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
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
R | R | G | R | R | NR | NR |
*Some more cars are added in the peak season.
Train formation (261 series)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
G | R | R | R | R | NR | NR |
Images – KIHA-281 series
Green seat
Ordinary seat
Sanitary space
Images – KIHA-261 series
Green seat
Ordinary seat
Sanitary space
Comments
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
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
Hi Eric,
1. You will the following route:
New Chitose – Minami Chitose – Hakodate
You can find the fare at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
2. Please see the link below to find the timetable:
New Chitose to Minami Chitose
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/05.pdf
Minami Chitose to Hakodate
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/02.pdf
3. 4 year old is free of charge if you share the seat with one of adult passengers. 6 years old is half amount of adult fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
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.
Hi Chris san,
Hakodate liner always runs after Hokkaido Shinkansen arrival.
JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass is better choice than JR pass for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Monique san,
I think the station is better than 7 years ago. Elevators and/or escalators are equipped at most of platform and exit now.
If you look for the long distance ticket, such as Hakodate to Sapporo, you can purchase it in advance. But if you look for short distance, like Sapporo to New Chitose, you cannot.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
that so good to hear , thank you so much for the helpful reply 🙂
No worries, Monique.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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.
Hi Raymond san,
You can use the pass for all the way to Sapporo. I highly recommend you to book a seat for all trains in advance. Especially train running in Hokkaido is very busy in these days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshita San, for your quick reply. FYI, I bought the JR East South rail pass voucher outside of Japan and expect to travel to Japan only next week. You mentioned that I can book my seat from Hakodate to Noribetsu/Sapporo in advance. Can I make the seat reservation online without first having change the voucher into the rail pass.
Hi Raymond san,
As long as you can pick up your ticket at least one day before trip date, you can book a seat online in the link below.
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.4778995.1325107855.1421419524
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Kelly san,
You can use JR East reservation site to book. Please see the link below:
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.4778995.1325107855.1421419524
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your swift response, Takeshi san.
Best Regards,
Kelly
No worries, Kelly san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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.
Hi Nico,
Unfortunately not. All trains have regular seat only and it’s basically impossible to have a party on board.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Yeah, kinda figured. Needed something to do on the 3+hrs on the train. Maybe just have plain boxes to open? No wrapping to minimize noise? XD
Hi Nico,
You can eat, drink and chat. That’s all you can do.
Basically it’s very quiet in the train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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 !
Hi Peggy san,
Try to book C-D side. A-B is other side of isle and it’s mountain side.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Many thanks to Takeshi San !
No worries, Peggy san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
I would like to know the Super Hokuto’s timetable from Noboribetsu sta to Sapporo sta. Thanks
Hi Long san,
Please see the link below:
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
Hi Krisna san,
If you put it in rinko bukuro, you can bring in the train. JR allows to bring bike in the bag only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your information!
No worries, Krisna.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com