Noboribetsu's primary transport hub is Noboribetsu Station, served by the JR Muroran Main Line, which acts as a gateway to the Noboribetsu Onsen hot spring area.
A limited express train journey takes approximately one hour and costs around 4,890 JPY. Local trains take about twice as long but cost approximately 2,530 JPY. The Japan Rail Pass, Hokkaido Rail Pass, and Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Rail Pass cover these train trips, though seat reservations are mandatory for limited express trains.
A direct bus service from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Onsen, operated by Donan Bus, takes between 100-140 minutes and costs about 2,500 JPY. More frequent highway buses bound for Muroran also stop near Noboribetsu Station, taking around 100 minutes and costing 2,280 JPY.
Take a JR train from New Chitose Airport to Minami-Chitose Station (3 minutes), then transfer to a JR limited express train for Hakodate, arriving at Noboribetsu Station in about 40 minutes. The one-way cost is around 3,500 JPY. Local trains are cheaper at 1,820 JPY but take an additional 30 minutes.
Donan Bus operates services directly from New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu Onsen, taking 60-80 minutes and costing approximately 1,800 JPY. Highway buses to Muroran also stop near Noboribetsu, with a shuttle bus connecting to the onsen town.
From Noboribetsu Station, a 15-minute local bus ride (Donan Bus) will take you to the Noboribetsu Onsen area, costing 450 JPY. Buses run one to two times per hour. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes about 10-15 minutes and costs approximately 2,500-3,000 JPY.
Driving from Sapporo to Noboribetsu takes around 90 minutes via the Doo Expressway, with tolls costing approximately 3,000 JPY. From New Chitose Airport, it takes about one hour and costs around 1,790 JPY in tolls via the Doo Expressway.
Some Noboribetsu ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) offer free or inexpensive shuttle bus services from Sapporo for their guests; advance reservations are required.
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