If you will travel in Hokkaido only, Hokkaido Rail Pass is the best choice for you. But if you travel in other cities and areas, even just staying in Tokyo, you may consider about other passes. You should compare and find which one is more suitable for you.
In this post, I show you the details about Hokkaido Rail Pass. And I will compare Hokkaido Rail Pass and Japan Rail Pass
Covered area by Hokkaido Rail Pass
Hokkaido Rail Pass cover all JR conventional lines in Hokkaido. The Hokkaido Shinkansen is not covered even though a part of the Hokkaido Shinkansen runs in Hokkaido.
Valid trains and bus lines
The rule of Hokkaido Rail Pass is similar to Japan Rail Pass. The only difference is the coverage area. All daytime trains in Hokkaido are covered by this pass. You can book a reserved seat without any extra charge.
Hokkaido Rail Pass covers the bus lines within Sapporo city too. Other inter-city bus services, like Sapporo-Monbetsu, are not covered by Hokkaido Rail Pass. Sapporo-Otaru express bus service is covered by the pass. But on this bus route, two different companies operate the bus. Those are JR Hokkaido Bus and Chuo Bus. Only bus service that is operated by JR Hokkaido Bus is covered by this pass.
Please find the train network in Hokkaido in the link below:
You can find the major train’s 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
Types and prices
Hokkaido Rail Pass have four types, 3-day, 5-day, 7-day and Flex 4-day. I would like to compare these prices and single fare.
*Green pass was terminated on March 31, 2015.
Adult | Child | |
---|---|---|
5-day | 23,480 yen | 11,740 yen |
7-day | 25,710 yen | 12,850 yen |
The passes except Flex 4-day must be used in consecutive days. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night (midnight to midnight).
e.g.
If you start to use 3-day pass on May 1, the pass is expired at 23:59 on May 3. However if you are on board the train, your pass will cover until you get off the train.
Before I compare the prices, I would like to show you some regular fare standards (Limited Express reserved seat surcharge and basic fare):
- One way trip from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo by Rapid Airport or local — 1,070 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Otaru by Rapid Airport or local — 640 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Hakodate by Limited Express Hokuto/Super Hokuto — 8,830 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Asahikawa by Limited Express Super Kamui — 4,810 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Abashiri by Limited Express Okhotsk — 9,910 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Kushiro by Limited Express Super Ozora — 9,370 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Furano by Limited Express Furano Lavender Express — 4,840 yen
- One way trip from Sapporo to Wakkanai by Limited Express Super Soya/Sarobetsu — 10,450 yen
If you have round trip to Hakodate from Sapporo, you can get the money worth of 3-day pass. Especially if you have a trip from Sapporo to Hakodate, Kushiro, Abashiri or Wakkanai, round trip fare is about 19,000 yen and up. It is almost equal to the price of Flex 4-day and 5-day. It is quite easy to get your money worth of even 7-day pass.
Compare Hokkaido Rail Pass and Japan Rail Pass
If you fly in / out Hokkaido and do not go other than Hokkaido, Hokkaido Rail Pass is the best. If you go to Hokkaido and other spots, you need to think about Japan Rail Pass too. I show you some samples.
Extra fare for round trip to Aomori by Hokkaido Rail Pass
Aomori is the closet city outside of Hokkaido. But you need to pay 4,760 yen for round trip by Limited Express Super Hakucho. The price difference between Japan Rail Pass 7-day and Hokkaido Rail Pass 7-day is 6,300 yen. Hokkaodo Rail Pass + extra fare is still cheaper than Japan Rail Pass 7-day. But the price difference is not such a big amount.
If you think about purchasing Hokkaido Rail Pass 7-day, you should make sure that you don’t go outside of Hokkaido. Otherwise you should purchase Japan Rail Pass 7-day.
In case of staying in Tokyo or Osaka and fly to Hokkaido
You have to estimate how much trains you will take in Tokyo or Osaka. First of all, think about the fare for airport access.
