All routes · Japan Transportation

How to get from Sapporo to Tokyo

Every practical way to travel from Sapporo to Tokyo, compared on time, cost and changes.

Sapporo Station → Tokyo Station

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  • Flight

    FastestCheapest
    Journey time
    4h 20m
    Typical fare
    ¥16,000
    Changes
    Direct

    Door-to-door estimate: includes getting to the airport, security, and the ride into town at the other end.

  • Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

    Journey time
    7h 50m
    Typical fare
    ¥34,950
    Changes
    3

    Via Sapporo → Hakodate → Aomori → Tokyo

    Limited Express Hokuto

    Book tickets on Klook

    Get the Japan Rail Pass on Klook

  • Highway Bus

    Journey time
    11h 45m
    Typical fare
    ¥32,940
    Changes
    4

    Via Sapporo → Hakodate → Aomori → Sendai → Tokyo

    Limited Express Hokuto

Journey times and fares are typical one-way figures for a standard seat, not live quotes. Peak-season, reserved-seat and green-car prices run higher — always confirm at the time of booking.

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What to know

Flying is the honest answer — the all-rail route via the Seisokan tunnel takes most of a day and costs more than a discounted flight. Take the train only if the journey itself is the point.

Is a rail pass worth it?

This journey alone comes to about ¥69,900 return — enough that a 7-day Japan Rail Pass (¥50,000) can pay for itself before you add anything else.

Frequently asked

What is the fastest way to get from Sapporo to Tokyo?
Flight — about 4h 20m for a typical fare of ¥16,000.
What is the cheapest way to get from Sapporo to Tokyo?
Flight — about 4h 20m for a typical fare of ¥16,000.
How long does it take to get from Sapporo to Tokyo?
Flight — about 4h 20m for a typical fare of ¥16,000.

Before you travel

Other journeys from Sapporo