Getting To Hirafu Village
Getting to Hirafu Village (the main Niseko ski village) from New Chitose Airport is straightforward. Below are details on bus, train, and private transfer options.
CATCHING THE BUS
The most convenient way to reach Niseko from New Chitose Airport is by bus. Coaches depart directly from the airport and drop you at the Hirafu Welcome Centre, right in the heart of Hirafu village. From there, simply give us a call and weâll pick you up.
Booking: Seats must be booked at least 9 days before your stay to guarantee a spot and lodge transfer on arrival. See our Transfer Planner page for details.
Location: The bus counters are only 20 metres from the JAL arrivals area and are staffed with friendly English speakers.
Cost: Around „12,000 ($125 AUD return) or „6,000 ($67 AUD one-way).
Trip Time: Approximately 2.5 hours including a refreshment and toilet stop. Coaches are spacious, comfortable, and have plenty of room for ski gear.
- How To Catch: Find step-by-step info on our Bus – How To Catch page.
Important flight timings:
Last bus departs New Chitose Airport around 5:50pm â book flights arriving before 5:05pm (domestic) or 4:20pm (international).
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, a later bus departs at 7:30pm â book flights arriving before 6:45pm (domestic) or 6:00pm (international).
First bus arrives back at New Chitose Airport around 10:40am â book departures after 11:40am (domestic) or 12:40pm (international).
If your flights donât align, you have two alternatives:
- đ Private Transfer (Recommended) â Book a private transfer for a direct, comfortable ride to the lodge.
- đ  Train â See our train guide for details.
From New Chitose Airport to Niseko
Bus departure from New Chitose Airport must be at least 45 minutes after domestic flight arrival or 90 minutes after international flight arrival.
| Bus Number | Depart Domestic Terminal | Depart International Terminal | Arrive Hirafu Welcome Center |
|---|---|---|---|
| RL101 | 10:00 | - | 12:45 |
| RL103 | 11:00 | - | 13:45 |
| RL105 | 12:00 | - | 14:45 |
| RL107 | 13:50 | 14:00 | 16:45 |
| RL109 | 15:50 | 16:00 | 18:45 |
| RL111 | 17:50 | 18:00 | 20:45 |
| RL113 ** | 19:30 | 19:40 | 22:25 |
| **RL113 will operate only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 15 December to 28 March. | |||
Niseko to New Chitose Airport
Bus arrival at New Chitose Airport must be at least 60 minutes prior to domestic flights and 120 minutes prior to international flights.
| Bus Number | Depart Hirafu Welcome Center | Arrive Domestic Terminal | Arrive International Terminal |
|---|---|---|---|
| RL102 | 7:50 | 10:40 | 10:45 |
| RL104 | 9:50 | 12:40 | 12:45 |
| RL106 | 11:40 | 14:30 | 14:35 |
| RL108 | 13:50 | 16:40 | 16:45 |
| RL110 | 14:40 | 17:30 | 17:35 |
| RL112 | 16:00 | 18:50 | 18:55 |
CATCHING THE TRAIN
Train is the second best, but not our recommended method of getting to Niseko. Kutchan Station is the closest train station to Ramat Niseko. One downside of catching the train, is that you usually have to change trains in Otaru, which can have a wait time anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes, plus storing ski gear on the train can be difficult.
Another drawback is Ramat Niseko does not offer lodge transfers from Kutchan Station. You will need to independently arrange transport, such as a taxi or bus to the lodge from the train station. To see more information, see our Train Guide page.
The standard train usually costs around „3,500 ($40 AUD) one way to or from Kutchan.
PRIVATE TRANSFERS
Private Transfers are a little more expensive but a very convenient way of getting to Niseko.
The driver will meet you at the arrival gate and drop you directly at Ramat Lodge or Snowgum Lodge. There is a bathroom and food break half way on the 2.5 hour journey. This is a great option if your flight doesn’t align with a bus.
We recommend Sky Station for private transfers, offering modern vehicles, professional service, and competitive pricing. Private Transfers are quite limited, so you need to book early to ensure availability.
See their rates and booking link below.
| Car Type | People | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 1-2 | „41,000 | 2 Suitcases + 1 Ski Bag |
| Mini Van | 1-4 | „52,000 | 3 Suitcases + 1 Ski Bag |
| Luxury Van | 1-4 | „64,000 | 3 Suitcases + 1 Ski Bag |
| Hiace Van | 1-8 | „56,000 | 6 Suitcases + 4 Ski Bags |