- Single fare for one way trip to Tokyo from Narita Airport by Narita Express — 3,220 yen
- N’ex Tokyo round trip ticket — 4,000 yen
- Single fare for one way trip to Shinagawa from Haneda Airport by Keihin Kyuko — 410 yen
- Single fare for one way trip to Hamamatsucho from Haneda Airport by Tokyo Monorail — 490 yen
- Single fare for one way trip to Shin-Osaka from Kansai Airport by Limited Express Haruka — 2,850 yen
- Round trip ICOCA and Haruka — 4,060 yen
If you arrive at Haneda and depart from Haneda for Hokkaido, you don’t spend much for access. But you need to spend at least 1,000 yen. And also you need to think about the fare for sightseeing. If you arrive at Narita and depart from Narita, you may spend about 5,000 to 6,000 yen.
If you arrive at Kansai and depart from Kansai, ICOCA and Haruka includes round trip by Haruka and 1,500 yen preloaded e-money.
These above samples show you about airport access. Even though some deals include e-money, you may spend more. So even if you fly to Hokkaido, you may think about Japan Rail Pass 7-day for both Tokyo/Osaka and Hokkaido as long as you complete travel in 7-day. If you travel Hokkaido for 5 days, you can purchase Hokkaido Rail Pass 5-day and some deals in Tokyo or Osaka. It may be cheaper than Japan Rail Pass 7-day.
I hope you will enjoy your trip in Hokkaido by Hokkaido Rail Pass.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
Does the Hokkaido rail pass cover the train trip from Sapporo to Abashiri?
Regards,
James
Hi James,
Yes, it’s covered fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I will be travelling to Hokkaido from 22 Dec to 30 Dec. Appreciate if you could advise which pass / how should I travel within the places that I plan to visit.
Following is my draft itinerary:
22 Dec : Sapporo – Hakodate
24 Dec : Hakodate – Lake Toya
25 Dec : Lake Toyota – Niseko
26 Dec : Niseko – Otaru
27 Dec : Otaru – Sapporo
Thank you.
Hi Claire,
Only FLEX 4 days Hokkaido rail pass is considerable. But in my rough calculation, single fare may be a bit cheaper than this pass. If you want to use the pass and handle your trip easily, you can use this pass. But if you really care about budget, just purchase a ticket separately.
By the way, Niseko is not very accessible by train. You can get the timetable at the link below.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to ask if on the first day I will go to Hakodate from New Chitose Airport, do I need to buy single fare from New Chitose Airport to Minami Chitose Station then transit to Hakodate Station or I can use the 4 days Flexi pass?
Thank you.
Hi Claire,
You can start using Flex pass from New Chitose. You don’t need to pay single fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your prompt reply. Just to double confirm that I can buy the Hokkaido rail pass (flexi 4 days pass) at new chitose airport and from there I can use the pass direct to Hakodate right?
May I know which link to check single trip fare as I’m not sure where to check?
Thank you so much.
Hi Claire,
You can buy it at New Chitose.
Only Hyperdia can show you the fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Highly appreciated if you could advise me . I planning travel to Tokyo + Hokkaido on 29/4~9/5/2017. Just realised there is golden week in Japan . I read some article talking about JR Hokkaido Pass Flexi-4days not valid during this period.
Please advise. Thank you
Hi Chloe san,
Any type of Hokkaido Rail Pass is valid all year long. As I checked the official guide again, I could not find any information that you mentioned. Please check the line below to find the official guide, PDF.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/railpass/rail01.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Is it worth it for me to get the JR Pass for 14 days if I’m travelling around the following cities?
5N in Hokkaido (Mainly in Sapporo, Hakodate and Noboribetsu)
1N in Nara (arriving from Kansai Airport)
3N in Kyoto
4N in Osaka
Hi Ifah,
You will take the flight from New Chitose to Kansai, right? If so, JR Pass is too expensive.
Please use Hokkaido rail pass 3 days for Hakodate and Noboribetsu. And you may use local deals in Kansai area.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
1) With Hokkaido Rail Pass, am I able to use it for streetcars in Hakodate?
2) From Kansai Airport, how can i get to Kintetsu Nara Station with Kansai All Thru Pass?
3) How can I get to i)Shirahige Waterfall, ii)Ice Village @ Tomamu Hoshino Resort from JR Sapporo Station?
Hi Ifah,
1. No
2. Kansai airport (Nankai railway) Namba / Osaka-Namba (Kintetsu railway) Kintetsunara
3. i)Shirahige Waterfall
Take train to Asahikawa and change the train to Biei, and then take bus. Find the timetable in the links below:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/en/search/sightseeing/000060.html
ii)Ice Village
Take train to Tomamu. Train to Tomamu is very limited now. See the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/hokkaido-train-operation-status-in-fall-2016-guide-for-substitute-train-and-bus-service.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi…Takeshi
I planning Dec to go Hokkaido Sapporo Otaru from Osaka. Is JR train cover Hokkaido?
