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)	12,090 yen	16,340 yen
ANA Wings	8,380 yen	14,281 yen
HAC (JAL)	11,720 yen	18,238 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 10,870 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass. Seat reservations are mandatory.

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 6510 and 7970 yen depending on the date of travel. Online reservations can be made via Willer or Japan Bus Online.

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