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[2026 Guide] How to Get from Sapporo to Lake Toya: A Detailed Look at Travel Times, Fares, and Discount Tickets

2026.04.15

Lake Toya, located within Hokkaido's Shikotsu-Toya National Park, is Japan's third-largest caldera lake, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, surrounding hot spring resorts, and volcanic landscapes. There are several ways to travel from Sapporo to Lake Toya, including JR trains, buses, and rental cars. Here's a detailed guide to each option, including travel times and costs.

For a Direct Trip from Sapporo Station to Lake Toya, Take the JR Train

The JR train is a solid choice 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 10,790 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 5,780 yen.

3. A two-transfer option is to take the "Rapid Airport" train bound for New Chitose Airport, get off at Minami-Chitose Station, and transfer to the JR Chitose Line bound for Muroran, getting off at Higashi-Muroran Station. From there, take the JR Muroran Main Line bound for Oshamambe to reach Toya Station. The travel time is about 3 hours, and the fare is 3,420 yen (*if not using a Rapid Airport reserved seat, which costs an additional 1,000 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 onsen town is just over a 10-minute drive from JR Toya Station.

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 55% OFF with "Toku-da-Ne Express Tickets" by Booking Online in Advance

By booking your JR tickets through the "Ekinet" website, you can purchase reserved seat tickets for up to 55% off the regular price.

■ Toku-da-Ne 14 Express Ticket
Up to 30% off for the "Limited Express Hokuto" from Sapporo Station to Toya Station.
Up to 55% off for the "Limited Express Suzuran" from Sapporo Station to Higashi-Muroran Station.
Booking Deadline: By 23:50, 14 days before your travel date.

■ Toku-da-Ne 1 Express Ticket
Up to 15% off for the "Limited Express Hokuto" from Sapporo Station to Toya Station.
Up to 55% off for the "Limited Express Suzuran" from Sapporo Station to Higashi-Muroran Station.
Booking Deadline: By 23:50, the day before your travel date.
*The sale price may vary within the set range depending on predicted occupancy and booking time.

Intercity Express Bus: An Attractive, Low-Cost Option

From Sapporo city, you can take the "Sapporo-Lake Toya Route" 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. You must book online and pay in advance at least 2 hours before the first departure of the day.

■ Bus Stops
・Sapporo side (boarding only): Sapporo Station Bus Stop No. 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 Minami-machi, 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, Sakura-machi, Chuo-dori, Motomachi, Higashi-machi
■ Inquiries
・Sapporo Office: 011-865-5511
・Toya Office: 0142-75-2351
■ Online Reservations
Online booking is required at least 2 hours before the first departure. Please book through the Donan Bus Online Reservation Site.

By Car/Rental Car: About a 2-Hour Drive on the Expressway

To get to Lake Toya from central Sapporo by car using the expressway, enter the Doo Expressway from the Sapporo-minami IC and exit at the Abuta-Toya-ko IC. The distance is about 140 kilometers, the drive takes about 2 hours, and the toll is 3,920 yen (for a standard car).

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 along the way.

Enjoy Your Trip with the Transportation Method that Suits You Best

The charm of Lake Toya lies in its natural beauty, hot springs, and activities. At Toyako 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 April 2026.
*All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.