Hakodate is another popular tourist city in Hokkaido, located near the southern tip of Hokkaido, close to Honshu (Japan's main island), about 300 km from Sapporo. It has also long been an important port city with a history of trade with foreign countries. For traveling from Sapporo to Hakodate, there are several options as follows:
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1) JR Train: Limited Express "Hokuto" Sapporo → Hakodate
- Travel time:
• Fastest: 3 hr 29 min
• Typically around 3 hr 30 min–4 hr (depending on the train/time chosen)
- Fare (example, Sapporo-Hakodate):
• Basic fare: ¥6,600
• Reserved seat (Limited Express charge): ¥3,170
• Total: ¥9,770
• Green seat example: ¥6,830 (total ¥13,430)
- Important: all seats on this train are reserved, so you must reserve a seat before boarding.
- Links for schedules and fares (official):
• JR Hokkaido Train guide / Timetable search: https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/train/index.html
• Rail Pass schedule/rules: https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ticket/railpass/index.html
- Related passes:
• Japan Rail Pass: usable (if you already have one), though its value depends on your whole trip plan
• "Hokkaido Rail Pass" (for foreign visitors only): available for 5/7/10 consecutive days, with prices listed on the JR Hokkaido website
You will still need to obtain a reserved seat ticket before boarding the Hokuto.
- Schedule (winter timetable, updated Dec 1, 2025): mainly 4 departures/day
• 07:50 → 13:25
• 10:00 → 15:35
• 13:10 → 18:45
• 16:20 → 21:55
- Total travel time as listed on the website: about 5 hr 55 min
- Fares vary by day type (S/A/B/C)
• Adult, Sapporo-Hakodate: ¥4,320–5,360 per trip (depending on the day type)
• Adult, Sapporo-Hakodate (advance-purchase fare): ¥3,820–4,860 per trip (advance reservation and payment required; conditions apply)
- Official link (schedule + fare calendar + seat reservation):
• https://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/highway/index.cgi?n=0&o=1&ope=det&t=129
- Distance: about 300 km or more, depending on the route chosen, with a driving time of around 4 hours (not including stops)
- Toll fees: vary depending on the route, road type, and whether you use ETC
- Warning: in winter, snow and ice can significantly extend travel time, so winter tires and snow equipment are recommended.
Traveling by plane from Sapporo to Hakodate takes about 35 minutes, making it a good option for those who want to travel quickly and don't mind a higher budget. This route is operated by Hokkaido Air System (HAC), a JAL Group airline, from Sapporo Okadama Airport.
As you can see, there are several ways to travel from Sapporo to Hakodate. Choose whichever option suits you best, and enjoy a comfortable journey.
