Trying to figure out the best way to travel from Sapporo to Otaru? The good news: it’s one of Hokkaido’s easiest city-to-seaside runs, and you’ve got choices. The JR train is usually the fastest and most reliable, skirting the coast with big-window views, and this is one of the most picturesque coastal routes in Japan. Buses run directly and drop you close to Otaru Canal, handy for a day trip or if you’re staying somewhere central. Prefer zero logistics? Join a small-group or coach tour that bundles transport with Otaru highlights. If you want door-to-door, book a private transfer and skip hauling bags through stations. And for maximum flexibility, rent a car and drive the expressway—useful if you’re pairing Otaru with coastal stops like Yoichi. In this guide to going from Sapporo to Otaru, I’ll break down each option so you can match it to your time, budget, and travel style.
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Otaru is about 22 miles (35 kilometers) northwest of Sapporo, so this is an easy trip. The JR Hakodate Main Line runs along the coast in 32–40 minutes on rapid trains; local trains take 45–50 minutes. Highway buses will take you about 55–70 minutes and drop you near the Otaru Canal. Driving via the Sasson Expressway takes 45–60 minutes, depending on the traffic and weather. Prefer zero faff? Small-group tours bundle transport and sights. With luggage or kids, a private transfer delivers door-to-door in under an hour.
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Where is Otaru?
Otaru is a compact port city on Hokkaido’s west coast, about 22 miles (35 kilometers) northwest of Sapporo on Ishikari Bay. The city is anchored by Otaru Station and the photogenic Otaru Canal, where stone warehouses now house glass studios, seafood restaurants, and cafés. The JR Hakodate Main Line runs along the shoreline, while the Sasson Expressway will take you right into the town. From the station, the canal and Sakaimachi Street are a flat and easy 10–15-minute walk. Otaru works well as an easy day trip, but it’s also a handy base for Yoichi’s Nikka Whisky, the Shakotan Peninsula, and winter ski areas. For what to do once you arrive, see my guide to the best things to do in Otaru.
How to Go from Sapporo to Otaru
You’ve got five easy options: train, bus, tour, private transfer, or car. The JR Hakodate Main Line is the fastest and most reliable—32–40 minutes on rapid services—and it’s the scenic coastal run most people choose. This is a glorious coast route to take, for another take a look at the Resort Shirakami Train, it’s magical.
Buses take about 55–70 minutes and will drop you near Otaru Canal, handy if your plans are centered downtown. Tours bundle transport with highlights and a local guide, so you see more with zero logistics and learn along the way. Private transfers get you door-to-door in under an hour—ideal with luggage, kids, or tight schedules. Driving via the Sasson Expressway takes 45–60 minutes and gives you freedom to stop at Yoichi or along the coast, but don’t forget to factor in tolls and parking. In short: pick train for speed, bus for a central drop, tour for simplicity, transfer for comfort, or car for maximum flexibility.
Taking a Tour from Sapporo to Otaru
If you want zero logistics and a fuller day, book a guided tour that bundles transport with Otaru’s headline stops. This itinerary takes you to the Otaru Aquarium (it’s family-friendly and classic Hokkaido nostalgia), then you’ll ride the Mt. Tengu Ropeway for big bay views and an easy lookout stroll. You’ll also get time on Sakaimachi Street—glass workshops, music boxes, sweets—and usually a wander by the canal for photos and snacks. It’s an efficient way to see a whole lot more in one go, without juggling bus times or parking, and you’ll have a guide to add context and keep things moving. Check availability and inclusions on the Otaru Aquarium & Mt. Tengu Ropeway day tour from Sapporo; it runs year-round and is designed for an easy there-and-back.
Taking a bus from Sapporo to Otaru
The express bus is a fuss-free ride with frequent departures. JR Hokkaido Bus and Hokkaido Chuo Bus run joint services from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal (Platform 1) straight to Otaru Station Bus Terminal. Travel time is typically 55–68 minutes, depending on route and season. Some JR Passes will cover you on the JR Hokkaido Bus as well.
Buses start around 06:35 and run throughout the day until about 22:35, with roughly 10–15 minute headways at busy times. The current one-way fare is 730 yen; the round-trip 1,360 yen.
There’s no reservation hassle—buy a ticket at the Sapporo Station bus counters or vending machines, tap an IC card, or pay on board, then hop on. You’ll arrive right at Otaru Station’s bus terminal, a seriously easy walk to the canal area and Sakaimachi Street.
The Sapporo to Otaru Train
The JR Hakodate Main Line is the quickest way to get to Otaru from Sapporo: rapid services take about 33–41 minutes; locals take 45–50. Trains run multiple times per hour—roughly every 15 minutes by day—from early morning to late night, so you can be flexible.
Departure is from Sapporo Station to Otaru/Minami-Otaru/Otaru-Chikko; just tap your IC card (Kitaca/Suica/PASMO) or buy a ticket at the machines. Most seats are non-reserved; car 4 is a reserved-seat car if you want a guaranteed spot. The route is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR Hokkaido Rail Passes.
