Figuring out how to get from Sapporo to Wakkanai? Good news: you’ve only got two choices, and they’re both straightforward. The JR limited express runs to Japan’s northernmost station at Wakkanai; it’s a single daily service each way and is covered by JR Passes. If you’re short on time, flights link Sapporo with Wakkanai in under an hour, with easy onward buses to town and Cape Soya. But honestly, if you’re short on time, you probably shouldn’t be coming here, because this is a seriously geeky place to come. The train wins for reliability, zero airport faff, and a memorable northbound journey; the plane wins for pure speed. Here’s our guide to getting from Sapporo to Wakkanai.
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It’s 206 miles (332 kilometers) between Sapporo and Wakkanai, so choose the option that fits your day and travel style. If you want a no-faff, easy journey, the Limited Express Sōya train wins. It goes straight to Japan’s northernmost station. If you’re trying to avoid the train, then the plane is fastest, but it adds the time taken for the trip to both New Chitose and Wakkanai airports. In winter, you should build in buffer time, but both options are generally reliable. Either way, prebook as services are VERY limited—and plan your Wakkanai arrival with the bus or a rental car if you’re heading straight out to Cape Soya.
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Where is Wakkanai?
Wakkanai sits at the very top of Hokkaido in Sōya Subprefecture, facing the Sōya Strait and Sakhalin on a clear day. The city is clustered around its compact port and the JR station. It’s about 10 minutes from the airport by bus. Wakkanai is the launch point for Cape Soya and ferries to Rebun and Rishiri, making it a basecamp for Japan’s far north.
Why go to Wakkanai?
Wakkanai is Japan’s most northerly city, but we’re really traveling here to get to Cape Soya, the northernmost point in Japan. It’s that end-of-the-map feeling: windswept headlands, views toward Sakhalin Island, at the eastern point of Russia! I wrote more about what to see in Wakkanai here.
How to Go from Sapporo to Wakkanai
You’ve got two practical options: the JR Limited Express Sōya direct train from Sapporo Station to Wakkanai, or a domestic flight from New Chitose (CTS) to Wakkanai (WKJ). The train wins for simplicity—station to station, luggage-friendly, and a satisfyingly northbound ride that ends at Japan’s most northerly station. The plane wins for speed—about an hour in the air—but add travel time to CTS, check-in, and the short bus from WKJ into town. In winter, both are reliable, but services are VERY limited, so choose your day early and book the exact departure that fits your plan.
The Sapporo to Wakkanai Train
There is a single train on this route. You should book it now. No other options if you’re planning on making this a day trip.
Take the Limited Express Sōya direct from Sapporo to Wakkanai—one return service per day—so you must ride the specifically timed train out and back or plan to stay overnight. Book your train, or use your JR Pass and reserve seats.
The typical timetable departs Sapporo at 07:30, and arrives in Wakkanai at 12:42 (The journey takes about 5 hours 10–12 minutes).
The southbound train returns around 17:44, reaching Sapporo about 22:56. It’s a long, old day, but someone else is doing the driving, and you’re here for an adventure, right?
Reserve seats online via JR Hokkaido’s official system (or JR-EAST Train Reservation), or use station counters/machines; sales open one month ahead. Great news – JR passes (nationwide and Hokkaido area) cover this train—just reserve your seat.
Sapporo to Wakkanai Flight
You can fly from Sapporo New Chitose (CTS) to Wakkanai (WKJ). The plane wins for speed—about 55–60 minutes in the air. ANA runs this route with turboprops, usually twice daily. Typical northbound slots are mid-morning (around 10:15) and mid-afternoon (about 15:35); returns commonly leave Wakkanai late morning (around 11:45) and early evening (about 17:00).
You can check the current timetable and flight availability here.
However, schedules shift by season, so check exact dates before you plan your day. Book with 12goAsia, or directly with ANA, and pick seats early if you want a window for coastline views on approach.
Don’t forget to factor in the extra time to reach New Chitose and the standard airport buffer.
Driving a Rental car from Sapporo to Wakkanai
The car wins for flexibility—leave when you like, stop where you want, and drive straight on to Cape Soya. The driving time is roughly 5.5–6.5 hours in good conditions for the 206 miles (332 kilometers).
The usual route is the expressway from Sapporo toward Shibetsu-Kenbuchi, then National Route 40 all the way north via Toyotomi and Horonobe into Wakkanai. Expect tolls on the expressway, and an ETC card will make life easier.
Don’t forget to read my guide to car rental in Japan.
And that you MUST have an International Driver’s Permit too.
Be sure to fill up with fuel before the final stretch and watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk. In winter, you’ll have snow, ice, and wind, I mean, heck, we had a lot of snow on the way up in mid-April! Parking in Wakkanai is straightforward, but I’m guessing that you’re likely heading straight to Cape Soya, then you’ll want to carry on for another 19 miles (31 kilometers), along the coast.
Our Experience Going from Sapporo to Wakkanai
We were at Sapporo Station just after 07:00 for the 07:40 Limited Express Sōya. Our journey was in mid-April, and it was COLD—snow and ice on the ground, and it only got colder and icier the further north we went.
However, the train was warm and on time (of course), and our journey felt like we were heading towards the end of the world!
Our final destination was the top of Japan, the most northerly point in the country – Cape Soya. Read about visiting Cape Soya here.
Tips for Traveling from Sapporo to Wakkanai
Your options for this route are VERY limited, so you will need to plan your day around fixed departures and add buffer time in winter.
The quickest way to get from Sapporo to Wakkanai
A flight from New Chitose (CTS) to Wakkanai (WKJ) is the quickest way to get from Sapporo to Wakkanai. You’ll be in the air for about 55–60 minutes, but don’t forget your travel time to CTS, check-in, and the bus from WKJ to downtown.
The cheapest way to go from Sapporo to Wakkanai
The train is the cheapest way to travel this route, especially if you have a JR Pass. Your seat reservation is covered, so it’s stupendously excellent value for a full-day return.
The best way to go from Sapporo to Wakkanai
Honestly, it’s the train to the end of the world. It’s a brilliant day out and a fabulous trip to take!
JAPAN TRAVEL RESOURCES
TRAIN TICKETS
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TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
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CAR RENTAL GUIDE
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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 Wakkanai
When you’re weighing up Sapporo to Wakkanai, keep it simple: pick the option that matches your day. The train wins this route for me, the one direct Limited Express Sōya each way, covered by JR Passes, gives you stress-free station-to-station travel. It’s a genuinely memorable trip to Japan’s northern edge. Don’t forget to pack layers if you’re traveling anytime vaguely cold!
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