Skip to main content

Getting There

[twocol_one]
Niseko is two to three hours drive from Hokkaido’s international airport, New Chitose Airport, just outside Sapporo. It is an international airport but not all airlines fly direct to Chitose. Most international visitors will have to catch a domestic flight from Tokyo via the international airport Narita or domestic airport Haneda.
[/twocol_one][twocol_one_last][/twocol_one_last]
[twocol_one]

Ground transport into Niseko from New Chitose Airport

On arrival at New Chitose International Airport, visitors not on a full travel package have a few options to complete this last leg of their journey to Niseko and back. Although the trip is only 110kms, due to icy roads and no direct train route, it takes two to three hours.

If your flight gets in late you may have to stay overnight in Chitose.[/twocol_one][twocol_one_last][/twocol_one_last]

 

New Chitose Airport to Niseko

 

[fourcol_three]

Bus

The bus is the cheapest form of transport from the airport in winter. Buses depart about every 30 minutes from the airport to drop-off points in the three major resorts in Niseko – Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri.

They take about 3 hours, and most include a rest stop halfway and some drop-off at Rusutsu. One way will cost about ¥4,000 per person.

There are four different local bus companies doing the route: Hokkaido Resort Liner, Whiteliner, Donan, and Chuo. They all cost roughly the same and take the same amount of time to get to Niseko. Whiteliner runs the latest with their last service about 9pm.

[/fourcol_three][fourcol_one_last]

Bus Companies

Resort Liner
+81 (0)11 200 0506
Whiteliner Buses
+81 (0)11 624 8822
Chuo Buses
+81 (0)11 231 0500
Donan Buses
+81 (0)12 346 5701

[/fourcol_one_last] [fourcol_three]

Train

The train is more scenic, passing by the ocean and deep through the snow-bound countryside. For those who don’t mind taking a bit more time, the train may add to your Niseko experience.

The train terminal is on the basement level of the airport. There is no direct train from Chitose to Kutchan (the closest major station to Niseko) so you need to change at Otaru.

Once you get to Kutchan you will still need to make the last leg to Niseko – a 15 minute taxi ride, which will cost about ¥3,000.

One way to Kutchan is about ¥3,000 or about ¥5,000 return. The whole trip should take 3-4 hours.

For more information and the latest timetables and fares, please visit Hokkaido Railways website.

[/fourcol_three][fourcol_one_last]

Train Stations

Airport
+81 (0)12 345 7011
Sapporo
+81 (0)11 222 7111
Otaru
+81 (0)13 422 0771
Kutchan
+81 (0)13 622 1310
Niseko
+81 (0)13 544 2104

[/fourcol_one_last] [fourcol_three]

Rental Car

If you are comfortable driving in the snow, renting can be convenient as it allows you to take a trip to Kutchan to stock up the fridge before returning the car.

One way hire from Chitose to Hirafu is about ¥7,000 for 6 – 24 hours.

[/fourcol_three][fourcol_one_last]

Car Rental Companies

Niseko Auto Rentals
+81 (0)13 655 5991
Rent-A-Car Shin-Sapporo
+81 (0)11 815 0100

[/fourcol_one_last] [fourcol_three]

Taxi

A standard taxi from Chitose to Hirafu will cost about ¥30,000, but you may not fit all your gear in it. Try Sprint Taxi & Hire on the number on the right. Prices not advertised.

[/fourcol_three][fourcol_one_last]

Taxi Company

Sprint Taxi & Hire
+81 (0)13 655 5400

[/fourcol_one_last] [fourcol_three]

Private Transfer

Hokkaido Access Network offers a door-to-door transfer service from the airport to Niseko or Sapporo from ¥30,000 per vehicle. Wi-Fi and DVD systems included in each vehicle.

[/fourcol_three][fourcol_one_last]

Transfer Company

Hokkaido Access Network
+81 (0)11 200 0506

[/fourcol_one_last]
[fourcol_one]
Hirafu
[/fourcol_one][fourcol_one]
Niseko
[/fourcol_one][fourcol_one]
Annupuri
[/fourcol_one][fourcol_one_last]
Hanazono
[/fourcol_one_last]