Can you get around Hakuba without a car?
Hakuba Valley has ten ski resorts spread along the valley. Here is what the shuttle bus covers, where it falls short, and when a car makes sense.
What the Hakuba Valley shuttle bus covers
Free on ski days
On the days you ski with a Hakuba Valley lift pass, the shuttle bus between resorts is free.
Paid without a pass
Without a pass, Hakuba Valley lists the fare as ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children per ride.
Seasonal timetable
The shuttle runs in the ski season only, and buses cannot be boarded once they are full. Check the official timetable and the time of the last bus.
When you can manage without a car
- You stay close to a shuttle bus stop
- You ski every day with a Hakuba Valley pass
- Your trip is a week or so, and you eat near your accommodation
Get a total price within one business day
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. Your quote includes delivery.
When a car makes life easier
- Longer stays of several weeks or the whole season
- Families with children and lots of gear
- Accommodation away from bus routes, such as some chalets and holiday homes
- Rest days: onsens, supermarkets and trips to Matsumoto, Nagano or other resorts
- Evenings, when buses are fewer
A 4WD car delivered to your accommodation
From one week, delivered in Hakuba
We deliver 4WD cars to hotels, chalets and holiday homes in Hakuba, Omachi and Otari. Kei cars are from ¥73,700 per month, tax and insurance included, and winter tyres are a flat ¥20,000 this winter. See car rental in Hakuba. Comparing ski areas? Read where to base a long ski trip in Nagano.
RECOMMENDED CARS
Cars for this kind of stay
Every car is 4WD, with a dashcam, GPS navigation and an ETC reader. Prices include tax and insurance.
SUV
Toyota Yaris Cross · 5 seats
- 1 week
- from¥38,700
- 1 month
- from¥112,200
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
Get a quote for this car
Minivan (Delica D:5)
Mitsubishi Delica D:5, brand-new · 8 seats
Available from 5 January 2027
- 1 week
- from¥53,900
- 1 month
- from¥132,000
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
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Kei car with sliding doors
Suzuki Spacia, Honda N-BOX · 4 seats
- 1 week
- from¥28,250
- 1 month
- from¥75,250
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
Get a quote for this carSee all cars and rates →Car images show the class, not the exact car.
Questions about getting around Hakuba
Q. Is the Hakuba Valley shuttle bus free?
It is free on the days you ski with a Hakuba Valley lift pass. Without a pass, Hakuba Valley lists the fare as ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children per ride.
Q. Does the shuttle bus run at night?
The lift pass does not cover the night shuttle bus. Check the official timetable for night services.
Q. Do I need a car for a one-week ski trip in Hakuba?
Not always. If you stay near a shuttle bus route and ski every day, the bus may be enough.
Q. When is a car worth it in Hakuba?
For longer stays, families, accommodation away from bus routes, rest days, and trips to onsens, shops or other resorts.
Staying in Hakuba for a few weeks or more?
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. We reply with a total price, including delivery, within one business day.
You are welcome to write to us in English through our web form or LINE. We reply in Japanese, so please use a translation tool to read our reply.