Limited express trains connect Sapporo with Asahikawa every 30 minutes. The one way journey takes 80 minutes, costs 5440 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass. Seat reservations are mandatory on limited express trains between Sapporo and Asahikawa.
By local trains, the one way trip takes about twice as long, but costs only 3080 yen.
Hokkaido Chuo Bus, JR Hokkaido Bus and Dohoku Bus together operate highway buses between Sapporo (Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, Chuo Bus Terminal) and Asahikawa (Chuo Bus Terminal near Asahikawa Station) every 20-30 minutes. The one way trip takes two hours and costs 2500 yen. A round trip ticket is available for 4700 yen.
Asahikawa is about a 90-120 minute drive drive from Sapporo, using the Doo Expressway (3380 yen one way). By toll free roads, driving time increases by over an hour.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Asahikawa is located in the center of Hokkaido and well connected with the prefectural capital of Sapporo by train, bus and expressway. Urban public transportation is provided by a bus network, which also connects Asahikawa Station in the city center with Asahiyama Zoo in the city's eastern outskirts.
Asahikawa Airport is located 10 kilometers south of the city and provides flights to Tokyo (Haneda Airport), Osaka (Kansai and Itami Airports), Nagoya and Seoul. The airport is connected with the city center by bus (35 minutes, 750 yen).
Asahikawa can serve as a base for exploring Furano and Biei to the south and Daisetsuzan National Park to the southeast.
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