It's convenient to travel from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Hakuba by bus! An explanation of its features and access

Benefits of using express buses from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Hakuba

You can get from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Hakuba by train or rental car, but if you value convenience, we recommend using the express bus. If you take the train, you will need to transfer at least two times from Chubu Centrair International Airport, but if you take the bus, you can go directly. It will be an easy journey even if you have large luggage or ski/snowboard equipment.

Another appealing point is that you don't have to drive yourself like with a rental car, and you can avoid the risks associated with driving on unfamiliar snowy roads. It's a safe means of transportation that even people without a driver's license or who aren't good at driving can use.

Snowliner Express Bus Schedule and Features

The Snow Liner express bus is a recommended means of transportation between Chubu Centrair International Airport and Hakuba. You can board the bus from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Chubu Centrair International Airport, and it provides direct access to Hakuba. Here we will introduce the schedule and features of the Snow Liner.

There are two types of buses: daytime and nighttime.

There are two types of Snow Liner buses: a daytime bus that runs from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Hakuba during the day, and a nighttime bus that runs at night. Daytime buses depart Chubu Centrair International Airport at around 3:00 PM and arrive at the destination between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM. Night buses depart Chubu Centrair International Airport at around 10:30 PM and arrive in Hakuba between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM.

The advantage of daytime buses is that you can enjoy beautiful nature and cityscapes from the window, while night buses allow you to use the travel time to sleep or start skiing at your destination the next morning. You can choose the bus that best suits your schedule and travel style.

*Daytime buses will operate until March 8, 2025.

Runs daily during season

Snowliners operate basically every day during Hakuba's ski season. You can easily access Hakuba not only on weekends and holidays, but also on weekdays. Another benefit is that if there are seats available, you can make a reservation up until the day of travel, so you can plan a trip immediately when you suddenly have free time or an idea pops into your head. The latest operating information can be found on the official website, so it's a good idea to check it out.

Tours can be held from 1 person

While there are plans with a minimum number of participants of 20 or more, Snowliner is unique in that it can operate with as little as one person. There is no need to worry about the operation being cancelled due to an insufficient number of participants. This is a great option if you are planning a solo trip or a trip with a small group of people.

4 recommended ski resorts in Hakuba accessible by "Snowliner"

Hakuba has a wide variety of ski resorts that will satisfy everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. This time, we have picked out four recommended ski resorts in Hakuba that can be accessed by snow liner. We will introduce the overview and attractions of each resort.

Able Hakuba Goryu

Able Hakuba Goryu is a vast ski resort with three slopes. The breathtakingly beautiful scenery can be seen from the mountaintop slope "Alps-daira" at an altitude of 1,515m, and the abundant snowfall and high-quality powder snow are highly praised by skiers from overseas.

There are plenty of courses to choose from, from large, gentle slopes that are safe for beginners to courses for advanced skiers that are more than enough to challenge you. There are also night skiing and sunrise skiing only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, so you can enjoy skiing on the slopes lit up by the sunrise or on the fantastic night slopes.

Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort

Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort, which was also the venue for the 1998 Nagano Olympics, is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Hakuba area. It has a wide variety of courses, including long courses with large elevation changes and the Olympic Course for advanced skiers. It is also recommended for families with small children, as it has a kids' park adjacent to a rest house and Snow Land where you can enjoy sledding and playing in the snow with play equipment.

There are plenty of other facilities in the surrounding area, including a restaurant where you can try the Shinshu specialty sauce katsudon, and Hakuba Happo Onsen, known for its highly alkaline natural hydrogen hot springs.

Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field

Hakuba Iwatake Snowfield is a ski resort that boasts a variety of courses that make use of the natural terrain. A new gondola lift will open in December 2024, allowing you to reach the summit in about 7 minutes. This will allow you to travel faster while enjoying a 360° panoramic view of the spectacular Northern Alps.

In addition to a wide variety of courses for a wide range of levels, there is also a snow park with a wide variety of items and layouts, making it a great place for both skiers and snowboarders. There are also areas where people who don't ski or snowboard can enjoy themselves, such as snow igloo experiences and snow wall photography.

Hakuba Tsugaike Mountain Resort

Hakuba Tsugaike Mountain Resort has 10 different courses on the biggest mountain in the Hakuba area. The Bell Hill Slope, with a course width of over 1,200m, is popular with beginners and families. On the other hand, there are plenty of challenging courses, such as the Horseback Course, which is for advanced skiers and features a succession of large bumps.

There are a variety of restaurants on the premises, offering a wide range of local and international delicacies, including Wagyu steaks, burgers, pizza, the local Vietnamese dish pho, and fish and chips.

Tips for traveling by bus from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Hakuba

Among the means of transportation from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Hakuba, the express bus is one of the most convenient methods. Although it is convenient, there are a few points to keep in mind to make the trip more comfortable. Here are some points to remember when traveling from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Hakuba by bus.

Stick to a schedule

For express buses, which are group trips, departure times, arrival times, and rest times are predetermined. In order to avoid disrupting smooth operation, be sure to strictly adhere to the designated meeting and departure times. If you are worried about getting lost in an unfamiliar area, we recommend arriving at the meeting place at least 15 minutes before the departure time.

Make sure you're comfortable in the car

When traveling by bus for long periods of time, it's important to think of ways to make yourself comfortable and prepare accordingly. Wear comfortable clothes, slippers, and bring drinks and moisturizing products to prevent dryness.

In addition, especially on night flights, not being able to sleep can be exhausting, so we recommend bringing along sleeping aids such as a neck pillow. If you are sensitive to noises and people's breathing, it's a good idea to bring earplugs or earphones.

Travel smoothly from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Hakuba with the "Snowliner"

You can travel from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Hakuba by train or rental car, but considering that you will have to transfer and drive on unfamiliar snowy roads, we recommend using the Snow Liner express bus.

If you use the Snow Liner, you can go directly to Hakuba. There are two types of buses, a daytime bus and an overnight bus, so you can choose the one that best suits your schedule.

Be sure to also check out the recommended ski resorts in Hakuba that can be accessed by Snow Liner, as well as some tips for getting to Hakuba by bus, to ensure you have a pleasant ski trip.

Snowliner reservations here