ARTICLES
Getting from Sapporo to Lake Toya: A Guide to Travel Times, Fares, and Discount Tickets
For a Direct Trip from Sapporo Station, Take the JR Train
Taking a JR train is one option for traveling from Sapporo Station to Lake Toya. There are three main patterns for the journey between Sapporo Station and Toya Station.
1. The "Limited Express Hokuto" offers a direct, no-transfer route. The travel time is about 2 hours, with a reserved seat costing 6,690 yen and a Green Car seat costing 8,960 yen.
2. A one-transfer option involves taking the "Limited Express Suzuran" to Higashi-Muroran Station, then transferring to the JR Muroran Main Line bound for Toyoura to get to Toya Station. The travel time is around 2 hours and 20 minutes, and the fare is 6,320 yen.
3. A two-transfer option involves taking the "Rapid Airport" train bound for New Chitose Airport, getting off at Minami-Chitose Station, and transferring to the JR Chitose Line bound for Muroran to get off at Higashi-Muroran Station. From there, transfer to the JR Muroran Main Line bound for Oshamambe to reach Toya Station. The travel time is about 3 hours, and the fare is 3,960 yen (*if not using a reserved seat on the Rapid Airport, which costs 840 yen).
*For the two-transfer route, transfer stations may vary depending on the time of day for a smoother journey.
Once you arrive at JR Toya Station, you will need to take a Donan Bus or a taxi to your final destination, such as the Lake Toya Onsen area. The drive from JR Toya Station to Lake Toya Onsen is just over 10 minutes.
Also, note that all seats on the "Limited Express Hokuto" and "Limited Express Suzuran" are reserved. You can get a discount by booking your tickets using the following method.
Get up to 45% OFF with "Tokkyu Toku-da-ne" by Booking Tickets Online in Advance
When you book JR tickets through the "Ekinet" website, you can purchase reserved seat tickets for up to 45% off the regular price.
■ Tokkyu Toku-da-ne 14
"Limited Express Hokuto" Sapporo Station to Toya Station: Up to 30% off
"Limited Express Suzuran" Sapporo Station to Higashi-Muroran Station: Up to 45% off
Booking Deadline: By 23:50, 14 days before the date of travel.
■ Tokkyu Toku-da-ne 1
"Limited Express Hokuto" Sapporo Station to Toya Station: Up to 15% off
"Limited Express Suzuran" Sapporo Station to Higashi-Muroran Station: Up to 35% off
Booking Deadline: By 23:50, the day before the date of travel.
*Sale prices may vary within the set range depending on predicted occupancy and booking timing.
The Affordable and Appealing Intercity Express Bus
From Sapporo city, you can take the "Sapporo-Lake Toya Line" operated by Donan Bus, which requires a reservation. You can board from "Bus Stop No. 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 2 hours and 45 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 3,700 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 Station Bus Terminal Stop 7, Minami 1-jo, Susukino, Minami 7-jo Nishi 11-chome, Minami 22-jo Nishi 11-chome, Moiwa-bashi, Moiwa High School, Monami Park, Makomanai Station, Ishiyama 2-jo 8-chome, Fujino 3-jo 2-chome, Fujino 3-jo 8-chome
・Boarding/Alighting possible: Shiraito-no-taki, Jozankei, Usubetsu, Nakayama Pass, Sakae, Kirameki-no-sato, Kimobetsu, Chomin Park Mae, Shiribetsu, Noborikawa Onsen, Izumikawa, Rusutsu Resort Hotel Mae, Rusutsu Kogen, Kitamachi, Rusutsu, Rusutsu Minamimachi, Go-no-hara, Yon-no-hara, San-no-hara, Ni-no-hara, Ichi-no-hara, Toyako Onsen Hospital, Toya Mizu-no-eki, Seiko, Silo Observatory, Hanawa Iriguchi
・Toya side (alighting only): Tsukiura Iriguchi, Kyusuijo, Koen-mae, Toyako Onsen, Sakuramachi, Chuo-dori, Motomachi, Higashimachi
■ Inquiries
・Sapporo Office: 011-865-5511
・Toya Office: 0142-75-2351
■ Online Reservations
Reservations must be made online at least 2 hours before the first departure of the day. You can book from the Donan Bus Online Reservation Site.
About a 2-Hour Drive by Car/Rental Car via the Expressway
If you're driving from central Sapporo to Lake Toya using the expressway, you'll enter the Hokkaido Expressway from the Sapporo-minami IC and exit at the Abuta-Toya-ko IC. The distance is about 140 kilometers, the travel time is approximately 2 hours, and the expressway toll is 3,660 yen.
After exiting the Abuta-Toya-ko IC, you'll arrive at the Lake Toya Onsen town in about 10 to 20 minutes. You can enjoy a scenic drive with views of Lake Toya.
Enjoy Your Trip with the Transportation Method that Suits You Best
The charm of Lake Toya lies in its natural beauty, hot springs, and various activities. At Lake Toya Onsen, you can relax and enjoy the abundant hot spring waters. Depending on the season, fireworks displays are held over the lake, creating a magical atmosphere that is another major attraction.
Why not plan the perfect trip that fits 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.
