5 Best Ways to Travel from Tokyo to Sapporo – Whether You’re in a Hurry (or Not)

Japan has no shortage of iconic long-distance routes.

The classic Tokyo to Kyoto route is what everyone talks about. And getaways to Hakone from the capital are a popular choice too.

But there’s something extra special about heading north — from the bustling, pop culture behemoth that is Tokyo, to the slower pace of snowy Sapporo — a city so good, it even has a beer named after it.

So, what’s the best way to travel from Tokyo to Sapporo?

Whether you’re planning a Hokkaido winter itinerary or curious about exploring Japan’s northern frontier, we’ve rounded up the top ways to get there.

Think cheap or fast — or even both — covering everything from bullet trains to ferries.

Here’s how to make the epic journey from Tokyo to Sapporo — and why it’s 100% worth every kilometre.

Getting from Tokyo to Sapporo – Quick Travel Options Compared

Okay, it’s a little confusing — the distance between Tokyo and Sapporo depends on how you look at it.

The straight-line (as-the-crow-flies) distance is about 832 kilometres.

But if you’re travelling by land or sea, it stretches to over 1,100 kilometres.

No need to stress about the numbers though.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different Tokyo to Sapporo travel options, how long each one takes, and what it’ll cost:

Note: Thinking of doing a day trip from Tokyo? Honestly? A same-day round trip just isn’t practical.

Yes, you could catch an early flight and return late, but you'd only have a few hours in Sapporo.

Throw in airport transfers and check-ins, and it really doesn’t make sense anymore.

If you're making the trip, plan to stay at least one to two nights — Sapporo deserves it.

1. How to Take the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo to Sapporo

Ah, the shinkansen. Punctuality, comfort, and rapid speeds of up to 320 km/h? It's a winning combo, for sure.

But do those same benefits apply for a journey from Tokyo to Sapporo?

Well, let’s talk expectations.

Taking the shinkansen from Tokyo to Sapporo is a scenic, comfy way to go — no doubt about it.

But it’s slower than flying — around 7.5 to 8 hours.

The upside? You’ll see a whole lot more of Japan on the way. So if you're not in a rush but want adventure and comfort, this could be it for you.

Route & Travel Time

Photo: @_sftnoise on Instagram

Believe it or not, getting to Sapporo by train wasn’t always this easy.

Well… kind of.

You used to have to endure a full-day ride or hop on an overnight sleeper train.

Since 2016 though, that’s all changed.

Now you can hop on a bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in just under four hours.

Direct trains zip through the Seikan Tunnel — the world's longest undersea rail tunnel. The track runs 240 metres below sea level.

From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, you’ll hop on the Hokuto Limited Express, which takes another 3.5 hours to reach Sapporo.

The good news? The Japan Rail Pass is valid for both legs of this trip (if you're planning a long-haul adventure, it’s worth considering one).

Another option is the JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass. It’s cheaper than the JR Pass but only valid for six consecutive days and gets you just up to Sapporo. You can book it online if that fits your itinerary.

If you'd like to explore the rest of Hokkaido, you'd need a JR Hokkaido Rail Pass (which doesn't cover the Seikan Tunnel or the journey from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate).

In any case, we’ve got a guide on how to use it, so you’ll know exactly what to do.

There’s no direct shinkansen to Sapporo just yet — that’s coming in 2030. For now, it’s a two-part journey:

• Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto: Ride the Hayabusa shinkansen — Japan’s fastest train. It takes about 4 to 4.5 hours. (Pro tip: sit on the right for ocean views.)

• Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Sapporo: Transfer to the Ltd. Express Hokuto. This leg takes 3.5 to 4 hours. It’s a limited express, not a bullet train, so a bit slower — but still comfy.

The good news is that trains are frequent, so flexibility is on your side.

And if you're really in a rush, it's possible to leave Tokyo in the morning and be in Sapporo by evening.

Photo: @autzenpics on Instagram

Just remember reserve your seats ahead of time — especially during busy travel periods (we've got a JR Pass seat reservation guide if you're new to all of this).

Why? Because seat reservations are mandatory on the Hayabusa trains between Tokyo and Hakodate.

Pass holders can ride in Standard or Green Cars.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can upgrade to Gran Class — think extra legroom, reclining seats, a warm towel, slippers, and more.

