Hokkaido Area Guide ・ Otaru ・ Chitose & New Chitose Airport
New Chitose to Otaru Direct Bus Guide | Booking, Times, Fares and Seats
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Since April 2025, Hokkaido Chuo Bus has run a direct bus from New Chitose Airport to Otaru with no transfers (3 runs a day, about 100 minutes). Compared with the JR Rapid Airport, JR wins on frequency, travel time and fare, but the bus has traveler-friendly features: a luggage hold for suitcases, first-come-first-served boarding, and multiple payment methods. This article covers everything you need to make full use of the direct bus: how to book, buying tickets, times, seating and facilities, and getting around after arriving at Otaru Station.
1. Basic information and route of the direct bus
This image was generated by AI for illustrative purposes.
The direct bus between New Chitose Airport and Otaru Station was newly launched by Hokkaido Chuo Bus on April 1, 2025 as the "Airport Bus Otaru Line." As of April 2026, it runs 3 round trips a day. The route is promoted under the nickname "Hokkaido Resort Liner."
After leaving New Chitose Airport, the bus enters Otaru via the expressways (Do-o Expressway and Sasson Expressway). There are no intermediate stops; it runs straight from the airport to Otaru Station. The airport stop is outside the domestic terminal (ANA side, stop 20).
🗺️ Location of New Chitose Airport (Google Maps)
Bus stop 20 is to the right after you go outside through the main exit on the 1st floor of the domestic terminal. When you leave the arrivals lobby, follow the signs and look for "Airport Bus (20)." Lines form at the stop when it's busy, but staff are on hand to guide you.
Direct bus basics
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | Hokkaido Chuo Bus |
| Route name | Airport Bus Otaru Line |
| Section | New Chitose Airport (stop 20) to Otaru Station (stop 2) |
| Service start | April 1, 2025 |
| Runs per day | 3 round trips |
| Travel time | About 90–100 minutes (varies with road conditions) |
| Stop | Outside New Chitose Airport domestic terminal, stop 20 |
2. Booking and buying tickets
As of May 2026, the direct bus operates on a first-come-first-served basis with no booking required. It is not a reservation system where you secure a seat in advance, so head to the stop in time for the departure you want, buy a ticket, and board.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets from New Chitose Airport can be bought at the Hokkaido Chuo Bus information counter near the stop, or from the driver when boarding. Follow the signs in the airport to the "Chuo Bus ticket counter" and you won't get lost.
When boarding at the Otaru Station terminal (stop 2), buy a ticket at the terminal counter or on the bus.
Accepted payment methods
| Payment method | Accepted |
|---|---|
| Cash | Yes |
| Transit IC cards (Kitaca, Suica, etc.) | Yes |
| Contactless credit card payment | Yes |
| Smartphone ticket "Busmo" | Yes |
| Round-trip discount / coupon tickets | None |
Fares
| Category | One-way fare |
|---|---|
| Adult | ¥2,300 |
| Child (6–11) | ¥1,150 |
That is ¥390 more than the JR Rapid Airport fare (adults ¥1,910). Rail passes such as the JAPAN RAIL PASS and Hokkaido Rail Pass cannot be used on the direct bus, so inbound travelers can save by considering whether they have a pass when choosing.
3. Main times and travel time
Times as of April 2026 are below. Check the latest times on the Hokkaido Chuo Bus official site (or call 0134-25-3333).
From New Chitose Airport (stop 20) → to Otaru Station (stop 2)
| Departure | Arrival (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10:38 | 12:08 | About 90 min |
| 13:38 | 15:08 | About 90 min |
| 15:38 | 17:08 | About 90 min |
From Otaru Station (stop 2) → to New Chitose Airport (approx.)
| Departure | Notes |
|---|---|
| 7:30 | Otaru → airport |
| 9:00 | Otaru → airport |
| Others | ＊Check the latest times on the Hokkaido Chuo Bus official site |
Travel time and frequency compared with the JR Rapid Airport
| Comparison | Direct bus | JR Rapid Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | About 90–100 min | About 73 min |
| Runs per day | 3 | 1–2 per hour during the day |
| Fare (adult one way) | ¥2,300 | ¥1,910 |
| First to last service | Only 3 runs a day | 6:38–23:21 |
| Stability in winter | Varies with road conditions | Relatively stable |
If your flight arrival connects easily with one of the direct runs at 10:38, 13:38 or 15:38, this direct bus is a strong option for traveling without transfers. On the other hand, if you miss those runs or arrive early in the morning or at night, the JR Rapid Airport is the realistic option.
In winter (December–March), snow and ice on the roads can push travel time well beyond 90 minutes. On a tight itinerary, JR is the more stable way to travel.
