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Highway Bus Guide from Sapporo Station: Bus Stop Locations and Ticket Reservations

Highway Bus Guide from Sapporo Station: Bus Stop Locations and Ticket Reservations

Date published: 14 June 2024

Highway express buses are a great way to get around Hokkaido. While central Sapporo is home to two main bus terminals, since October 2023, the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal has been closed for renovations related to the Shinkansen bullet train extension. Various bus stops have relocated to temporary locations nearby.

So for smoother travels, you'll want to confirm the exact location of your bus stop and plan how you will get there well in advance.

Here, a local Hokkaido writer will introduce the bus services and stop locations bound for popular tourist destinations, along with valuable tips to help you make the most of your travels.

Table of Contents
  1. Why Choose an Express Bus to Get Around Hokkaido?
  2. Sapporo Station Bus Stop Overview
  3. Bus Services to Destinations Outside Sapporo
  4. Buses to Popular Tourist Destinations
  5. Buses to Popular Hot Spring Destinations
  6. Buses to New Chitose Airport
  7. FAQs
  8. Take the Highway Bus from Sapporo Station for a Comfortable Journey

Why Choose an Express Bus to Get Around Hokkaido?

Image: PIXTA
Image: PIXTA

1. Low Prices 
Compared to air and rail travel, the best thing about express buses is their cost-effectiveness as the most affordable way to travel. Bus terminals are also typically located in central locations, meaning that if you’re staying in the city, you’ll likely save even more on transportation costs after you’ve arrived, too.

2. Frequent Departures
There are also usually way more express buses running between cities than air or rail services. Running from early morning to late evening, you can easily select a departure time that best fits your schedule. Night buses are also available between major cities like Hakodate and Kushiro, making it incredibly convenient for travelers who want to reserve their daytime for sightseeing.

3. Comfortable Rides
Large luggage, such as suitcases and carry-ons, can be stored in the bus’s luggage compartment, allowing you to enjoy the ride without worrying about your belongings. Buses also usually feature reclining seats and free Wi-Fi, so you can spend your ride relaxing while taking in the scenery outside or looking up more tourist information. For longer trips to places like Hakodate, some buses offer three rows of single-seaters for extra comfort and privacy, free from the concerns of neighboring passengers.

Notes on Express Buses
  • Buses typically depart promptly, as scheduled. Because most will take off without a final confirmation check, we recommend boarding well in advance. This also applies to any interim stops, so be sure to note the exact time the bus is scheduled to depart.
  • Also, be aware that while the express bus schedule serves as a guide, delays may occur due to weather, traffic, or other factors, especially in Hokkaido, where heavy snowfall can occasionally block expressways in the winter.

Sapporo Station Bus Stop Overview

There are six bus companies clustered around Sapporo Station. However, due to the terminal closure (scheduled until until 2028), the bus stops are temporarily scattered around a wide area from Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 4-chome in the east-west direction, and Kita 3-jo to Kita 7-jo across the JR station from north to south. So be prepared for some potential extensive walking, especially if you're unfamiliar with your bus stop location.

Advice from a Local Writer
  • The largest concentration of express bus stops is along Nishi 4-chome. Buses bound for hot spring resorts are located on the east side at Nishi 1-chome.

Locations of Major Bus Companies and Ticket Counters

Locations of Major Bus Companies and Ticket Counters

1. Hokkaido Chuo Bus

In addition to airport shuttle buses to and from New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido Chuo Bus operates the largest number of routes, with 10 requiring reservations (8 to and from Sapporo) and 15 that don’t. Their buses are recognizable by their red and white colors, with ticket counters and bus stops similarly marked in red. The ticket counter is located near the West Exit of the Nippon Seimei Building.

Timetables and boarding locations for each route are posted together on the wall of the ticket counter, ensuring ease of navigation despite the numerous routes in operation.

Opposite the counter and bus stop is the Red Brick Government Office*, making it a worthwhile sightseeing stop for those with time to spare.

(*Due to ongoing renovations in 2024, there is a temporary facility open to the public.)

2. Jotetsu Bus

Jotetsu Bus operates the Kappa Liner express bus to Jozankei. The ticket counter is located at the Sapporo Station South Exit Station Square, south of the station's east concourse exit.

3. Hokkaido Bus

Hokkaido Bus operates express buses from Sapporo to Hakodate, Kushiro, Obihiro, and Kitami, as well as night buses. Tickets are only available by reservation online or by phone, so there is no designated ticket counter.

Bus Services to Destinations Outside Sapporo

Buses to Popular Tourist Destinations

Buses from Sapporo to Otaru

Buses from Sapporo to Otaru
1. Highway Otaru-go (Jointly operated by Chuo Bus and JR Bus)
Reservations:
Not required
Travel Time:
Via Maruyama: Approx. 1 hr 10 min (from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station)
Via Hokudai: Approx. 1 hr 5 min (from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station)
Bus stop:
Boarding Location: West Side of Nippon Seimei Building, Platform 1. Nearest Exit from Subway: Exits 2 & 4.
Other Destinations from the Same Bus Stop:
Otaru Chikko Station, Yoichi, Iwanai, Shakotan, Niseko (Highway Yoichi, Iwanai, Shakotan, and Niseko routes also stop in front of Otaru Station)

Buses from Sapporo to Niseko

Buses from Sapporo to Niseko
1. Highway Niseko-go (Chuo Bus)
Reservations:
Not required
Travel Time:
Approx. 3 hr
Bus stop:
Boarding Location: West Side of Nippon Seimei Building, Platform 1 (Nearest Exit from Subway: Exits 2 & 4)
Other Destinations from Same Bus Stop:
Otaru Chikko Station, Yoichi, Iwanai, Shakotan, Niseko (Highway Yoichi, Iwanai, Shakotan, and Niseko routes also stop in front of Otaru Station)
2. Winter Exclusive Niseko Ski Bus (Chuo Bus)
Note:
Only Available from Early December to Late March the Following Year
Bus stop:
Boarding Location: West Side of Sapporo Station North Exit Station Square (Nearest Exit from Subway: Exit 10)