Cost & Passes

What About Sleeper Trains?

Since 2016, there haven’t been any overnight trains from Tokyo to Sapporo.

Iconic services like the Cassiopeia and Hokutosei are now part of rail history.

If you're after an overnight option these days, you'll need to look at the ferry — we’ll cover that later.

But red-eye options aren’t necessarily that much cheaper. So honestly, why put yourself through the hassle?

Unless you’re really keen to explore every nook and cranny of Japan, it doesn’t make much sense.

2. Tokyo to Sapporo by Flight: The Fastest Way of Getting There

So, we've covered the coolest way of getting from Tokyo to Sapporo.

As for the quickest? That’d be flying.

You'll spend 1.5 hours in the air, with dozens of daily flights (in fact, you’ll have plenty of options — this is one of the busiest air routes in Japan).

Throw in airport transfers and check-in time, and the total trip takes roughly 4 hours door-to-door.

That’s similar to a journey from Tokyo to Osaka by flight — not bad, eh?

But yeah, just keep in mind that the flight duration between Tokyo and Sapporo is more than just being on the plane, of course.

Airports & Airlines

Photo: @utsun38 on Instagram

Now, on to the airports. Tokyo has two main ones:

• Haneda (HND): Closer to the city, much more convenient

• Narita (NRT): Slightly cheaper flights, but farther out

Again, if convenience is the name of the game, go for Haneda — it’s much closer to downtown Tokyo. Here, you can fly carriers like Skymark Airlines.

However, if you want more flight options, Narita International Airport is the larger and newer of the two.

That’s where you’ll also find great low-cost carrier (LCC) options like Jetstar Japan, Peach Aviation, and Spring Airlines.

Note: Jetstar Japan is not affected by Jetstar Asia’s recent closure scheduled for 31st July 2025 (accurate as of writing).

In any case, both airports have flights to New Chitose Airport (CTS) near Sapporo and offer frequent departures via:

• Full-service airlines: JAL, ANA

• Budget carriers: Peach, Jetstar, Skymark, Air Do (Hokkaido’s flagship airline, previously known as Hokkaido International Airlines)

Price-wise, LCC flights can go as low as 5,000–7,000 yen (one-way) during promos.

That said, a plane ticket is often way cheaper than trains or ferries. Just factor in extra fees for baggage, seat selection (or meals, if you tend to pre-order them).

Flight Tips

• Tokyo-Haneda is better if you're already in central Tokyo

• Narita may be cheaper, but longer to reach — compare total costs

• JAL/ANA offer “Experience Japan” fares (11,000 to 13,000 yen) for foreigners

• Domestic check-in is efficient — 30 mins is usually enough

Cheap Flights to Sapporo: Tips and Tricks

The next question on your mind is probably how to snag cheaper air tickets from budget airlines.

Well, to kick things off, we recommend checking out a flight comparison site like Skyscanner or using Google’s price tracking feature.

It’s a great way to uncover the best deals, the cheapest times to fly, and which periods you’ll be forking out more cash.

Of course, being flexible with your travel dates will always help you find a lower fare — especially if you avoid weekends.

That said, domestic flights between Tokyo and Sapporo (or other cities) should be relatively cheap if you’re not flying internationally as well.

Getting from the Airport to Sapporo: Transport Options

From New Chitose Airport, you can reach Sapporo Station via:

• JR Hokkaido Airport Express train (roughly 40 mins, approx. 1,150 yen. You can also reserve seats for 840 yen — a real nice-to-have if you're carrying plenty of luggage)

• Limousine bus (about 1.5 hours, 1,300 yen — great if you've packed heavily)

We recommend taking the train, especially if you have the JR Pass or Hokkaido Rail Pass.

It’s faster and gets you to major hubs like Sapporo Station much quicker.

Either way, you'll find the train station in the basement of the domestic terminal. And it's just a short 10-minute walk from the international terminal.

If you're thinking of taking the airport limousine bus, it runs regularly between the airport and various spots in town — including Sapporo Station, Nakajima Park, Susukino, and many downtown hotels.

Just keep in mind that the journey time can vary depending on traffic and weather.

Bus ticket counters are located on the first floor of both the domestic and international terminals, and the bus stops are conveniently right outside.

Taxi/Private Transfers: If you're looking for a more convenient option, taxis are available from the airport.

