ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus
The ALPICO Bus company, most commonly referred to simply as ALPICO, operates the majority of bus services in and around Nagano City. Making use of their extensive services connects visitors to many of the region’s most popular destinations including Hakuba and Omachi. On this page you will find the following information:
— Types of Express Bus Services
— Buying Tickets for the Hakuba Express Bus
— 25 Things to Do Around Hakuba & Where to Stay
— Hakuba Valley Ski Resort: Everything You Need to Know
ALPICO operates local buses covering the region in and around Nagano City along with express buses to popular destinations. This page provides information regarding ALPICO’s express buses including services to Hakuba.
TYPES OF EXPRESS BUS SERVICES
Large coaches suitable for up to 49 passengers provide express services to some of the region’s most popular destinations including Hakuba. Coaches include spacious luggage storage allowing for transport of large luggage and winter sports gear underneath, with comfortable seating inside the bus.
ALPICO HAKUBA EXPRESS BUS
Operating all year round and with additional services during the peak season of winter, the ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus operates to and from Nagano Station. The bus operates from Bus Stop No.26, outside the Nagano station’s East Exit.
To reach Bus Stop No.26, simply exit the station via the East Exit and proceed down to road-level using the elevator or stairs to your left, or escalator around to your right.
Once at ground level, walk straight ahead alongside the station. You will find Bus Stop No.26 about 200 meters down.
Most services (but not all) stop at Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal in the center of Hakuba Village. It is important to check that the specific service you intend to use goes to your chosen stop. While some of services continue onto Tsugaike after stopping at the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal, not all services do.
FARES & TIMETABLE
Bus fares are JPY2,200 to JPY2,400 per adult depending on which area of Hakuba you wish to head to.
The Hakuba Bus operates all year round, though the timetable varies between seasons. Additional services run in winter to cover increased demand.
For the current timetable for the express bus to/from Hakuba, please see our ‘ ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable’ page.
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.
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND HAKUBA & WHERE TO STAY
Best known for its epic skiing and snowbaroding, Hakuba is quickly developing its reputation as a year-round destination thanks to the activities on offer through spring, summer and winter along with its wide range of accommodation, dining and shopping options. Our ’25 Things To Do Around Hakuba & Where To Stay’ page has tips and suggestions for what’s on offer in the valley, plus the best areas to find accommodation including high-end hotels and luxury chalets.
HAKUBA VALLEY SKI RESORTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Located in Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba lies 40 kilometers (less than a 1-hour drive) to the west of Nagano City / Nagano Station and 275 kilometers (less than a 4-hour drive) to the northwest of Tokyo. Often referred to as Hakuba Valley, the area runs north to south among the foothills of the Hida Mountains, commonly known as the Northern Alps. Tucked into the mountains along the west side of the valley, Hakuba’s ski resorts attract visitors from all over the world.
Hakuba Valley likes to tout itself as the largest ski resort in Japan. And while it is true that its ten resorts make up the largest collective expanse of ski terrain in the country, only a couple of the resorts are actually connected. Getting to the others requires a short bus or car ride or a long walk.
Long famous exclusively for its winters, Hakuba is increasingly establishing itself as an all-year-round destination and one of Japan’s best ‘green season’ sports regions. Most international visitors arrive in Hakuba via the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal or Hakuba Station. In winter, shuttle buses run from the Happo Bus Terminal to all of the area’s ski resorts, making it the de facto center of the valley. Click on the banner above or head to our ‘Japan Ski Resorts’ main page and start planning your next Nagano winter getaway!
