The Niseko Liner is a rapid service train operated by JR Hokkaido. It runs between Rankoshi, Kutchan and Sapporo stations. The Niseko Liner operates on the Hakodate Main Line, which goes through western and central Hokkaido.
The Niseko Liner is the quickest way to get to and from Niseko by rail because it does not require the usual change of trains at Otaru Station. At Kutchan Station, the main station for Hirafu and other ski resorts in the Niseko area, there’s one Niseko Liner service per day in the direction of Otaru and Sapporo, departing 6:58 am.

Niseko Liner for Kutchan, Otaru and Sapporo
From Kutchan, the fare to Otaru is 1,290 yen and the time required is 1 hour, 3 minutes. The fare to Sapporo is 2,100 yen and the time required is roughly 2 hours.
Niseko Liner services going west from Sapporo terminate at Kutchan Station. There is only one service per day, departing Sapporo at 5:50 pm and ending at Kutchan at 7:46 pm.
Article by Tim Hornyak. Photo by prof530/pixta. All rights reserved.