Car vs Public Transportation in Hokkaido: Which is better?

If you just started planning a trip to Hokkaido, you might be wondering…

“Do I need to rent a car? Or can I get around by train and bus?”

The truth is… both options can work, depending on your season, destinations, and comfort level. Many people might think driving is a must in Hokkaido, but it’s also very doable without a car if you plan right.

As someone who grew up here and has helped hundreds of travelers plan their Hokkaido trip, I’m here to help you figure it out step by step.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

The pros and cons of driving vs public transportation
When it’s best to rent a car (and when not to)
How to travel without a car: Train, bus, and free pass tips

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or a winter train adventure, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Do you need a car in Hokkaido?

“Should I rent a car in Hokkaido? Or can I travel around by train and bus?”

I get this question all the time from travelers. So here’s a quick rule of thumb to help you decide.

Want to explore rural areas? → Rent a car
Are you traveling in winter? → Public transport
Visiting only big cities like Sapporo and Hakodate? → Public transport
Not confident driving in Japan? → Public transport

In the sections below, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each option, so you can choose what works best for your trip!

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Driving a Car in Hokkaido

Pros: Flexibility, access to remote areas, save time
Cons: Rental & gas costs, not safe in winter

Driving gives you a lot of flexibility in Hokkaido. You can stop at scenic spots, explore hidden gems, and visit small towns that are hard to reach by train or bus. In rural areas like Eastern Hokkaido, driving is way more convenient than public transportation.

And the good news? Driving in Hokkaido is generally easy. There’s little traffic, the roads are wide, and the views are incredible.

I recommend renting a car if you’re visiting between May and October, and if you feel comfortable driving in a foreign country.

A person driving a car with both hands on the steering wheel, viewed from the driver’s seat inside a modern vehicle. This image captures the personal experience of driving in Hokkaido, highlighting the flexibility and control it offers travelers.

In winter, I don’t recommend driving. Snowy roads in Hokkaido can be slippery and dangerous. Unless you’re used to driving on snow back home, I strongly suggest taking public transportation instead.

(And yes, you can still enjoy Hokkaido without a car. I’ll show you how in the next section!)

Renting a car in Hokkaido

You can rent a car at all major airports and train stations. Booking online in advance is a must, especially during peak seasons.

The average rental cost is 5,000-8,000 JPY per day, depending on the company and the type of car you would like to get.

🚗 Find your rental car!

Rentalcars.com for big companies that are familiar with international travelers.
Klook for local companies. Some offer great deals!

5 Self-driving Tips in Hokkaido

Watch your speed – It’s easy to overspeed in the countryside in Hokkaido as there are many straight roads.
Watch out for wild animals – You might encounter dears and foxes crossing the road.
Fill up your gas whenever you can – There aren’t many gas stations, especially in the countryside.
Avoid driving at night – There aren’t many streetlights, so it could be very dark at night on the road.
Avoid driving in winter – for your safety!

Want more driving tips?

Looking for more must-know essential tips, money-saving hacks, and ready-made road trip itineraries?

👉You’ll find everything in the Hokkaido Self-Driving Guide inside the Hokkaido Trip Planner!

Public Transportation in Hokkaido

Pros: budget-friendly, safer in winter
Cons: Longer travel time, less coverage than driving a car, limited schedule

If you’re not renting a car, don’t worry, traveling Hokkaido by train and bus is totally doable. With good planning, you can still explore many amazing places.

I also have many car-free itineraries that you can easily follow, for example, 3-day summer Shiretoko trip and 7 days in Hokkaido in winter.

👉 You can find all my ready-made itineraries here.

Train Network in Hokkaido

JR Hokkaido trains connect cities across Hokkaido, providing essential transportation means for locals and visitors.

In fact, there are probably many more places accessible by public transportation than you might think. I packed over 100 spots that you can visit without a car in my Hokkaido Trip Planner.

If you are mainly visiting big cities, such as Sapporo, Asahikawa and Hakodate, then you are totally fine without a car. These cities are well connected by public transportation within and out.

A quiet train station in Hokkaido under clear blue skies, with empty platforms and train tracks extending into the distance. This image reflects the convenience and structure of public transportation in Hokkaido, especially in urban and suburban areas.

If you are taking many train rides, getting JR Hokkaido rail pass might save you money.

Some cities also offer local train free passes. You’ll can get a list of 20+ free passes inside my Hokkaido Trip Planner.

In the countryside, trains run less frequently, sometimes just 2–3 times a day. So it’s important to check timetables ahead of time and plan carefully. If you need help to figure that out, I’m here to help.

In winter, trains tend to be less affected by snow compared to buses, so it could be a more secure option.

If you are planning to travel to Hokkaido from Tokyo, taking Shinkansen (bullet train) is also an option, instead of a flight. It’s comfortable and could be money-saving!

👉 Check out this blog post on how to take Shinkansen to Hokkaido for more details.

Bus Travel in Hokkaido

Buses in Hokkaido cover many areas where trains don’t go, for example, Shiretoko, Lake Akan, and the Lake Kussharo & Lake Mashu area.

Some buses require reservations in advance, especially sightseeing and express buses.
Always check the official websites for schedules and how to book.

👉 How to save on bus travel? You’ll get a list of 20+ free bus passes inside my Hokkaido Trip Planner!

Rolling green fields and farmlands in rural Hokkaido with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky. This scenic landscape emphasizes the appeal of driving in Hokkaido for reaching off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Taxi as an alternative

Even if public transport doesn’t reach the places you want to visit, don’t give up just yet! A short taxi ride can be a good solution.

Yes, taxis can be a bit pricey, but they’re great for covering the “last mile” that you can’t make otherwise.

Not many local taxi drivers speak English, but you can always ask your hotel to arrange a car for you to avoid miscommunication.

✨Travel tip: Want to visit Hokkaido’s best places without driving? Join Guided One-Day Tours! They offer transportation from Sapporo to Furano, Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and many more.