Abashiri: Getting there and around

JAL and ANA operate several round trips per day between Sapporo (Shin-Chitose Airport and Okadama Airport) and Memanbetsu Airport, 30 minutes by bus from Abashiri. Flight time is about 45 minutes. The regular one way fare is around 31,000 yen, while discount tickets are typically available for between 13,000 and 20,000 yen.

Airline	Lowest fare	Average lowest fare
J-Air (JAL)	6,663 yen	14,049 yen
ANA Wings	7,971 yen	14,936 yen
HAC (JAL)	6,203 yen	15,450 yen

There are two direct JR Okhotsk limited express trains per day between Sapporo and Abashiri. The one way ride takes about 5.5 hours, costs around 10,500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass. Special round trip tickets (known as R-Kippu) are available for 18,040 yen from April to November and 18,500 yen during winter; however, they will be discontinued in March 2026.

During the rest of the day, it is possible to take a limited express train from Sapporo to Asahikawa, from where there are a "Taisetsu" and a "Kitami" rapid train to Abashiri. With a good connection, the travel journey barely increases, while the fare decreases by around 800 yen. The rapid trains are also covered by the JR passes.

Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Abashiri Bus operate multiple daytime highway buses between Abashiri and Sapporo. The one way journey takes six hours and costs between 5910 and 7250 yen depending on the date of travel. Online reservations can be made via Japan Bus Online.

Abashiri is about 400 kilometers or a six hour drive from Sapporo via Asahikawa, Sounkyo, Kitami and Bihoro.