Buying a ticket is simple: there is no advance reservation needed—use an IC card for the fastest gate-to-gate experience, or buy a paper ticket on the day. Enjoy the coastal views; it’s a fabulous trip!
Sapporo to Otaru Private Transfer
If you prefer a door-to-door service, then a private transfer is the smoothest way to go. The drive is 45–60 minutes via the Sasson Expressway, depending on traffic and weather. You set the pickup time and location—hotel, apartment, or even a drop-off at New Chitose Airport later—and the driver handles luggage and tolls. For day trips, 08:00–10:00 pick-ups work well for a full Otaru day; for check-ins, time it for your accommodation’s window. Booking is straightforward with Daytrip: choose Sapporo → Otaru, pick a vehicle size, add optional stops (Yoichi whisky distillery is a handy detour and even better when someone else is doing the driving!), and you’ll see the full fare up front. It’s pricier than train or bus, but if you value comfort, schedules, or mobility needs, it’s the easiest option.
Driving a Rental car from Sapporo to Otaru
If you want maximum flexibility, picking up a rental car in Sapporo is your option. The drive takes about 45–60 minutes via the Sasson Expressway (E5A). The simplest route is Sapporo-nishi IC to Otaru IC; tolls for a regular car are around 820 yen (ETC/regular), with late-night/holiday discounts available.
Parking is straightforward around the canal area. The city-run lot, which is a short walk from the Otaru Canal, charges roughly 300 yen per 60 minutes, and it’s capped at 1,000 yen per day. You’ll find several “pay by coin” parking lots in the vicinity with similar prices.
Read my guide to renting a car in Japan here. And don’t forget you need an International Driver’s Permit too.
If you’re staying overnight in the center (check hotel options here – try the Hotel Sonia or the Hotel Nord), then expect to pay around 1,200 yen per night at hotels that are by the canal.
You’ll want to book a rental car with an ETC so you don’t need to stop for the toll gates, keep some coins for smaller lots, and in winter, factor snow/ice into your timing. If it’s winter and the weather looks bad, then stick to trains, transfers, or tours.
Our Experience Going from Sapporo to Otaru
We took the JR Hakodate Main Line, and it was exactly what you want from a short trip: on time, clean, and easy. We boarded an early morning rapid service from Sapporo Station, grabbed seats. 35-ish minutes later, we were in Otaru. Our Japan Rail Pass covered the ride, so no reservations—just a quick gate check and go.
The coastal stretch is the highlight. Big windows, broad views of Ishikari Bay, and a few tunnel pops that make the scenery feel even bigger when it opens back up. If you can, sit on the right-hand side heading to Otaru for the best sea views.
Using the train to go from Sapporo to Otaru was easy and practical for a day trip. The walk from the station to the canal is flat and short.
Tips for Traveling from Sapporo to Otaru
If you’re planning on taking this route, then here are the headline options that you need.
The quickest way to get from Sapporo to Otaru
JR Hakodate Main Line rapid trains (about 33–41 minutes). This doesn’t account for getting to and from Sapporo Station, but gate-to-gate, it’s usually the fastest way to get here.
The easiest way to go to Otaru from Sapporo
Join a guided day tour—zero logistics, timed stops, local context. This Otaru Aquarium & Mt. Tengu Ropeway tour from Sapporo (includes transport) is a great way to maximize your time in Otaru.
The cheapest way to go from Sapporo to Otaru
The train wins. If you hold a Japan Rail Pass or a JR Hokkaido Pass, the ride is covered. Even without a pass, point-to-point tickets are inexpensive.
The best way to go from Sapporo to Otaru
It depends on your onward plans. For most travelers, the train wins on speed, frequency, and views. If you’re hauling bags or traveling with kids, a private transfer or tour may be worth it.
JAPAN TRAVEL RESOURCES
TRAIN TICKETS
Easiest way to buy train tickets, use Klook for Shinkansen Train Tickets, check timetables & reserve seats.
Book Train Tickets
HOTELS AND APARTMENTS
See choices here
Sea view rooms? Budget rooms? Need a washing machine? The best choice of hotels & apartments.
TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
Most excursion choices, small group tours, skip-line tickets, free cancellation and top local guides.
Top options here.
CAR RENTAL GUIDE
Read my Guide
Best choice of vehicles, automatics, large or small cars, child seats. Book early for more options.
Final Words on How to Go from Sapporo to Otaru
Getting from Sapporo to Otaru is refreshingly simple. The train wins—fast, frequent, scenic, and covered by the Japan Rail Pass or JR Hokkaido passes. Buses are slower, but you’ll arrive right by Otaru Canal, which is perfect if your plans are centered downtown. Tours suit anyone who wants zero logistics and a guide to stitch the highlights together. Private transfers are the easiest with luggage or kids, giving you door-to-door comfort on your schedule. Driving delivers full flexibility for side trips to Yoichi or Shakotan, but factor in tolls, parking, and winter conditions. However you travel, this short coastal route rewards you with great views and a smooth arrival. Pick the fit for your time, budget, and style, and enjoy Otaru.
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