The limited express Hokuto train guide and the timetable: Inter-city express train for Sapporo to Hakodate

Hakodate, Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
Super Hokuto
281 series is the standard fleet for the limited express trains in Hokkaido.

The limited express Hokuto runs between Hakodate and Sapporo. This train connects to the Hokkaido Shinkansen at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. So if you move from Tokyo to Sapporo, take the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen and transfer to this train for Sapporo at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station. Japan Rail Pass covers all these trains from Tokyo to Sapporo.

Route, schedule and trip time

The Hokuto runs more than 10 trips a day. It takes 3 hours 10 minutes by the fastest Hokuto between Sapporo and Hakodate.

You can find the timetable in the link below:

Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine

I traveled from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Sapporo by this train. Please find my trip report in my Youtube channel:

But the trip between Sapporo and Tokyo is quite long trip. Please refer the link below to learn more:

Seat and facilities

The limitede express Hokuto operates on KIHA-261 or 283 series. The seat layout on Ordinary car is 2+2 and Green seat is 2+1. These two fleets are very similar. The biggest difference is a material of the seat on Green car. 283 series has ordinary fablic seats and 261 series has leather seats.

*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.

Train formation

Train formation by 281 series

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*Some more cars are added in the peak season.

Train formation (261 series)

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Images – KIHA-281 series

Green seat

Ordinary seat

Sanitary space

Images – KIHA-261 series

Green seat

Ordinary seat

Sanitary space

Comments

  1. Agnes says:

    hi, i’m travelling from Sapporo to hakodate and staying for 2 nights. i dun wish to purchase the 3 days JR pass. in the hyderdia, the price for Sapporo to Hakodate is 5720 yen one way. Will it be accurate?

    • Hi Agens,

      It’s only base fare. You need to add seat fee which is more than 3000 yen. Technically you can get Hakodate by local train with base fare only. But it takes 6 hours with changing trains several times. It’s not a realistic choice.

      If you pay seat fee to take limited express train Hokuto, it takes 3 hours. 3 days Hokkaido Rail Pass covers base fare and seat fee.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  2. Eric says:

    Hi,
    I will be travelling to Hokkaido on 4 Dec 2017would like to find out the way from New Chitose Airport to Hakodate.
    1. What would be the fastest way and how much would it cost?
    2. What time is the last train?
    3. How much does it cost for Adult and Kid (4yrs old and 6yrs old)?

    Thanks & regards,
    Eric

  3. Chris says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    I am travelling from Tokyo to Hakodate via the Tohoku Shinkansen on 03-Feb-2018, and i will get off at the Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station.

    From that station, i will take LTD EXP HOKUTO 12 to Mt. Hakodate.

    The issue i face now is, this route is applicable all the way to 30-Nov-2017, but there are “no route” after that.

    With your experience, will my plan work?

    • Hi Chris san,

      Timetable will be revised and that is why it’s not available. But the revision is not a big change. It may be slightly changed but your plan will work. You can check the timetable sometimes in December and you will find the updated timetable. But anyway you can use the current timetable to build your plan.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Chris says:

        Dear Takeshi san

        Thank you for your response.

        Does the new hakodate liner services run every 30 minutes in February too?

        Also you have blogged on the new JR East-South Hokkaido Pass, is this better than the JR Pass if i want to cover the following areas.

        02-Feb: Narita to Ueno.

        03-Feb: Hakodate via Shinkansen, change to Hakodate Liner and then with to Jujigai Station with the local tram.

        Tour a few days using the local tram.

        05-Feb: From Jujigai Station back to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, and using Limited Express Super Hokuto to Sapporo Station.

        Tour a few days covering Otaru and Sapporo only.

        08-Feb: From Sapporo Station back to Ueno Station.

  4. monique says:

    hi takeshi-san

    i’m planning to go to sapporo then hakodate after that hakodate straight to new chitose airport . i was wonderding if the train station i will be going or transit will have elevator or lift ?

    the last time i’m in hokkaido is 7 years ago which along time ago and there’s not many elevator or lift in station exit so i edding up have to carry my luggage up the stairs. since this time i’m traveling solo i’m want to plan my luggage appropriately. i want to bring 1 big suitcase but no sure if it possible. is all exit in sapporo station have elevator ? i’ll be staying near the west exit of sapporo station

    also can i buy all the ticket in advace few days before even without a jr pass ?

    thank you so much for the help

  5. Raymond says:

    Hi Takeshi-San,
    I’ve bought the JR East South Hokkaido (6 days) pass to travel from Tokyo to Hakodate. Can I use the same pass for the train ride from Hakodate to Noribetsu and then to Sapporo (within the 6 days).
    Also, for those rides between Hakodate and Noribetsu/Sapporo, can I pre-book the seats a few days earlier to assure I’ll have a place on the day of travel.

  6. Kelly says:

    Hello Takeshi san,

    May I know if it is possible to buy the limited express train tickets in advance online? I’m planning to travel from Noboribetsu to Hakodate in the morning (11+ am) and am worried about not getting the timing I want if I were to buy tickets only on the day of departure.

    Also, could you advise me the seats I should choose if I want the forward facing seats?

    Many thanks in advance 🙂
    Kelly

  7. Nico says:

    Hello, strange question incoming. do you know of any trains from Sapporo to hakodate that has compartments? We plan on having a Christmas celebration on the way to Hakodate and don’t want to disturb other guests. Nothing too loud of course.

  8. peggy fong says:

    hi Takeshi San , i’m using Jr Pass for my trip from Toya station to Hakodate and from Hakodate to Sapporo , i wish to select a seat with coastline view , i would like to seek your advice for the seat selection . thank you !

  9. Long says:

    Hi Takeshi-san
    I would like to know the Super Hokuto’s timetable from Noboribetsu sta to Sapporo sta. Thanks

  10. Krisna says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,
    I would like to know whether bicycle is allowed in Hokuto/Super Hokuto train? I planned to bring my roadbike during my trip from Hakodate to Sapporo (I would cover it inside rinko bukuro and detach both tires). Thanks

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