Overview
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is Japan's 5th largest city and has a population of around 2 million people.
Sightseeing, shopping, dining, nightlife and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival that takes place every February are the main draws for visitors.
The transfer time from Sapporo to Rusutsu ski resort is 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Train, bus, private taxi transfer and self-drive are all possible options for transport from Sapporo to Rusutsu.
Sapporo to Rusutsu Bus
- Price: ¥4,500 per adult / ¥3,000 per child
- Transfer Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Hokkaido Resort Liner offers a bus service from Sapporo to Rusutsu with a choice of over 20 hotel pick-up locations in Sapporo and drop off locations in Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Westin Rusutsu.
There is one departure per day for the Sapporo to Rusutsu bus and three departures per day for the Rusutsu to Sapporo Bus
The transfer time is between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on road and weather conditions and where you are staying in Sapporo.
The Sapporo to Rusutsu bus service needs to be booked in advance as buses will only pick up from the Sapporo hotels where they have a booking.
Pros
- Well priced
- Reasonably convenient
- Reasonably fast
Cons
- Limited bus departure times
Sapporo to Rusutsu Taxi
- Price: ¥3,000 to ¥30,000 per person - depending on vehicle type and number of passengers
- Transfer Time: 2 hours
Private Taxi Transfers are the most convenient and fastest option for transfer from Sapporo to Rusutsu with a variety of vehicle sizes offered.
For transfer from Sapporo to Rusutsu, the driver will meet you in your hotel lobby, carry your bags to the vehicle and drop you off at your check in location in Rusutsu.
For transfer from Rusutsu to Sapporo, the driver will collect you from your accommodation and drop you off at your Sapporo hotel. This means no lugging ski bags around the city!
Tip
- You can book a stop off at a supermarket to buy groceries for an additional charge. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation in Rusutsu and plan to cook some of your own meals, this can be really useful.
Pros
- Available 24 hours a day
- Most convenient
- Faster than bus services
Cons
- More expensive than other options
Train from Sapporo to Rusutsu
- Price: Approximately ¥2,100 per person
- Transfer Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Japan has a world-class network of trains that famously run on time to the second!
Niseko Train Station is the closest train station to Rusutsu ski resort but is a 30 minutes drive, so is not an ideal option.
Sapporo Station is centrally located in the city. Tickets can be purchased on the day of travel from ticket machines or a sales counter.
The route takes place in two stages:
- Stage 1: JR Rapid Airport Line: Sapporo Station -> Otaru Station (30 minutes)
- Stage 2: JR Hakodate Line: Otaru Station -> Niseko Station (90 minutes)
Some Train Services will allow you to complete all three stages without changing trains. More commonly a change of trains at Otaru Station or Sapporo Station is required. This change is pretty straightforward at Otaru Station, which is a small station with just a few platforms. Most often this entails disembarking from your train, crossing the platform to the opposite track and boarding the train shortly after arriving at that platform.
Niseko Station to Rusutsu Ski Resort (30 mins)
Donan Bus Company operates a bus service departing from Niseko Train Station and dropping off at Rusutsu ski resort with several departures daily.
Alternatively, you can take a local taxi from the taxi rank at Niseko Station, which will likely cost at least ¥5,000. Please ensure you have your destination written out in Japanese as most taxi drivers in Japan do not speak conversational level English.
Tip
- If travelling during daylight, try and get a window seat on the right-hand side of the train for the section of the journey around Otaru as there are fantastic views out of the Sea of Japan to be had.
Japan Rail Pass: For guests visiting Rusutsu as part of a longer itinerary of travel elsewhere in Japan, either side of their ski experience, a Japan Rail Pass can be a fantastic investment, allowing unlimited train travel on most Japan Rail trains, for periods of 7, 14 or 21 days to suit your travel schedule.
- Look up winter season train timetables on JR Hokkaido
- Search Japan's train schedules using the Japan Transit Planner.
Note: Sapporo train station is listed as “SAPPORO(JR)” in this system (not to be confused with “SAPPORO(SUBWAY)" or "SAPPORO-BEER-TEIEN”, which are different services.
Pros
- Free if you hold a JR Rail Pass
- Least expensive option
Cons
- A little complex if not familiar with trains in Japan
- Not ideal for passengers with ski / snowboard bags
Drive from Sapporo to Rusutsu
- Price: Varies by vehicle type and hire duration
- Transfer Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Sapporo has lots of car hire options for those wanting to drive themselves the 2 hours drive from Sapporo to Rusutsu.
The route is pretty straightforward with road signs in English but driving in January and February can be a little tricky for those without experience in driving in challenging winter conditions. Snow & ice-covered roads are commonplace and visibility can be poor when snow is falling, which is not uncommon in Hokkaido!
If you are comfortable driving in these conditions, having a vehicle opens up the possibility of day tripping to Niseko or Kiroro ski resorts, off-the-beaten-path Onsen (hot springs) in the area or authentic dining in the area.
Larger 7 or 8-seater vehicles, such as Toyota Hi-Ace or Mistubishi Delica, are commonly available to book in advance and can easily transport ski and snowboard bags.
Hire vehicles are four-wheel drive, come with winter tyres already fitted (so no snow chains are required) and English language GPS can be booked.
All drivers must bring their own national driver's license and a valid International Drivers Permit to legally drive in Japan. Car hire companies will not hand over the keys without these documents.
Pros
- Flexibility to get around in the local area and do day trips to other ski resorts
Cons
- Challenging driving conditions – snowy / icy roads & poor visibility
You might also like
Rusutsu Transfers
Whether you are coming from New Chitose Airport, Sapporo City, Otaru City or one of the other Hokkaido Ski Resorts, there are numerous options for the transfer to Rusutsu.
Book now through our Pre-Trip Concierge Service
Available for guests that have booked accommodation with us.
Rusutsu Accommodation
Rusutsu Resort is well serviced by two ski in / ski out resort hotels with plenty of restaurants and facilities.
Ideal for groups and families wanting an all in ski holiday experience.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.