Hi Jumaliah,
Yes. You can take JR trains in Hokkaido.
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I am planning a 2 week trip starting with flying into chitose on October 6 evening.
Oct 6-7 in Sapporo
8-9 in Asahikawa including trip to Zoo and Day national park
10 in abashiri
11 Shari-shiretoko
12 Kushiro
13 lake akan
14 noribetsu
15/16 Hakodate
17 niseko or straight to otaru
18back to Sapporo
I guess the best thing is to get 2 7day passes? Can’t think of any other way to do it. Thanks so much for your help
Hi Avery,
I don’t think you need even one 7 days pass. You may use Flex 4 days pass for Oct 10 (Aasahikawa to Abashiri), Oct 14 (Kushiro to Noboribetsu), Oct 17 (Hakodate to Otaru/Niseko). For the trips in other days,
You may add single fare for Oct 6 (New Chitose to Sapporo), Oct 7 (Sapporo to Asahikawa), Oct 11 (Abashiri to Shiretoko-Shari), Oct 17 (Otaru to Sapporo) and Oct 18 (Sapporo to New Chitose). In my rough calculation, total fares for these trips will be 12000 yen. I believe this is the best combination.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks a lot Takeshi. I guess it’s always easier to assume we need the pass. But your calculation of one by one on top of 4 day pass makes sense. Thanks!
No worries, Avery.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Another question for you – I see the Super Ozora line is still shut down from typhoon.
Given that we were planning on leaving our hotel in Lake Akan, and heading back to Kushiro to go to Noriribetsu, I’m not sure how we can accomplish that. It seems like it would be quite a long journey with many switches. With the train shut, how would we even get back to Sapporo after taking the bus to Kushiro from Akan, or is there a better way? Thanks!
Hi Avery,
Please see the link below. I have written all train connections at this point between Kushiro and Sapporo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/hokkaido-train-operation-status-in-fall-2016-guide-for-substitute-train-and-bus-service.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, I ‘ll be travelling to Hakkaido mid of December and I will visit Sapporo (1st stop) – Otaru – Niseko – Lake Toya – Noboribetsu – Hakodate (leave Hokkaido after this). I did some train fare calculation, I don’t think I need Hokkaido rail pass. Since I won’t be travelling back to Sapporo after Hakodate, Hokkaido rail pass will not pay off the trip. Right?
Hi Iva,
You are right. Hokkaido Rail Pass is too expensive.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
we are planning to go to Sapporo on Dec 19, 2016 until Dec 27, 2016. We arrive in New Chitose airport and we will be back from Tokyo. In Sapporo , we want to go to Asahikawa, Tommamu, Otaru,Hakkodate lastly Tokyo. Which one we must choose between JR Rail or Hokaodo Pass? Some peope advise us use buses….is it convenience? pls advise. Thank u
Hi Lie Lie san,
There is no bus services between Tokyo and Sapporo. Your choice is train or flight. But flight fare is fixed so I cannot compare flight and train. As long as you use the train, your choice is only JR Pass. As long as you use the pass for the trip in Hokkaido and train to Tokyo in 7 days, you can use 7 days JR pass. 14 days is too pricey. So try to put these trips in 7 days period. Once you get in Tokyo, you don’t need JR pass. Subway pass is okay.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi!
No worries, Iva.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I will be visiting Hokkaido from Sept 10-20, flying into New Chitose Airport from Canada. Here below is my travel itinery:
Sept 12 Minami-Chitose to Hakodate
Sept 15 Hakodate to Tomamu
Sept 16 Tomamu to Sapporo
Sept 18 Sapporo to Otaru , same day return
Sept 20 Sapporo to Chitose Airport
Wonder if I should use IC card to travel instead of the Hokkaido Pass?
I have used Herperdia to check the price of tickets but it does not seem to be updated. The JR trip from Sapporo to Chitose was only ¥840 , it should be ¥ 1070. Where can I check the most updated ticket price?
Many thanks, Ella
Hi Ella san,
You can use IC card for only New Chitose – Sapporo segment. It costs 1070 yen. Hyperdia shows 1070 yen and it’s right.