Just note that they cost more — around 10,000 yen (about SGD 88). Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer with a professional driver who’ll meet you at the airport.

A taxi or private transfer takes about an hour to get to the city. But you can relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about directions.

Self-driving: Got a sense of adventure and prefer doing things your way? A rental car might be the way to go.

You can rent one at the airport from reliable companies like Nissan or Toyota, or simply book in advance before your trip.

3. Tokyo to Sapporo by Ferry: The Scenic Slow Way

So, flying from Tokyo to Sapporo sounds kinda boring. And well, you’ve taken the Hokkaido Shinkansen more times than you can count.

If you're craving a different experience — particularly a slow, scenic one — then taking the ferry is a superb option.

Again, this isn't for everyone. You’ve got to love the idea of going with the flow, being slow, and turning your transport into a mini cruise.

But if you really don’t care about speed, it more than makes up for it with some pretty epic scenery — something you just can't experience by road or air.

How does it work?

You’ll sail overnight from Oarai Port (in Ibaraki, northeast of Tokyo) to Tomakomai Port in Hokkaido.

Afterwards, it's onto a bus or train to Sapporo.

Yes, it’s a lot of travelling — but hey, you’re saving on one night’s hotel stay too.

So, should you take the ferry to get from Tokyo to Sapporo? Here's the lowdown:

Route and Schedule

• Operator: MOL Sunflower Ferry

• From: Oarai Port (about 2–3 hours from Tokyo by train or highway bus)

• To: Tomakomai Port (around 70 km from Sapporo)

• Sailing Time: About 18–19 hours overnight

There are two departures daily:

Note: Prices increase during peak seasons. Private rooms and suites are available at a higher cost.

Getting to Sapporo from the Port

Once you reach Tomakomai, you’ve got two options (roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to Sapporo):

• If you arrive on the evening ferry, a direct bus takes you to Sapporo Station (around 2,000 yen).

• Taking the late-night ferry? Then there’s no direct bus. You’ll need to catch a local train from Tomakomai city, or arrange for an overnight stay nearby.

What It’s Like Onboard

Think of it as a floating hotel with a view.

In true Japanese style, every detail is thought through. The Sunflower ferries include:

• A public bath with ocean views (yes, that screams epic)

• Restaurants and vending machines (you’ll want that convenience)

• Lounges, shops, and entertainment rooms (you’re on a boat for a long time, after all)

Just take note — you get what you pay for.

The basic Tourist class is an open bunk setup, while Comfort and private room upgrades offer more privacy and creature comforts. You can choose from six room types, ranging from 11,500 yen to a luxury suite at around 62,000 yen.

Forgot a towel? You can rent one onboard. Plus, there are new ships with balcony cabins, pet rooms, sauna, and kids’ areas too.

Pro tip: There’s little to no Wi-Fi, so queue up your Netflix downloads or bring that book you’ve been putting off for three months.

Meals aren’t usually included, but you can pay for buffet options (around 2,000 yen for dinner) or bring your own snacks.

What It Costs

Here’s a rough breakdown of costs — your room choice will affect the final amount:

Other Ways to Get from Tokyo to Sapporo (Bus or Car)

4. Bus + Ferry Combo: The Pacific Story Package — Budget-Friendly, But Slow

Photo: @punks_okuda on Instagram

Okay, so if you're thinking of taking a bus, here's the deal — there’s no direct bus from Tokyo to Sapporo.

But you can combine a highway bus with a ferry.

It does require a bit of planning and coordination, but the easiest way to do it is with MOL Ferry’s “Tokyo–Sapporo Pacific Story” package, which bundles the whole journey (bus + ferry + bus):

• From 9,900 yen one-way (low season)

• Up to 23,500 yen (peak season)

• Must follow fixed departure times

• You must call by phone for reservations (check the Sunflower Ferry English site for details)

Basically, you’re paying for a Tokyo–Oarai bus, the ferry ride, and a Tomakomai–Sapporo bus (which takes roughly one to 1.5 hours). Simple as that.

It’s a great deal if you’re flexible.

You can even add stopovers in Oarai or Tomakomai — tickets are valid for two days per segment, so you’ve got some breathing room if needed.

But if your priority is for your trip from Tokyo to Sapporo to be as quick as possible, then this route probably isn’t for you.

