ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable
ALPICO operates a variety of express bus services to some of Nagano’s most popular destinations including Hakuba. On this page you will find the following information:
— Hakuba Express Bus Timetable
— Buying Tickets for the Hakuba Express Bus
— Hakuba Ski Resort: Everything You Need to Know
— Book With Us! Accommodation & Ski Packages in Hakuba
Express bus services operate all year round with an increase in services during winter, to cover peak season. The express bus operates to and from Bus Stop No.26 outside the East Exit of Nagano Station. For full details regarding how to use ALPICO’s express bus services, please refer to our ‘ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus’ page.
A one-way journey between Nagano Station and Hakuba costs: JPY2200 to JPY2400 per adult depending on which part of Hakuba you are heading to or from.
HAKUBA EXPRESS BUS TIMETABLE
1 / WINTER SEASON SCHEDULE: December 17th 2022 to March 31st 2023
From Nagano Station to Hakuba:
A few buses (R = Reserved) require reservations so plan accordingly. Reservations are available online.
For all other buses no reservation is required.
NOTE that not all buses stop everywhere! Many buses go all the way to Tsugaike Kogen. Most stop at Hakuba Goryu as well as in the center of Hakuba Village, at Hakuba Station, Snow Peak Land Station and the Happo Bus Terminal. But some buses skip certain stops, while a few only operate during limited times:
(※1) = Only operates on specific dates: Sat, Sun and holidays between 17 Dec -26 Mar; daily between 29 Dec – 3 Jan.
(※2) = Only operates on specific dates: Dec. 23, 30; Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 22, 24 and Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24
Returning from Hakuba to Nagano Station:
This is basically the reverse of the Nagano-to-Hakuba schedule.
However, note that Nagano-bound buses start running earlier and do not depart as late in the evening as Hakuba-bound buses. Also, only a couple of Nagano-bound buses stop at Goryu each day. Check the time and don’t get stranded!
By the way, don’t worry about whether your bus drops you off at Bus Stop No.26 on the east side of Nagano Station or on the Zenkoji Exit side. Either way you’ll have arrived at Nagano Station.
(※1) = Only operates on specific dates: Sat, Sun and holidays between 17 Dec -26 Mar and daily between 29 Dec – 3 Jan.
2 / GREEN SEASON SCHEDULE: April 1st 2023 to November 30th 2023
From Nagano Station to Hakuba:
During these warmer months bus service between Nagano and Hakuba is only half of what it is during ski season. (Consider yourself warned!)
As in winter, buses depart from the east side of Nagano Station, Bus Stop No.26, with all of them going to the center of Hakuba Village. Those leaving earlier in the day continue north to Iwatake, Tsugaike, and Hakuba Norikura.
All buses run daily, and none require reservations. Just pay when you board and you’re on your way!
Returning from Hakuba to Nagano:
As in winter, the Nagano-bound bus schedule is basically the backwards version of the Hakuba-bound schedule. However, also as in winter, the buses for Nagano start running earlier and do not depart as late.
Note that only the earliest bus loops around to the Nagano Bus Terminal (in case that’s where you want to go).
BUYING TICKETS FOR THE HAKUBA EXPRESS BUS
There are three ways to purchase bus tickets:
1 / Directly from the bus driver or a staff member at the bus stop (staff members available only in winter). Here you can pay with cash or via VISA credit card touch payment, now available on all buses to Hakuba.
2 / 【Only during winter】 From the ticket machine inside the JR Ticket Office to the right of the Shinkansen exit of Nagano Station. *Cash only.
3 / 【For winter buses requiring reservations】
In winter, a few of the 16 daily buses are reservation-only. Reservations are available online.
HAKUBA CHARTERS & TAXIS
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a fully-accredited charter operator with the expertise to ensure your journey is safe, comfortable and convenient. With vehicles to accommodate single travelers, couples and families as well as groups of up to 45 people, we can transport you and all your luggage – your skis, your snowboards and any other outdoor gear – from downtown Nagano straight to the center of Hakuba. Get on your way starting here.
We also have you covered for pick-up and drop-off anywhere in the Nagano region, including all the most popular ski resorts and many other popular destinations including the Monkey Park, as well as more distant points including Nagoya, Tokyo, and even your airport. Which vehicle suits you best depends on your group size and amount of luggage. Learn more about charters on this page.
HAKUBA SKI RESORT: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Hakuba Valley is one of Japan’s best-known and most popular winter destinations. Covering a vast mountainous area, Hakuba Valley actually boasts multiple ski resorts – with a few of them connected by runs of perfect powder. Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort is the most central and largest of the resorts. For a complete run-down of what’s on offer in Hakuba, see our ‘Hakuba Valley Ski Resorts’ page.
BOOK WITH US! ACCOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES IN HAKUBA
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a registered travel agent and tour and charter operator offering a full suite of winter services including ski/snowboard packages, accommodations, lift passes, private charters, and a range of tours including both group and private options covering the Hakuba Valley. So get your game on and PLAN YOUR TRIP TO HAKUBA!