Other areas are outside IC card area. So IC Card cannot replace Hokkaido Rail Pass.
By the way, huge storm hit Hokkaido area a few days ago. Lots of trains are suspended now. As of today, there is not trains running to Hakodate from Sapporo or New Chitose. This train may be okay in mid September, but not sure.
Limited Express train running between Sapporo and Kushiro/Obihiro are suspended. JR Hokkaido says these trains will be suspended for at least one month. Actually these trains stop at Tomamu station. At this point, you cannot get there by train. I think you cannot get there in mid September by train. Please see the link below to find the info:
https://jprail.com/train-operation-status
I’m sorry to tell you this condition. But you should know this before you go.
I will update train operation status whenever it changes. Please stick around.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi San for the heads up! We have decided to cancel our trip to Tomamu and go directly from Hakodate to Sapporo on Sept 15. We are so lucky to get your advice ahead of time and are able reserve hotel night in Sapporo.
Wonder if JR has resumed its service between Sapporo and Hakodate now?
As regards the IC card, I am planning to buy the Kitaka and use it for my JR train ride between Sapporo and Hakodate. Can I use Kitaca instead of the Hakkaido Pass?
Thanks again for your fast and first hand tips!
Best, Ella
Hi Ella san,
The segment between Sapporo and Hakodate is now back to normal. You can travel between Hakodate and Sapporo with no problem.
Kitaca can be used in Sapporo only. You cannot use it for Sapporo-Hakodate. You must have a regular ticket or Hokkaido Rail Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks again Takeshi San:)
With regards to the JR train ticket, I guess It may not justify a Hokkaido Rail Pass?
If my guess is right, should/ could I buy the Economic Tickets for Sapporo / Hakodate for my following trips assuming I want reserved seats on Limited Express Hokuto’s ordinary cars:
Sept 12 Minami Chitose Station to Hakodate, returning Sept 15 Hakodate to Sapporo JR Station.
Or should I buy separate tickets with reserved seats?
Also, is Midori-no-madoguchi available at Minami-Chitosi Station In case I need to buy the Economic Tickets?
If you think I should buy single tickets, can I buy them through the vending machine? I presume it is cash only?
Sorry, so many questions… Look forward to hearing from you. Many thanks, Ella
Hi Ella san,
Your choice is only regular ticket. Because even if you have round trip between Hakodate and Sapporo by limited express Hokuto reserved seat, 3 days Hokkaido rail pass is slightly cheaper. But you will stay in Hakodate for 4 days. Flex 4 days pass and 5 days pass is too expensive. Even though you have round trip to Otaru, it’s not enough.
If you have another long trip, like Sapporo to Asahikawa return, 4 days flex pass is considerable. At this point, only single regular ticket is your choice.
If you purchase base fare ticket and limited express reserved seat ticket, you have to go to reservation window that is called “Midori no Madoguchi”. You can find this window at most of major JR stations, such as New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Hakodate in advance.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Ella san,
JR Hokkaido has announced that the train will start to run between Sapporo and Tomamu on September 9th. So you can access to Tomamu when you come to Japan.
However the schedule will be different from regular schedule. JR Hokkaido has not released the tentative timetable yet. So if you go there, please get the updated info when you arrive.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Is it worth to buy the Hokkaido JR pass if the itinerary is such:-
Chitose Airport – Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu – Lake Toya
Lake Toya – Sapporo
Sapporo – Chitose airport
Please advise.
Thank you.
Hi Peter,
Single ticket is cheaper than Hokkaido Rail Pass. There is no other better deals available than single fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Even if i require to travel around Sapporo during my three days stay?
Understand I require to travel by limited train & buses when i’m in all these areas?
Please advise.
Thank you
Hi Peter san,
For sightseeing in and around Sapporo, Hokkaido Rail Pass is not useful. You will take streetcar, subway and city bus. These are not covered by Hokkaido Rail Pass anyway. You need to have city deal.
https://www.city.sapporo.jp/st/english/fareandticket.html#daycard
In my rough calculation, your total fares are less than 15000 yen. It’s not enough to use even 3 days Hokkaido Rail Pass. You need one more big trip, like trip to Hakodate or Asahikawa. But if you add these places, you need to have 5 days or flex 4 days pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com