Getting from New Chitose Airport to Niseko via resort bus is very popular for its reasonable price. During peak season, buses run from New Chitose Airport to Niseko Grand Hotel every day. Its main draw is that it stops along the major resorts and hotels along the way too.

Between the three buses available, the Hokkaido Chūō Bus, the White Liner, and the Hokkaido Resort Liner, about eight buses will depart from New Chitose Airport every day during the peak season in winter.

Though reservations are needed before by phone or internet, there are boarding areas at both the international and domestic terminals of the airport, making it a little easier to move around with your luggage.

For example, the Hokkaido Resort Liner has a gathering area on the first floor of the domestic terminal, and on the second floor of the international terminal, and from 9:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., buses depart with a frequency of once every hour to two hours.

Each bus company has its own website discounts, such as sets bundled together with ski lift tickets for some great deals, so do check the website beforehand to book the bus that suits your arrival time best.

・Estimated time required: About 3 hours (highway bus – from New Chitose Airport to Hirafu First Carpark, as well as ski slopes and other resort hotels in the Niseko area)
・Estimated cost: About 5,000 yen one way

If you're planning a trip to Niseko, you'll be pleased to know that there's more to this destination than just skiing. You can also enjoy the hot springs, restaurants, and see many other attractions.

For those traveling with young children or wanting to explore beyond Niseko, renting a car is a convenient option. There are many rental car companies around New Chitose Airport, so it's recommended to book in advance for a smoother trip.

However, it's important to note that the shortest route to Niseko from New Chitose Airport involves driving through a mountain pass. During winter, the roads may be closed or conditions may change due to weather conditions. If you're not used to driving in winter, be sure to account for extra travel time. The roads can be slippery and visibility may be poor, so take extra care for your safety.

・Estimated time required: About 2 hours and 10 minutes (From New Chitose Airport, take National Highway 36, Prefectural Highway 16, National Highway 276, or the Mifune Pass)
・Estimated cost: 10,000 yen (12 hours) for regular rental cars

Traveling by train from New Chitose Airport to Niseko offers a leisurely and scenic journey. You can admire expansive views of Hokkaido's snowy landscapes from the train windows, and enjoy local delicacies like snacks and bento boxes purchased at the airport or interchange stations. The trip to Kutchan Station, closest to the Niseko ski area, takes just over three hours, with transfers in Sapporo and Otaru. Keep in mind the limited train frequency and check schedules in advance.

Once at Kutchan Station, a 20-minute bus ride will take you to the ski slopes. This mode of transport is ideal for travelers with a flexible itinerary who have extra time to explore.

For cost savings, consider the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass for unlimited travel within Hokkaido, or the JR Pass if you're visiting multiple regions in Japan. Both passes offer unrestricted access to JR trains, including the Shinkansen bullet trains, for the duration of the pass.

・Estimated time required: About 3 hours and 6 minutes (Take the JR Chitose Line Express Train for 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Otaru Station, then take the JR Hakodate Main Line for about 2 hours and 46 minutes from Otaru Station to reach Kutchan Station (includes waiting time), and take a bus for 20 minutes)
・Estimated cost: 2,880 yen (excludes bus fares)

Opting for a taxi from New Chitose Airport to Niseko, though slightly more expensive, is ideal for those who value privacy and convenience. The journey takes about two hours, offering direct transportation to hotels or ski slopes without the hassle of handling luggage. Costs range between 30,000 to 40,000 yen, and while this may be higher than other modes, the ease of travel and minimal luggage handling are significant benefits.

Taxi drivers are adept at navigating snowy roads, ensuring a safe trip. Reservations are necessary to use a fixed-rate taxi. Upon arrival, passengers can find taxis at four designated locations in the arrival lobby, including a stand specifically for those with pre-booked taxis.

・Estimated time required: About 2 hours and 10 minutes
・Estimated cost: From 36,800 yen

Airport transfers are an economical way of getting from the airport to Niseko. These are especially convenient for family trips or for larger traveling parties with plenty of luggage.

The most commonly used method of transportation to reach Niseko is by plane. There are two to three flights every hour from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Haneda or Narita Airport to New Chitose Airport, and the duration of the flight is only one and a half hours.

Once you reach New Chitose Airport, you can choose from a variety of transportation methods to get to Niseko, including bus, rental car, train, and taxi. We have introduced all these methods earlier.

・Estimated time required: About 3 hours and ten minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes by plane from Haneda or Narita Airport to New Chitose Airport), and another 2 hours and 10 minutes by bus)
・Estimated cost: About 7,000 yen (the price of the plane ticket only, if an early bird discount is used)

Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station for a 4.5-hour journey. Switch to the Hakodate Main Line to travel for another 3.5 hours to Kutchan Station via Oshamambe. From there, take a 15-minute bus or taxi ride to the ski slopes of Niseko.

・Estimated time required: About 8 hours and 40 minutes (8 hours and 16 minutes by shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station Shin-Aomori Station, and another 3 hours and 25 minutes on the JR Hakodate Main Line from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Kutchan Station via Oshamambe Station, and another twenty minutes by bus)
・Estimated cost: 25,540 yen (price of shinkansen ticket only, includes cost of ticket and seat reservation)

Though it may result in a longer journey, the option of hopping on a ferry from Ōarai Port in Ibaraki Prefecture to Tomakomai Port is also available. Though it takes eighteen hours to get there, its draw is that it has great access to Niseko, taking a little less than two hours to get there from Tomakomai Port.

・Estimated time required: About 19 hours and forty-five minutes (17 hours and 45 minutes by ferry from Ōarai to Tomakomai, and another 2-hour drive)
・Estimated cost: 9,800 yen (Includes the cost of ferry ride only, price depends on the rank and period)

Besides this, though it takes at least two days, it is also possible to drive from Tokyo as well. Though you’ll have to take a ferry across the Tsugaru Straits, you can maintain a private space while traveling.

・Estimated time required: About 15 hours and 35 minutes (Shuto Expressway Bayshore Route to Hachinohe Expressway via Tohoku Expressway, followed by a ferry from Ōma to Hakodate for 1 hour and 50 minutes, then continue from National Highway 227 to National Highway 5 via the Hokkaido Expressway)
・Estimated cost: Depends on the rental car used


Before departing, depending on the situation of your trip, it’s best to check the most appropriate ways to get to your destination beforehand, for a more relaxing trip.

Be it comparing cost or time taken, it’s best to search for the method that suits you best. As many travel companies offer discounted tickets as well, you can make good use of them to enjoy your vacation conveniently at a reasonable cost.

Text by Minna no Kotobasha
Information accurate as of March 2021 (updated in September 2023). Please check official websites for more details.