Buses from Sapporo to Asahikawa

Buses from Sapporo to Asahikawa
1. Highway Asahikawa-go (Chuo Bus)
Reservations:
Not required
Travel Time:
Approx. 1 hr 35 min
Bus stop:
Boarding Location: West Side of Nippon Seimei Building, Platform 2 (Nearest Exit from Subway: Exits 2 & 4)
Other Destinations from Same Bus Stop:
Furano

Buses from Sapporo to Furano

Buses from Sapporo to Furano
1. Highway Furano-go (Chuo Bus)
Reservations:
Not required
Travel Time:
Approx. 2 hr 40 min
Bus stop
Boarding Location:
West Side of Nippon Seimei Building, Platform 2 (Nearest Exit from Subway: Exits 2 & 4)
Other Destinations from Same Bus Stop:
Asahikawa

Buses from Sapporo to Hakodate

Buses from Sapporo to Hakodate
1. Highway Express Hakodate-go (Jointly operated by Chuo Bus and Hokuto Kotsu)
Reservations:
Required
Travel Time:
Approx. 5 hr 35 min (from Sapporo Station to Hakodate Station)
Bus stop
Boarding Location: West Side of Nippon Seimei Building, Platform 4 (Nearest Exit from Subway: Exits 2 & 4)
Other Destinations from Same Bus Stop:
Obihiro, Monbetsu, Engaru
2. Hakodate Express New Star (Hokkaido Bus)
Reservations:
Required
Travel Time:
5 hr 35 min (from Sapporo Station to Hakodate Station)
Bus stop
Boarding Location: Kita 4-jo Nishi 3-chome (Directly south of East Concourse Exit of Sapporo Station) (Nearest Exit from Subway: Exit S-19)
Other Destinations from Same Bus Stop:
Obihiro, Kushiro, Kitami

Buses to Popular Hot Spring Destinations

Bus from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen

Bus from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen
Highway Onsen-go (Donan Bus)
Reservations:
Required
Travel Time:
Approx. 1 hr 50 min (from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Onsen)
Bus stop
Boarding Location: Kita 5-jo Nishi 1-chome (Nearest Exit from Subway: Exit 18)
Other Destinations from Same Bus Stop:
Muroran, Urakawa, Tomakomai, Toyako Onsen

Bus from Sapporo to Jozankei Onsen

Bus from Sapporo to Jozankei Onsen
1. Kappa Liner (Jotetsu Bus)
Reservations:
Required
Travel Time:
Approx. 1 hr (from Sapporo Station to Jozankei Onsen)
Bus stop
Boarding Location: Kita 4-jo Nishi 1-chome, in front of Hokuren Bldg & Hokuno Bldg. (Nearest Exit from Subway: Exit 23)
Other Destinations from Same Bus Stop:
None

Buses to New Chitose Airport

Buses to New Chitose Airport
1. Airport Shuttle Bus (Chuo Bus, Hokuto Kotsu)
Reservations:
Not required
Travel Time:
Approx. 1 hr 17 min (from Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport)
Bus stop
Boarding Location: Kita 4-jo Nishi 4-chome (Nearest Exit from Subway: North 4 West 4 Exit)
Other Destinations from Same Bus Stop:
None

FAQs

Q: Where can I wait for the bus in inclement weather?

Q: Where can I wait for the bus in inclement weather?

There are public benches and open seating spaces available in the underpasses around Sapporo Station. Some are equipped with digital signage displaying timetables and information maps for checking bus schedules and boarding locations.

Near the Intercity Express Bus Terminal, you'll find benches and open spaces at the Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Passageway (Chi-Ka-Ho). Particularly convenient are the open spaces in front of the Nippon Seimei Sapporo Building near Exit 2 and in front of Akarenga Terrace near Exit 4.

Closest to the Donan Bus and Jotetsu Bus stops are the benches on the concourse of the Toho Subway Line, located near Exit 20 and 23.

Q: What if I need to use the bathroom while waiting for the bus?

Public restrooms are available at Sapporo Subway Station (Namboku and Toho lines) and in the Chi-Ka-Ho. Nearby commercial facilities may also offer restrooms, although availability may be limited.

Long-distance intercity buses have restrooms on board, however, so if your departure time is approaching, we recommend waiting until after you board the bus.

Take the Highway Bus from Sapporo Station for a Comfortable Journey

As you can see, there are a number of bus stops now scattered all around Sapporo Station. To get around more comfortably, we recommend checking your designated bus stop well in advance. Sapporo features an extensive network of underground passageways, allowing you to get around safely even during winter or inclement weather. And for an even smoother trip, be sure to familiarize yourself with the nearest passageway entrances, too!

Written by:
Minna no Kotoba Sha
Minna no Kotoba Sha

Minna no Kotoba Sha is a production company founded by an editor with extensive experience in editing local magazines in Sapporo. For over 20 years, our team has conducted research and written articles across Hokkaido, with Sapporo as our primary hub. Our diverse portfolio includes the production of various books such as travel guides, informational magazines, and collections showcasing the picturesque landscapes of Hokkaido. Comprised entirely of women, the team at Minna no Kotoba Sha boasts diverse interests, including a passion for travel, culinary delights, and alcoholic beverages. The scope of our communication efforts spans a wide range, covering everything from introducing notable restaurants to providing coverage of local events and sharing stories of leisure experiences.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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