All routes · Japan Transportation

How to get from Tokyo to Sapporo

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

Tokyo StationSapporo Station

Your options

Sort by
  • 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 Tokyo → Aomori → Hakodate → Sapporo

    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 Tokyo → Sendai → Aomori → Hakodate → Sapporo

    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.

Some links are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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

Before you travel

Other journeys from Tokyo