When traveling from Obihiro to Sapporo, you can use three modes of transportation: JR train, highway bus, or car.
With three different modes of transportation available, you might often find yourself wondering which one to choose, right?

Therefore, we will compare each mode of transportation and explain their advantages and disadvantages.
Try to find the method that best suits your schedule!

<table of contents>
1. I compared different transportation options from Obihiro to Sapporo!
2. Travel from Obihiro to Sapporo by JR train.
3. Travel from Obihiro to Sapporo by express bus.
4. Traveling from Obihiro to Sapporo by car.
Final thoughts

*The prices mentioned below are as of August 2016.

1. I compared different transportation options from Obihiro to Sapporo!

First, I've put together a brief summary of the characteristics of each.

*JR: Shorter travel time, but more expensive and fewer discount options.

→This is the shortest mode of transport from Obihiro to Sapporo, taking just under 2 hours.
Discounts are only available for the "Round-trip Discount Ticket" and the "Hokkaido Net Ticket," so it might feel a little expensive.

* "Hokkaido Net Ticket"... A system that offers a 45% discount on express train tickets, with limited seating. (Adults: 1,590 yen, Children: 790 yen)
The application period is from 10:00 AM one month prior to the travel date until 11:00 PM the day before the travel date.

*Express bus: Recommended for those who want to save money!

→The low cost of transportation, with one-way trips starting from around 3,000 yen, is a major attraction.
The only service currently operating is the "Potato Liner."

* Car: It's cheaper to travel if you're traveling with a large group.

→The only costs involved are gasoline and highway tolls, so the cost per person becomes cheaper when traveling in a large group.
There is a price difference of approximately 1,300 yen between weekdays and weekends when using expressways. *When using ETC

*Click the table to enlarge.
*The travel time by car is北の道ナビI calculated it further.
*Please note that the travel time may be delayed depending on road conditions.

2. Travel from Obihiro to Sapporo by JR train.

2-1. Advantages

- Travel time is short, and the ride inside the vehicle is comfortable.

→The biggest advantage is that you can travel from Obihiro to Sapporo in less than 3 hours.
The seats inside the car are comfortable and perfect for relaxing.

You can fully enjoy the Hokkaido experience during your journey, from the scenery outside the train window to the onboard sales.

→On the way from Obihiro to Sapporo, you can enjoy panoramic views of Obihiro's fields and the vast natural landscapes of Hokkaido.
Also, for in-train sales, we recommend the Hokkaido specialty "Zangi Bento" (680 yen).
For those with a sweet tooth, we also have ice cream and cakes made with plenty of local milk.

2-2. Disadvantages

- There are not many discount programs (only round-trip discounts).

→The only discounted tickets sold at the ticket counter are round-trip discount tickets.
As mentioned earlier, the "Hokkaido Net Ticket" can only be applied for online, so its users are limited.
The one-way fare is also quite expensive, so it's not suitable for those who prioritize minimizing transportation costs.

2-3. Time and frequency of service

Currently, there are 11 flights operating between Obihiro and Sapporo.
The first train departs Obihiro at 6:45 and arrives in Sapporo at 9:33.
The last train departs Obihiro at 20:34 PM and arrives in Sapporo at 22:58 PM.

By the way, the first and last trains from Sapporo to Obihiro are as follows:
First train: Sapporo 7:00 → Obihiro 9:26
Last train: Sapporo 21:04 → Obihiro 23:41

*Click the table to enlarge.

3. Travel from Obihiro to Sapporo by express bus.

3-1. Advantages

・Transportation costs can be significantly reduced.

→As mentioned earlier, the biggest advantage is that you can travel for around 3,000 yen one way.
Even round trips are cheaper than one-way JR tickets, making it perfect for saving on travel expenses.

- The bus makes stops at various bus stops between Obihiro and Sapporo.

→ Instead of going directly from Obihiro to Sapporo, the bus also stops at Nishi-Obihiro, Memuro, and Mikage, so you can freely choose your boarding location.
Even after arriving in Sapporo, you can choose from three bus stops: "Ooyachi Subway Station," "Clock Tower," and "Sapporo Station Terminal," so you can act according to your own schedule.

