City in Hokkaido, Japan
Getting around Hakodate
How to get around Hakodate
The tram and buses reach most sights, and the center is walkable. The Hakodate Liner links the city to the Shinkansen station at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.
Ways to get around Hakodate
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hakodate City Tram | 210–260 JPY; day pass about 600 JPY | Two lines; pass the Motomachi hill and Yachigashira |
| Hakodate Bus | From about 210 JPY | Goes to Goryokaku, Yunokawa and the airport |
| Hakodate Liner | About 360 JPY | About 20 min between Hakodate and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station |
| Mt. Hakodate Ropeway | About 1,800 JPY return | Night view from the top; closed during high wind |
Ride-hailing apps in Hakodate
A 5 km ride costs about ¥1,700–2,400 ($10.8–15.2).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| GO | Taxi hailing; coverage in Hakodate, pay in-app |
- Metered taxis queue at the station and airport; no haggling. Hails work best on main streets.
Arriving in Hakodate
Hakodate Airport (HKD)
Bus to Hakodate Station about 20–25 min, roughly 450 JPY; taxi about 2,500–3,000 JPY.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rare for visitors; trams and walking suit the center.
- Driving: on the left. Bring a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP; licences from Germany, France, Switzerland, Taiwan and a few others need a JAF translation.
- Onward travel in Japan: Shinkansen bullet trains link most cities fast but are pricey; the national JR Pass only pays off on long itineraries. Highway buses and budget flights are cheaper.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Hakodate?
No. Use GO instead.
What's the best way to get around Hakodate?
The tram and buses reach most sights, and the center is walkable. The Hakodate Liner links the city to the Shinkansen station at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.
How do I get from the airport to Hakodate?
Bus to Hakodate Station about 20–25 min, roughly 450 JPY; taxi about 2,500–3,000 JPY.
Is Hakodate walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Hakodate
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Sources
- Japan Rail Pass (official)
- smartEX Shinkansen booking (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu)
- Japan National Tourism Organization
- Hakodate city tourism (Hakodate Travel Guide)
- Hakodate City Tram
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.