" or "Suzuran Limited Express," all cars have reserved seats, and you can receive a discount if you reserve your ticket using the following methods.
Get 45% off when you book your ticket in advance online with "Limited Express Tokudawari"
If you reserve a JR ticket through the website "Eki-net," you can purchase a reserved seat ticket at up to 45% off the regular price.
■ Limited Express Tokuda Value 14 Up to 30% off on the Hokuto Express from Sapporo Station to Toya Station Up to 45% off on the "Limited Express Suzuran" from Sapporo Station to Higashimuroran Station Application deadline: 11:50 PM 14 days before the date of travel
■ Limited Express Tokuda Value 1 Up to 15% off on the Hokuto Express from Sapporo Station to Toya Station Up to 35% off on the "Limited Express Suzuran" from Sapporo Station to Higashimuroran Station Application deadline: 23:50 on the day before boarding *Sale prices will vary within the set price range depending on predicted occupancy rates and application timing.
Intercity express buses: Low fares are also an attraction
To get from Sapporo city to Toya, there is the Sapporo Toyako Line operated by Donan Bus, which requires a reservation. You can board the bus from bus stop number 7 on the east side of the Nippon Life Insurance Building Sapporo (Ekimae-dori side), which is about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.
The ride takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the one-way fare is 3,700 yen. To board, you must make a reservation and pay in advance online at least 2 hours before the departure of the first train.
■Stop ・Sapporo side (boarding only): Sapporo Station No. 7, Minami 1-jo, Susukino, Minami 7-jo Nishi 11-chome, Minami 22-jo Nishi 11-chome, Moiwa Bridge, Moiwa High School, Monan Park, Makomanai Station, Ishiyama 2-jo 8-chome, Fujino 3-jo 2-chome, Fujino 3-jo 8-chome ・Pick up and drop off points: Shiraito Falls, Jozankei, Usubetsu, Nakayama Pass, Sakae, Kirameki no Sato, Kimobetsu, Citizens' Park, Shiribetsu, Noborigawa Onsen, Izumigawa, Rusutsu Resort Hotel, Rusutsu Highlands, Kitamachi, Rusutsu, Rusutsu Minamimachi, Gonohara, Yonohara, Sannohara, Ninohara, Ichinohara, Toyako Onsen Hospital, Toyamizu Station, Narika, Silo Observatory, Hanawa Entrance ・Toya side (getting off only): Tsukiura entrance, water station, park front, Toyako Onsen, Sakuramachi, Chuodori, Motomachi, Higashimachi ■Inquiries ・Sapporo Sales Office 011-865-5511 ・Toya Sales Office 0142-75-2351 ■ Reservations via the Internet Reservations must be made online at least two hours before the first bus departs. Reservations can be made through the Donan Bus online reservation site .
Approximately 2 hours on the highway "Car/Rental Car"
If you are traveling from central Sapporo to Toya on the expressway, enter the Hokkaido Expressway from Sapporo Minami IC and exit at Abuta Toyako IC. The distance is approximately 140 km, the travel time is about 2 hours, and the expressway toll is 3,660 yen.
Once you exit the Abuta Toyako IC, you will arrive at Toyako Onsen in about 10 to 20 minutes. You can enjoy a drive with Lake Toya in your sights.
Enjoy your trip with the transportation that suits you best
The appeal of Lake Toya lies in its natural beauty, hot springs, and activities. At Lake Toya Onsen, you can enjoy the abundant hot spring water and spend a relaxing time. Depending on the season, fireworks displays are held on the lake, creating a fantastical atmosphere that is a major attraction.
Why not plan a trip that's perfect for you based on your travel style and budget?
*All information listed is current as of September 2025. *All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.
