Niseko is two to three hours away from the nearest airport of New Chitose Airport (Sapporo/CTS). Most accommodations for the Niseko resort area can be found in Grand Hirafu, so we’ve put together a quick guide on the different transport options to reach your accommodation once you land in Hokkaido.
New Chitose to Niseko Bus
One of the easiest and most cost-effective forms of transportation to Niseko. Bus services depart the airport approximately every 30 minutes. Please organise your tickets prior to boarding.
The buses may make a brief stop at Rusutsu Resort on the way to Niseko – make sure you do not disembark there if travelling through to Niseko.
The last scheduled bus between New Chitose Airport and Niseko leaves at 21:20pm from the Domestic Terminal only.
Chuo Bus
Operation dates: December 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020
Price: Adult ¥2,650, Child ¥1,330 one way
Last bus departs New Chitose Domestic terminal at 16:30
White Liner
Operation dates: December 1, 2019 – March 30, 2020
Price: Adult ¥4,000, Child ¥2,000 (10% off when you book online!)
Last bus departs New Chitose Domestic terminal at 15:30
Hokkaido Resort Liner
Operation dates: December 1, 2019 – April 3, 2020
Price: Adult – ¥4,100, Child – ¥3,100
Last bus departs New Chitose Domestic terminal at 21:20
Train
Regular train service runs between New Chitose Airport, Sapporo and Kutchan Station (Niseko) .
It will take approx. 3 hours and a transfer is required at Otaru station.
A train from New Chitose Airport right through to Kutchan station will cost approx ¥3,200
The train stop in Kutchan is approximately 15 minutes drive from Niseko Grand Hirafu so additional transport may be required to reach the resort once arriving at Kutchan Station.
Limited bus services between Kutchan and Hirafu are available (Download Timetable) – fare is approx ¥350
A taxi ride will cost approx ¥2,500 – ¥3,000
Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
With the Shinkansen service providing access to Hokkaido in less than 4 hours, land travel is a viable option for reaching Hokkaido. In addition, future expansion of the Hokkaido Shinkansen is planned for travel all the way through to Sapporo via Kutchan by 2030.
Currently, the Shinkansen line stops at Shin-Hakodate which makes this a suitable option for travellers hoping to explore the Hakodate area.
Once arriving at Shin-Hakodate Hakuto Station passengers need to transfer to the Hokuto Limited Express Train in order to continue their trip through to Sapporo or Niseko.
The train from Hakodate to Niseko will add 5 or so extra hours compared to air travel direct from Tokyo and should be avoided if you are short on time.
Travel Tokyo > Hokkaido (Hakodate) from ¥22,690. Approx 4 hour trip.
Transfer to Super Hokuto Line > Sapporo for ¥8,830. Approx 3 hours 25mins.
JR Rail Pass
Car
If you choose to drive from New Chitose Airport to Niseko, you will need to follow Route 276 all the way to Kutchan, and then follow Route 343 into Niseko. The drive can take between 2 ½ -3 hours. During winter car travel is not recommended due to dangerous road conditions.
Contact Washida Rentacar for car rental services in Kutchan.
Contact Toyota Rentacar for car rental services in Hirafu.
Taxi
A comfortable, private and convenient door-to-door method of getting to Niseko. However, this option is the most expensive; a private taxi (Mini Van) costs on average from ¥40,000- ¥80,000 each way.
Contact SkiJapan.com for taxi booking services.