5. Driving from Tokyo to Sapporo: A Long Road Trip

Yes, you can drive — but you’ll still need to hop on a ferry (since cars can’t go through the Seikan Tunnel).

The full trip is long — and we mean really long.

We’re talking 1,100 km of road, with a ferry covering the sea-crossing bit.

Ferry Options for Drivers:

• Oarai–Tomakomai (Sunflower Ferry): ~18 hours, car fee is roughly 30,000 yen. This is the most popular option and saves you the bulk of the driving.

• Aomori–Hakodate (Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry): ~4 hours, car fares are around 15,000–26,000 yen. But the drive from Hakodate to Sapporo still takes 4 hours.

• Hachinohe/Sendai–Tomakomai (Silver Ferry): ~8 hours, car fee is about 21,000 yen.

Even though it’s not cheap and takes a fair bit of time, driving offers the ultimate flexibility.

It’s ideal for those who want to explore Tohoku or Hokkaido along the way — think Matsushima, Noboribetsu, Lake Toya — or if you’re a full-time traveller or digital nomad on an extended adventure.

What You'll Spend:

• Expressway tolls: ~15,000 yen (one way)

• Ferry (car + passenger): ~23,000 yen+

• Fuel: ~13,000 yen+

• Round trip total: 70,000–80,000 yen+

And don’t forget the cost of car rental if it’s not your own vehicle.

So yeah — unless you really need a car in Hokkaido or you're travelling as a group to split costs, driving might not be the most practical option.

Keep in mind that while the drive time is a minimum of 17 hours, a more realistic estimate with rest breaks is around 20–22 hours.

Also, driving in Hokkaido or Tōhoku during winter can be risky, and snow tyres are absolutely essential.

Getting Around Sapporo: Transportation Options

Sapporo city center has a well-developed transportation system, so it's pretty easy to get around town.

There are three subway lines (the Nanboku Line, the Tozai Line, and the Toho Line), four tram lines, and well-connected bus services, including JR Hokkaido Bus, connecting different parts of the city.

Cool Activities to Check Out in Sapporo

Sapporo Beer Museum (Under Renovation But Still Open from Mar to Dec 2025)

Have you really been to Sapporo if you haven’t stepped into its iconic beer museum? Beer geek or not, you’ve got to see why this legendary brew is named after the city — it’s pure heritage. Top it off with a cold pint and a sizzling plate of Jingisukan (a grilled mutton dish named after Genghis Khan). This historic red-brick brewery is hands down one of the top things to do in Sapporo.

Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

Ride the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway for sweeping night views of the city — it’s actually part of Japan’s official “New Three Great Night Views.” If you’re a sucker for romance, this one’s a must-add to your Sapporo bucket list. Not only is it among the best Sapporo attractions, it’s also a standout among things to do in Hokkaido.

Skiing in Sapporo (Opens Mid-Nov 2025)

Nope, you don’t always have to flock to Niseko for that legendary Japow (Japan powder). Sapporo’s slopes hold their own — just head to Kokusai Ski Resort, known for its super dry snow and city-side convenience, and one of the best ski resorts in Hokkaido. If you’re new to skiing, we’d recommend booking a private lesson before you carve.

Sapporo TV Tower

An oldie but a goldie — the Sapporo TV Tower is a top spot for panoramic city views. And with Odori Park right below, it’s a stunner no matter the season (we’ve got a soft spot for autumn, though). Pro tip: book your Sapporo TV Tower tickets in advance for complete peace of mind.

How to Go to Sapporo from Tokyo: The Final Takeaway

So what’s the best way to get from Tokyo to Sapporo?

Honestly, it depends on your priorities — speed, budget, comfort, or scenery.

If you’re keen on turning the journey itself into an adventure, then the ferry, road trip, or even the Ltd. Express Super Hokuto train ride could be right up your alley.

Prefer efficiency? Flights or shinkansen train services will get you there in record time.

Don’t forget to take into account things like luggage, transfer times, or whether you’ve got a Japan Rail Pass (which can really take the sting out of ticket costs).

If you're driving, factor in toll roads and fuel too — it's not cheap.

And while the Seikan Tunnel is usually reserved for freight trains, your ride beneath the sea still makes for a cool brag.

Whatever you choose, one thing’s for sure: Sapporo has plenty waiting once you arrive.