Shinkansen or bullet train

Travel Time: Approximately 7.5 to 8 hours (4 hours by Shinkansen + 3.5 hours by Limited Express)
Cost: From around 23,000 yen (one-way)
Traveling from Tokyo to Sapporo by bullet train involves taking the Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, and then transferring to a Limited Express “Hokuto” train for Sapporo. While the direct Shinkansen link to Sapporo is still under construction, this combined journey gives you the comfort and reliability of Japan’s high-speed rail, followed by a scenic trip through Hokkaido’s rugged landscapes.

Starting at Tokyo Station, board the Hayabusa or Hayate service on the Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen heading north. In about 4 hours, you’ll reach Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, located on the southern tip of Hokkaido. From there, hop on the Limited Express Hokuto train, which takes about 3.5 hours to reach Sapporo Station. Although lengthy, this route lets you experience northern Japan’s seasonal beauty—think snow-capped peaks in winter, lush greenery in summer, and vibrant foliage in autumn.

Tip: This option is best for travelers who value comfort and scenic views over speed. While it’s not the quickest way to Sapporo, the Shinkansen offers a smooth and relaxing journey with frequent departures and high punctuality.

With your Japan Rail Pass

Travel Time: Approximately 7.5 to 8 hours
Cost: Covered by your Japan Rail Pass
If you hold a Japan Rail Pass, the journey from Tokyo to Sapporo via the Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen and the Hokuto Limited Express is fully included. There’s no need to worry about purchasing separate tickets—simply reserve your seats at any JR ticket office before boarding. Since you’ll be covering a long distance, securing a reserved seat is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable ride, especially during peak travel seasons.

While this trip is longer than flying, it’s a fantastic way to maximize the value of your JR Pass, see more of Japan’s lesser-visited regions, and travel in comfort at no additional cost.

Shinkansen/Bullet Train Information:

Green Class:
Indulge in greater comfort, spacious reclining seats, and a quieter environment in the Green Car. You’ll enjoy amenities like personal reading lights, power outlets, and ample luggage storage. Complimentary refreshments, extra legroom, and fewer passengers make it an appealing choice for those seeking a premium experience. While Green Class tickets are pricier (about 1.5 to 2 times the cost of Ordinary tickets), the serene atmosphere and added legroom can be worth the splurge—especially on a journey as long as Tokyo to Sapporo.

Ordinary Class:
Ordinary Cars offer a dependable and comfortable travel option. Seats are cozy, with overhead racks for your bags, coat hooks, and power outlets available on many trains. Some cars feature non-reserved seating on the Shinkansen, which can be flexible but may require arriving early to secure a seat. Given the lengthy journey, consider reserving your seat in advance to ensure a stress-free trip.

Luggage:
If you have oversized luggage (160cm to 250cm in total dimensions), you’ll need to make a reservation, which is included with your JR Pass. Smaller bags and suitcases usually fit into overhead racks, but space can be limited. Consider using a luggage delivery service if you’re carrying large or heavy items—this will free you up to enjoy the journey without the hassle of maneuvering bulky bags.

Local train

Travel Time: At least 12 hours or more
Cost: From around 17,000 yen+ (depending on routes and segments)
Traveling entirely by local and rapid trains from Tokyo to Sapporo is technically possible but not recommended due to the immense time commitment and numerous transfers required. You’d need to navigate through multiple rail segments, each with varying departure times and connections. This option might save a bit of money compared to the Shinkansen and Limited Express combination, but the extra hours—often more than half a day—and the added stress of changing trains make it an impractical choice for most travelers.

If you’re a railway enthusiast who appreciates slow travel and exploring off-the-beaten-path stations, local trains could provide a unique adventure. Otherwise, consider other modes of transportation for efficiency and comfort.

Highway bus

Travel Time: Between 16 and 18 hours
Cost: From around 10,000 yen
Highway buses run long-distance routes connecting Tokyo and Sapporo. These often operate as overnight services, allowing you to depart Tokyo in the late afternoon or evening and arrive in Sapporo the following day. While cheaper than taking the Shinkansen, this is a very long journey spent mostly seated, and amenities on buses—though improving—are limited compared to trains.

Companies like Willer Express and Japan Bus Online make it easy to check timetables, prices, and book seats online. If you’re extremely budget-conscious and don’t mind sacrificing comfort and time, a highway bus could be a viable option. Just be prepared for a lengthy, somewhat cramped ride.

Japan Bus Pass:
If you plan on using highway buses multiple times during your trip, consider the Japan Bus Pass offered by Willer Express. Available only to non-Japanese passport holders, it allows for several bus travel days within a 2-month period at a fixed cost (around 10,000 yen to 15,000 yen). For details, visit Willer Express’ Japan Bus Pass page.

Airplane

Travel Time: Between 3 and 4 hours total (1.5-hour flight + airport transfers)
Cost: Usually around 7,000 yen to 25,000 yen
Flying is the fastest and often most convenient way to reach Sapporo from Tokyo. Major airports—Haneda and Narita in Tokyo, and New Chitose Airport near Sapporo—handle dozens of flights daily operated by airlines such as Japan Airlines, ANA, Jetstar Japan, and Peach Aviation. A one-way flight can be as short as 1.5 hours, and budget airlines frequently offer promotional fares.

After arriving at New Chitose Airport, it takes about 40 minutes by train to reach central Sapporo. For travelers with limited time or those who prioritize convenience, flying is often the best choice. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need to factor in the time and cost of getting to and from airports, plus any baggage fees imposed by low-cost carriers.

Is it preferable to fly or take the train from Tokyo to Sapporo?
This largely depends on your priorities. Flying is significantly faster, making it ideal for those with tight itineraries. On the other hand, the train journey—though longer—offers scenic views, comfortable seating, and no lengthy security checks. If you’re already holding a JR Pass and don’t mind the travel time, taking the train may be more economical and enjoyable.

Car

Travel Time: Between 15 and 20 hours (including ferry crossings)
Cost: From tens of thousands of yen (fuel, tolls, ferry, and rental fees)
Driving from Tokyo to Sapporo involves covering a great distance, often requiring a ferry crossing from Honshu to Hokkaido. This route grants you maximum flexibility, privacy, and the opportunity to explore rural areas, but at a high cost in both time and money.

Fuel expenses, expressway tolls, rental car fees, and ferry charges can add up quickly. The journey can easily take more than a full day behind the wheel, making it impractical for most visitors unless you’re planning an extensive road trip with multiple sightseeing stops along the way.

Before setting off, ensure you have:

• A valid driver’s license (an International Driving Permit if required)
• A credit card
• Sufficient identification and travel documents
• Patience for a long and potentially complicated journey

So what is the best way to get from Tokyo to Sapporo?

If time is your top priority, taking a flight is the most efficient method. You’ll save hours of travel, allowing more time to explore Sapporo’s vibrant cityscape and nearby natural wonders. For holders of the Japan Rail Pass or travelers who value comfort and panoramic journeys, the combined Shinkansen and Limited Express train route is a unique experience—albeit a long one—that’s worth considering.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on what matters most: speed and convenience (airplane), scenic immersion (train), or cost savings (bus). Whichever mode you choose, Sapporo’s famous food scene, rich cultural heritage, and majestic landscapes await at the end of your journey.