3-2. Disadvantages

- It takes time to travel.

→The journey takes about 3 hours by JR train, but about 4 hours by bus.
Furthermore, delays are quite possible depending on road traffic conditions, so it's not recommended for those with urgent matters.

Bus routes are fixed, and winter road closures and traffic jams are unavoidable.

→Buses operate on fixed routes and lines, so detours are not possible.
The route is often congested, causing delays in arrival times.
In Hokkaido, especially during winter, highways are often closed due to snow.
Our plans are subject to change depending on the weather and road conditions.

3-3. Time and frequency of service

Currently, there are 10 flights operating between Obihiro and Sapporo.
The first flight departs Obihiro at 7:30 and arrives in Sapporo at 11:10.
The last flight departs Obihiro at 19:15 and arrives in Sapporo at 22:55.

Incidentally, the first and last flights from Sapporo to Obihiro are as follows:
First departure: Sapporo Station Bus Terminal 8:00 → Obihiro Station Bus Terminal 11:55
Last bus: Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal 21:04 → Obihiro Station Bus Terminal 22:45

*Click the table to enlarge.

4. Traveling from Obihiro to Sapporo by car.

4-1. Advantages

- Traveling in a large group can help reduce costs.

→If you use the highway in your own car, the costs will be gasoline plus highway tolls.
Example: If 6 people use the expressway in their own car, the cost per person would be 4,360 + 2,242 ÷ 6 = 1,100 yen (ETC regular toll + gasoline cost).
If there are a lot of people, this is definitely something I'd like to use.

*Gasoline costs are included in thisSiteCalculate using this.
(Calculated based on a distance of 195km and a gasoline price of 115 yen/liter.)

- There are no time limits, so you can travel at your own convenience.

→Unlike trains and buses, the biggest advantage is that you can move around freely and spontaneously, as the routes are not limited.
You can also enjoy a spontaneous road trip without a specific destination in mind!

4-2. Disadvantages

Resistance to driving in unfamiliar places

→There's an image that the roads in Hokkaido are "vast and easy to drive on."
However, driving for long periods in unfamiliar territory keeps you constantly on edge.
If you're traveling in a group, taking turns driving will reduce the burden on each individual.

- Unexpected events occur

→Traffic conditions can change from time to time, so you may suddenly get caught in a traffic jam.
Be especially careful during the winter months, as heavy snowfall often results in road closures and speed restrictions.

4-3. Differences in travel methods between expressways and regular roads.

Driving from Obihiro to Sapporo is convenient because of the short travel time.
And because it takes the shortest route, many people use the expressway.

Now, let's take a detailed look at how to get there using expressways and regular roads.

・When using the expressway:
We'll pass "Michi-no-Eki Otobuke" and get on the highway at Otobuke-Obihiro IC.
We will go via Chitose-Eniwa Junction to Sapporo-Minami Interchange.
It takes a little less than 20 minutes to reach Sapporo city center from Sapporo Minami Interchange.
* Travel time via highway: Approximately 3 hours
*Distance traveled: 195km

・When using public roads:
We will travel from Obihiro to Shimizu Town via National Route 38.
We will head to Sapporo from Shimizu Town via National Route 274.
We will head to Sapporo from Shimizu Town via National Route 274.
*As of February 2017, National Route 274, which runs from Shimizu Town through the Nissho Pass, is closed to traffic, so please use the free section of the Doto Expressway (Tokachi Shimizu IC to Shimukappu IC).
From Shimukappu Interchange, head south on National Route 237 towards Hidaka Town, then take National Route 274 towards Sapporo.
Along the way, there are two roadside rest areas: "Michi-no-Eki Yubari Merode" and "Michi-no-Eki Maoi no Oka Park".
* Estimated travel time on regular roads: Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes
*Distance traveled: 210km

Reference site:北の道ナビGoogle Maps

*Please note that the travel time may be delayed depending on road conditions.

5. Finally

I've explained how to get from Obihiro to Sapporo by JR train, bus, and car. How was it?
Please note that there are no flights operating between Obihiro and Sapporo.
Each option has its own merits, so choose the one that best suits your schedule.
I hope this information will be helpful for your trip to Hokkaido.

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