How to travel from Sapporo to Nara, Japan

The distance between Sapporo and Nara is around 1,124km (698 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train and then fly which takes around 3h 60m.

7 routes found

We've found 7 different ways to get from Sapporo to Nara by train, plane, bus, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out NaraSapporo if you're planning a return trip.

1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Sapporo Okadama (OKD) to Osaka Itami (ITM).

  • Duration4h 25m
  • Flight time2h 30m
  • Typical cost
    ¥40,795($300)

3 similiar routes

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
3 x train
+

Train

Take the train to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto then Tokyo and then to Kyoto.

  • Duration10h 15m
  • Departsevery 20 mins
  • Typical cost
    ¥54,210($395)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

3
bus
+
train
+
bus
+

Bus and Train

Take the bus to Shinhakodate Hokuto Eki mae then take the train to Omiya(Saitama) then take the bus to JR Nara Sta.(East Ent.).

  • Duration16h 40m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    ¥40,520($295)
Operated by

Multiple operators

💰 Cheapest
4
ferry
+
car
+

Ferry and Car

Take a ferry to Maizuru then drive to Nara-shi.

  • Duration22h 50m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    ¥24,370($180)
Operated by

Multiple operators

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Sapporo and Nara

There are several options for getting from Sapporo to Nara by train, plane, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take a ferry and then drive which costs around ¥24,370 ($180) and will take around 22h 50m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and then fly and arrive in approximately 3h 60m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ¥72,695 ($530).

The distance between Sapporo and Nara is around 1,124km (698 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,047km (651 miles)

It takes around 3h 60m to get from Sapporo and Nara by train and plane.

The quickest way to get from Sapporo to Nara is to take the train and then fly which takes around 3h 60m and will set you back approx ¥72,695 ($530).

The cheapest way to travel between Sapporo and Nara is to take a ferry and then drive which will typically cost around ¥24,370 ($180) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Sapporo and Nara. It typically takes around 10h 15m and departs every 20 mins.

There are no direct train services that runs from Sapporo to Nara. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, Tokyo and Kyoto. These services run every 20 mins and will take a minimum of 10h 15m.

Japan Railways Limited Express and Japan Railways Shinkansen run train services between Sapporo and Nara. Trains depart every 20 mins and will take around 10h 15m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Sapporo and Nara. We recommend that you take the train to New Chitose Airport then fly from New Chitose (CTS) to Osaka Itami (ITM). instead which will take 3h 60m.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Sapporo and Nara. Flights depart from Sapporo Okadama (OKD) and arrive at Osaka Itami (ITM) - via Hakodate (HKD). The flight takes around 2h 30m.

There is no direct flight from Sapporo to Nara. There is however a flight that goes via Hakodate (HKD). This services will take at least 4h 25m (not including layover time).

The flight from Sapporo to Nara typically takes around 2h 30m. Flights depart from Sapporo Okadama (OKD) and and arrive into Osaka Itami (ITM).

The closest major airport to Nara is Itami Airport (ITM) (ITM) which is approximately 35km (22 miles) from Nara. Kobe Airport (UKB) (UKB) and Kansai International Airport (KIX) (KIX) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Sapporo to Nara. We recommend that you take the train to New Chitose Airport then fly from New Chitose (CTS) to Osaka Itami (ITM). instead which will take 3h 60m.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Sapporo to Nara is to take the train and then fly which takes, on average, 3h 60m and will usually cost around ¥72,695 ($530).

How do I get from Sapporo to Nara

Compare travel optionsbetween Sapporo and Nara

Transport options from Sapporo to Nara
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 3 similar
4h 25m
¥40,795($300)
hourly1,162km (722 miles)
Train and Plane3h 60m
¥72,695($530)
every 30 mins1,163km (723 miles)
Train to New Chitose Airport, plane5hrs
¥67,355($490)
every 2 hours1,124km (698 miles)
Train to Hakodate, Fly7h 20m
¥41,615($305)
every 3 hours1,307km (812 miles)
Train
10h 15m
¥54,210($395)
every 20 mins1,629km (1,012 miles)
Bus and Train
16h 40m
¥40,520($295)
once daily1,530km (951 miles)
Ferry and Car
22h 50m
¥24,370($180)
once daily1,216km (756 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Sapporo and Nara

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Ferry operators

Airports near Nara

The following major airports near Nara offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Japan and internationally.

ITM
Itami Airport (ITM)
Domestic Airport
Distance
35km (22 miles) from Nara
UKB
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Domestic Airport
Distance
53km (33 miles) from Nara
KIX
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
International Airport
Distance
58km (36 miles) from Nara