4. Seats, facilities and luggage
This image was generated by AI for illustrative purposes.
The direct bus uses tour-bus-type vehicles with rows of forward-facing fixed seats like a bullet train. Seat spacing is designed to be wider than JR ordinary cars, so you can travel in a relaxed position.
Main onboard facilities
| Facility | Availability and details |
|---|---|
| Luggage hold (trunk) | Yes, fits large suitcases |
| Seats | Around 40 (varies by vehicle) |
| Power outlets | ＊Ask Hokkaido Chuo Bus whether they are installed |
| Wi-Fi | ＊Ask Hokkaido Chuo Bus whether it is installed |
| Toilet | ＊May vary by run |
Luggage handling
You can store large suitcases free of charge in the luggage hold (trunk space) under the vehicle. You can roll your carry case right up to the bus at the airport and ride without luggage until you collect it at Otaru Station. For travelers with large suitcases or lots of luggage coming back from abroad, the luggage hold is a big advantage.
Carry-on-size bags and backpacks can go on the overhead rack or at your feet. On crowded runs, space for luggage may be limited, so in busy seasons it is important to head to the stop early.
The JR Rapid Airport has large-luggage spaces at the ends of cars, but they are not fully separated like a luggage hold. If you'd rather not worry about keeping a suitcase near your seat, the bus is simpler in practice.
5. Getting around after arriving at Otaru Station
The direct bus terminates at the Otaru Station bus terminal (stop 2). It is close to the front of the JR Otaru Station building, and you can walk into JR Otaru Station within a few minutes of getting off.
🗺️ Location of JR Otaru Station (Google Maps)
After getting off the bus, head for the main entrance of JR Otaru Station ahead of you. There is a tourist information center in the station building (TEL: 0134-33-2510) where you can get multilingual brochures and city maps. Leaving your luggage in a coin locker (to the far left after exiting the ticket gates, IC-compatible) before setting off makes sightseeing easier.
Time from Otaru Station to main sights
| Spot | Time from the station | How |
|---|---|---|
| Otaru Canal (Asakusa Bridge) | About 10–12 min walk | On foot |
| Sakaimachi Street (Märchen Square) | About 10–15 min walk | On foot |
| COTARU (3-1-1 Inaho) | About 5 min walk | On foot |
| Former Temiya Line site | About 10 min walk | On foot |
| Mt. Tengu (ropeway) | About 15 min by bus | City bus |
Otaru's main sightseeing areas are within a 15-minute walk of JR Otaru Station. There are many slopes, so if you want to widen your sightseeing area, renting an e-bike is also an option. Getting around Otaru is explained in detail in Otaru transportation guide | Comparing buses, taxis and rental bikes.
6. Frequently asked questions
Here are questions travelers often ask about the direct bus.
Q. Where is the stop for the direct bus?
At New Chitose Airport, it is stop 20, outside the 1st floor of the domestic terminal (ANA side). Look for the "Airport Bus (Otaru / Kutchan)" signs.
If you arrive at the international terminal, move to the domestic terminal by the free shuttle bus or on foot (10–15 minutes) first.
Q. What happens if the bus is full?
Boarding is first come, first served, so if the bus is full even after you line up, you will have to wait for the next run. In busy periods (Golden Week, July–August, the New Year), it is wise to line up at the stop at least 30 minutes before departure if possible. If you absolutely want a guaranteed seat, choosing a U-seat (reserved seat, ¥840 extra) on the JR Rapid Airport gives peace of mind.
Q. Does it stop anywhere other than Otaru Station?
The current direct bus has only two stops: New Chitose Airport and Otaru Station. There are no intermediate stops; you can only board and alight at the start and end points.
Q. Can I take the direct bus back to the airport too?
There are 2–3 runs a day from the Otaru Station terminal (stop 2) toward New Chitose Airport. Departures are at 7:30, 9:00 and other times (check the latest times on the Hokkaido Chuo Bus official site). Choose a run that leaves plenty of time before your flight's boarding time. Return options in general will be covered in detail in an upcoming guide to the return trip from Otaru to New Chitose.
Q. Is there anything to note when riding with children?
A child fare (ages 6–11, ¥1,150) is available. Infants ride free on an adult's lap, but a child fare is required if they use a seat (according to Hokkaido Chuo Bus rules). Strollers must be folded and stored in the luggage hold or on the onboard rack. For traveling from New Chitose to Otaru with children, see also our upcoming guide on family access (strollers and nursing rooms).
Items marked * (prices, opening hours, etc.) may change. Please check the latest information on each official website before you go.