Niseko is located in the southwest corner of Hokkaido, conveniently situated 50 kilometres south-west of Sapporo and 80 kilometres west of Hokkaido’s international airport, New Chitose Airport. Below we have detailed various options for transportation, and included links to printable documents that clearly detail all of the information you’ll need to get to or from Niseko during your holiday.
Travel between New Chitose Airport and Niseko
Bus Transport
From December to March, multiple bus companies run buses between New Chitose Airport and the various ski resorts of Niseko. Many of the buses stop at Rusutsu along the way. The ride from the airport to Niseko takes about three hours. Fares vary greatly between companies, and discounted round-trip tickets and packages which combine the bus ride with lift tickets are also available.
Hokkaido Resort Liner
- Service runs December 1 – March 30
- Travel time: approx. 3hrs – 3.5hrs, depending on drop-off point
- 10 departures from airport, daily
- 8 departures from resort, daily
- Prices:
- One-way: ¥5,500 Adult / ¥4,500 Child
- Timetable and more information
- Online reservation:
GOOD SPORTS White Liner
- Service runs Dec 1 – Mar 31
- Travel time: approx. 2.5hrs – 3.5hrs, depending on drop-off point
- 8 departures from airport, daily
- 7 departures from resort, daily
- Prices:
- One-way: ¥6,600 Adult / ¥4,400 Child
- Timetable and more information
- Online reservation
Private Transfer
There are many companies operating private transfer services between New Chitose Airport and Niseko. Private transfers are a great option if you want a comfortable, private ride that will depart on your schedule and potentially make stops for you along the route.
Sky Station provides transfers between New Chitose Airport and Sapporo. It is also possible to combine with a sightseeing trip on the way.
- 10-15min restroom stop is included
- Shopping stop fee is ¥6,000 for 60mins
- Vehicle Types
- Online reservation
Train Transport
Kutchan Station, rather than Niseko Station, is the region’s public transportation hub. There are infrequent train connections between New Chitose Airport and Niseko (Kutchan Station). You must transfer trains in Otaru and the entire journey takes approximately three hours. The one way fare is around 2600 yen and fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass.
From Kutchan Station, there is a bus every 1-2 hours to Hirafu (15 minutes), with some buses continuing on to Niseko Village (30 minutes) and Annupuri (45 minutes, winter only).
Travel between Sapporo and Niseko
Bus Transport
From December to March, multiple bus companies run direct buses between hotels in Sapporo’s city center and Niseko. Some buses also serve Sapporo Station. In the Niseko area, the buses stop at all of the major ski resorts: Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri. The journey takes between 2.5 and 4 hours depending on pick-up location and destination. Fares vary greatly between the companies and discounted round-trip tickets and packages which combine the bus ride with lift tickets are also available.
Hokkaido Resort Liner
- Service runs December 2 – March 31
- Travel time: approx. 3.5hrs – 4.5hrs, depending on drop-off point
- 1 departure from Sapporo, daily in the morning
- 3 departures from resort, daily
- Prices:
- One-way: ¥5,500 Adult / ¥4,500 Child
- Timetable and more information
- Online reservation:
Private Transfer
There are many companies operating private transfer services between Sapporo and Niseko. Private transfers are a great option if you want a comfortable, private ride that will leave at your schedule and potentially make stops for you along the route.
Sky Station provides transfers between Sapporo and Niseko. They will pick you up or drop you off directly at your hotel in Sapporo.
- 10-15min restroom stop is included
- Shopping stop fee is ¥6,000 for 60mins
- Vehicle Types
- Online reservation
Train Transport
Kutchan Station, rather than Niseko Station, is the region’s public transportation hub. There are infrequent local and rapid train connections between Sapporo and Kutchan Stations, most of which require a transfer of trains in Otaru. With a direct “Niseko Liner” rapid train or a favourable transfer at Otaru, the one way trip takes roughly 100 minutes and costs around 1840 yen. The trains are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass.
From Kutchan Station, there is a bus every 1-2 hours to Hirafu (15 minutes), with some buses continuing on to Niseko Village (30 minutes) and Annupuri (45 minutes, winter only).
Travel between Niseko and nearby resorts
If you are staying in Niseko and looking to do a day trip to another resort, then we would love to transport you both ways. The best way to travel between Niseko and nearby resorts, such as: Rusutsu, Sapporo Teine or Sapporo Kokusai, is by booking a full day of lessons or guiding. We will help you get your lift tickets ahead of time, pick you up at your hotel at your preferred time, and drop you off at the end of the day.
Interested in stopping for some food and drink, or to relax at an onsen on the way back? That can be arranged – we can completely customize the journey for you to and from the resort! Not to mention a fun-filled day of instruction or guiding at your chosen resort in-between.