How to get to Niseko by public transportation was a big research item for me since it was going to be my first time traveling there. Usually, Japan is really good about their train system, but after doing some initial research, taking the train from CTS airport was way more complicated than convenient. This especially holds true if you are planning on bringing a ski or snowboard bag since there were at least two transfers you had to make by train. Well, the good news is that the most efficient way to get to Niseko by public transportation is by a dedicated Niseko ski bus!

• Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Fushimi Inari Shrine

 

What’s There in Niseko?

If you already don’t know, Niseko is famous for its ski resorts and its soft powdery snow. Most likely if you are going to Niseko, you will probably be skiing and snowboarding. That’s exactly why we were going! I had a big group ski trip planned for my birthday and it was going to be my first time in Hokkaido. I’ve only heard about the legendary snow in Niseko and couldn’t wait to start planning this trip. Well, to say the least, it was quite overwhelming so hopefully my experience can help everyone out.

 

How to Get to Niseko by Public Transportation

The best way to get to Niseko and if you want to save money is definitely by bus. There are a lot of different bus companies, but the two my group took were the Hokkaido Resort Liner and the Good Sports White Liner. Both buses offer the same services of picking you up from CTS (New Chitose) airport and dropping you off in certain spots in Niseko. The main difference is the pick up times and the prices.

 

How Much Does Each Niseko Ski Bus Costs?

• Hokkaido Resort Liner: 5,000 JPY or ~$34 USD (at time of posting)
• Good Sports White Liner: 5,400 JPY or ~$36.50 USD (at time of posting)

 

How Long is The Bus Ride?

Depending where your stop is, the bus can take anywhere from 2.5-3.5 hours. We took the 1:45 pm Hokkaido Resort Line bus and got to the Hirafu Welcome Center around 4:40 pm. My other friends took the 2:30 pm Good Sports White Liner bus and got to the welcome center around 5:00 pm. 

 

Which Bus Should I Take?

This depends totally on where you want to get dropped off. If you are going to Hirafu Village, I recommend taking the Good Sports White Liner. It’s faster and doesn’t make extra stops at other locations along the way. If you are planning on going to Rusutsu or a different part of Niseko, then you definitely want to take the Hokkaido Resort Liner.

 

Where Does the Niseko Ski Buses Pick You Up at CTS?

Each bus has a stop at the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal. Make sure you double check what terminal you land in. All of our flights originated from the U.S. and we all had a layover in Tokyo. From Tokyo, we took a domestic flight into CTS. If you have a similar route, you’ll most likely arrive in Terminal D (domestic) like we did. 

 

What Time Should I Book The Bus From CTS Airport?

I would book the bus time slot that leaves at least an hour after you land. You want to give yourself time to collect your luggage and find the bus check-in desk. Also, a pro tip is to buy some snacks or onigiris before the bus ride. There’s a cute onigiri stand by the check-in desk. All of us got 2-3 onigiris for the ride up.

 

What Are the Timetables and Drop Off Locations of the Niseko Ski Buses?

The Hokkaido Resort Liner stops at different destinations while the Good Sports White Liner has only one stop. Below is a screenshot of the bus schedule for each bus company. Please keep in mind that these are 2023 bus stops and times. If you are reading this in the future, make sure you check the website for updated tables.

Hokkaido Resort Liner

 

Good Sports White Liner

 

Most Convenient Location to Stay in Niseko if You Are Taking a Niseko Ski Bus

This is really important. If you are planning on taking the bus, I would definitely pick your accommodations around where the bus drops you off. If this is your first time to Niseko, I really recommend staying in Hirafu Village. There are a lot of restaurants/bars and both buses drop you off at the Hirafu Welcome Center.

For our trip, we stayed at The Maples and it was absolutely perfect. It was walking distance from the Hirafu Welcome Center and if you don’t want to walk, they have a free shuttle service where they can pick you up. I highly recommend them and I’m not affiliated with them in any way. It was overall a great experience and I would definitely stay there again!

 

How Was The Bus Overall?

I thought the bus was amazing especially if you are planning on staying close to one of the stops that the bus makes. The seats were comfy and they even do a restroom/snack pit stop along the way. The bus had enough room to fit everyone’s ski/board bags and suitcases. For less than $40 each way, I think this is a steal especially when private transfers costs anywhere between $350-$400 one way. I should know because that’s what we took for our return from the Park Hyatt Niseko to our airbnb in Sapporo.

 

Conclusion

I would most definitely take a Niseko ski bus again! It was so easy and convenient that it’s hard not to take the bus. The only reason we did not take the bus back is because we moved hotels in the middle of the trip and the bus does not pick up from the Park Hyatt Niseko. We would have had to take a taxi from the Park Hyatt Niseko back to the Hirafu Welcome Center and it was way too much effort for all of our luggage and ski gear. Otherwise, we would have taken the bus back. Well, hopefully this helps all of you who are planning on skiing or snowboarding Niseko!