Direct JR Hokuto limited express trains require about 3.5 hours and cost 9,770 yen for the journey between Hakodate and Sapporo. There is roughly one connection per hour. Seat reservations are mandatory on the Hokuto limited express trains.
Multiple bus companies operate highway buses between Hakodate and Sapporo. The one way journey takes 5.5 hours and costs between 4,320 and 5,360 yen depending on the date of travel. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online.
ANA and Hokkaido Air System (HAC, a member of the JAL Group) operate flights between Sapporo and Hakodate. While ANA is using Sapporo's Shin-Chitose Airport, HAC is using Sapporo's Okadama Airport. The regular one way fare is around 25,000 yen, but discount tickets are typically available for between 13,000 and 17,000 yen. Flight duration is 45 minutes.
| Airline | Lowest fare | Average lowest fare |
|---|---|---|
| ANA Wings | 8,779 yen | 12,096 yen |
| HAC (JAL) | 12,550 yen | 13,840 yen |
The journey between Sapporo and Hakodate by car takes about four hours and costs around 6,500 yen in tolls when using the Doo Expressway.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Central Hakodate with Hakodate Station, the old Motomachi district and Mount Hakodate are located on the distinctively shaped peninsula. The city is served by two tram lines and a bus network. A ropeway leads to the top of Mount Hakodate, which is also accessible by bus.
Hakodate's shinkansen station, Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, is located 15 kilometers north of the city center in Hokuto City. Relay trains connect the shinkansen station with Hakodate Station in 20 minutes.
The two tram lines, numbered 2 and 5, share their route between Yunokawa and Jujigai and go separate ways from there towards Yachigashira (line 2) and Hakodate Dock (line 5). The fare is between 210 and 260 yen, depending on the distance traveled.
Hakodate Airport is located five kilometers east of the city center. Airport shuttle buses operate every 20 minutes between Hakodate Station and the airport, taking 20 minutes and costing 500 yen one way, while less frequent regular buses by Hakodate Bus do the journey in 30 minutes and for 340 yen.
The local ICAS nimoca IC card, as well as Suica, Icoca and eight other IC card types can be used on the trams and buses in Hakodate (except on the airport shuttle buses) and on JR trains between Hakodate and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station.
Onuma Quasi National Park is located about 20 kilometers north of central Hakodate.
Various passes for trams and buses are available to tourists. They are available for purchase via a smartphone to be shown to the driver when alighting. Only the 1-day tram pass is also available as a conventional paper ticket.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
