Otaru is a small port town located northwest of Sapporo, only about 40 kilometers away. A direct train links the two cities in as little as 33 minutes, making Otaru a popular day trip for visitors to Hokkaido. The town is home to a beautifully preserved canal area, a former herring fishing village, and markets selling homeware, fresh seafood and much more. Here is how to travel between Sapporo and Otaru.
Related article ▶︎ Must-See Attractions in Otaru
Quick Summary
- JR Train: 33-46 minutes | ¥800 one-way
- Highway Bus: ~1 hour | ¥730 one-way (round-trip ticket available)
- Driving: about 24 minutes on the expressway, plus city driving time | Toll depends on your entry and exit points
- Taxi: most expensive (metered fare plus toll/surcharges)
By JR Train (Most Recommended)
Take the JR train from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station.
Travel Time/Price (based on JR Hokkaido)
- The Rapid Airport train takes about 33-41 minutes
- Local trains take about 46 minutes
- Fare: ¥800 one-way
Advantages
- Fast and direct, no need to worry about traffic
- IC cards (Kitaca, Suica, PASMO, etc.) can be used on the New Chitose Airport–Sapporo–Otaru section
- There is a reserved seat car (Car 4) if trains are crowded; a reserved seat ticket costs an extra ¥840
Important Tip (Avoid Boarding the Wrong Train)
- Watch out for trains bound for "Teine" or "Hoshimi" — these do not go to Otaru
Note on Train Schedules
- There are several trains per hour, but intervals vary. Check the actual timetable before you travel.
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By Highway Bus (Kosoku Otaru-go)
This option suits travelers who want a comfortable ride and the convenience of getting on or off at stops in the city centre (such as Tokeidaimae), or who would rather not walk through train stations.
Key Information (based on Hokkaido Chuo Bus)
- Route name: Kosoku Otaru-go (several sub-routes, such as via Maruyama, via Hokudai, and via Boyodai)
- Fare: ¥730 one-way | round-trip ticket ¥1,360
- Travel time: about 1 hour
- Distance: 38 km
- Payment: pay when you get off (tickets and IC cards accepted; many services also accept contactless credit cards)
Common Boarding Points (depending on the route)
- 札幌駅前 (Sapporo Sta.)
- 時計台前 (Tokeidaimae)
- 札幌ターミナル (Sapporo Terminal - some routes)
Popular Destination
- Otaru Station (Otaru Ekimae)
Service Hours (example from the winter timetable updated December 1, 2025)
- Outbound: from Sapporo Sta., the first bus departs at 06:35, with services running until about 22:35
*During New Year holidays, many services are suspended (Dec 31-Jan 3); check in advance.
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By Private Car / Rental Car
The most popular route is via the Sasson Expressway (E5A).
Toll Reference from NEXCO (example search for "Sapporo-kita IC → Otaru IC" on January 2, 2026)
- Toll (standard vehicle): ¥1,240
- Expressway distance: 30.7 km
- Time (expressway portion only): 24 minutes
*Add extra time for city driving and finding parking to reach sightseeing areas such as Otaru Canal.
Note
- In winter, roads can be icy or snowy. Allow extra time and check weather and road conditions before you set off.
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By Taxi
This is the most convenient option for travelers with elderly companions, young children, or heavy luggage, but it comes at a high cost.
Taxi Fare Structure for the Sapporo-Otaru Area (updated December 17, 2025)
- Base fare: ¥600 (1.05 km)
- Additional: +¥100 per 272 meters
- Pick-up fee: ¥200 (some companies/areas)
- Late-night surcharge: 22:00-05:00, +20%
- Winter surcharge (12/10-3/26) +20%
Rough Fare Estimate (for reference)
- For a trip of about 38 km (similar to the bus route distance), the metered fare could be around ¥14,000-16,000 (excluding tolls)
- If taking the expressway, add the toll based on entry and exit points
*The actual price depends on the route, traffic, pick-up fees, and surcharges (late-night/winter).
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Which Option Should You Choose? (Day Trip)
- Want speed and reliable timing: JR Train
- Want to get off near Tokeidai or downtown without walking through a station: Highway Bus
- Planning multiple stops outside the city or continuing to drive around: Rental Car
- Traveling in a group with lots of luggage and want door-to-door service: Taxi (but expensive)