Last updated on April 27th, 2024
Find out the best way how to get to Noboribetsu and onsen town by using JR express train, local train, Donan bus, and highway bus.
Noboribetsu is an onsen paradise for hot spring lovers. Besides, it is one of Hokkaido’s popular tourist spots with many things to see and do. It is an ideal place to plan one day trip or stay one night in Noboribetsu when visiting Hokkaido.
During my Southern Region’s Hokkaido trip, I visited Noboribetsu after the scenic trip to Lake Toya. However, when planning my Noboribetsu itinerary, I am facing a hard time searching for the Donan bus schedule between Lake Toya, Noboribetsu station, and Onsen Town. It is super easy after I manage to figure out the best way to get to Noboribetsu from Sapporo, Hakodate, or Lake Toya.
In this Noboribetsu transport post, I will share the transportation guide to Noboribetsu from New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, Lake Toya, or Hakodate. It will cover the public transport with Donan bus, JR train, and highway bus.
Transportation Guide: How To Get To Noboribetsu
Self Driving By Car
For self-driving to Noboribetsu by car, please get off at Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange along the Doo Expressway. If you are planning on self-driving in Hokkaido, make sure to read our tips on renting car in Japan.
Travel tips: remember to compare your car rental price on RentalCar.com with the best price guarantee.
By Train
Noboribetsu is located between Sapporo and Hakodate/Lake Toya on the JR Muroran Line. So it is the best idea to stop by Noboribetsu during your trip to Hakodate.
From Hakodate to Noboribetsu: Limited express train cost about ¥7,460 for 200 minutes.
From Sapporo to Noboribetsu: Limited express costs about ¥4,780 for 60 minutes train ride. For the budget traveler, you can opt to take the local train with a travel time increased by double but greatly reduce the train fare to half.
For a long journey train, for example, planning on traveling between Hakodate, Noboribetsu, and Sapporo, consider taking the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass to save on your transportation cost.
By Bus
Getting to Noboribetsu by bus is a cheaper transport option compare with the train.
From New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu: There are three highway buses run per day with ¥1400 for one way. Bus Stop located at (#66) at International Arrival Terminal.
- From New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu: 12:10, 13:15, 14:45
- From Noboribetsu to New Chitose Airport: 9:40, 10:40, 11:40
- Website: http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/ja/access/bus/timebusd/
From Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu: Chuo bus (中央) and Dounan bus (道南) are offering bus rides at ¥1900 (one-way) from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The bus stop is located at the stop (#10) for the Donan bus and (#16) for Chuo Bus.
From Lake Toya to Noboribetsu: I miss out on this option when planning on transport from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu. There is a Donan highway bus (道南バス 高速いぶり号) running along this route. If you are planning to get to Noboribetsu from Lake Toya, consider taking this option.
- From Lake Toya to Noboribetsu: 9:00, 15:00
- From Noboribetsu to Lake Toya: 9:00, 15:00
The one-hour bus journey cost about 1700 yen.
From Noboribetsu Station to Noboribetsu Onsen Town
For those planning to get to Noboribetsu by train, please note that JR Noboribetsu station is not located near the onsen town and other major attractions. It required about 15 minutes of a car journey, either by bus or taxi. A taxi ride will cost you about ¥2,000 to ¥2,500 but the bus ride only cost ¥340 for one way.
The Donan bus is the bus company that operates between Noboribetsu Station and Noboribetsu Onsen Town. It is pretty simple with all the information being signposted when you reach the station. But I had to face some difficulties when searching for the Noboribetsu Donan bus schedule before the actual trip.
Looking at this, I had listed the detailed timetable on how to get from Noboribetsu station to onsen town for your reference.
Donan Bus Schedule in Noboribetsu
The Donan bus will run between Noboribetsu Station and Noboribetsu Onsen bus stop with 2 to 3 buses per hour. However, most of the accommodation and entrance to Jigokudani Hell Valley is located about a 7-minute walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen stop. Additionally, it is the uphill slope walk from the bus stop to onsen town.
There is 4 bus line run for this route, which is NA, NB, NC, and NB. The NA/NB Bus will stop at Date Jidaimura before proceeding to Noboribetsu Onsen. While the NC/ND Bus will go to Noboribetsu Onsen directly. Please double-check the bus schedule or confirm with the driver before you board the bus.
So, the Donan bus bound to Foot Bath Entrance is a better option. It will stop at the Daiichi Takimotokan bus stop which is closer to the entrance of Jigokudani. Additionally, it is only a 2-minute walk from my onsen hotel stay, Daiichi Takimotokan. Please double-check your accommodation location. The journey is cost ¥340.
Below are the Donan bus schedule run between Noboribetsu station to Footbath Entrance. Together with the timetable at each bus stop along the journey.
Donan bus bound from Noboribetsu Station to Foot Bath Entrance direction
Donan bus bound from Foot Bath Entrance to Noboribetsu Station direction
Best Way To Get To Noboribetsu
Hopefully, my transportation guide is helpful. There are various transportation options when planning on how to get to Noboribetsu with public transport. Choose the best way that best suits your itinerary planning.
Last but not least, please always double-check the bus or train schedule in case of any changes. And enjoy your hot spring bath.
Continue reading my Noboribetsu travel post:
