From Sapporo

During the ski season, a free daily shuttle bus operates between Sapporo and the resort. Reservations are required by 3 p.m. on the previous day.

During most of the ski season, Donan Bus and Hokkaido Access Network operate multiple buses daily between Sapporo and Rusutsu Resort. Buses continue to Lake Toya (Donan Bus) and Niseko (Hokkaido Access Network). The fares drastically differ between the two companies, with Donan Bus charging 2140 yen for the one-way trip, while Hokkaido Access Network charges 4500 yen. Reservations are required.

Outside of winter, only Donan Bus operates buses between Sapporo and Lake Toya, which stop at Rusutsu along the way.

From New Chitose Airport

During most ski season, multiple bus companies, including Hokkaido Chuo Bus, Niseko Bus, and Hokkaido Access Network, operate buses between Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport and Rusutsu. The one-way trip takes about two hours and costs 2400 yen for Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Niseko Bus and 4500 yen for Hokkaido Access Network. Reservations are required. Most buses continue to Niseko. Packages, including lift tickets, are available.

From Niseko

Donan Bus operates buses roughly every 2-3 hours between Rusutsu and Kutchan Station near Niseko around the year. The one-way trip takes about one hour and costs 1000 yen. In past winters, a few buses also connected directly to Niseko’s various ski slopes for 1100-1200 yen one way, but they do not run in 2023/2024. Note that ski buses operating between New Chitose Airport and Niseko via Rusutsu cannot be used for travel between Rusutsu and Niseko.

From Lake Toya (Toyako)

Around the year, Donan Bus operates buses every 2-4 hours between Lake Toya and Sapporo, stopping in Rusutsu along the way. The one-way trip between Lake Toya and Rusutsu takes 45 minutes and costs 1170 yen. Reservations are required and can be made with Rocky Mountain Getaways.