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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!