Otaru is a major station on the '''JR Hakodate Line''' from Sapporo, with very frequent train runs. At a cost of ¥620, there are at least five trains per hour; the fastest service, the '''Airport Rapid''', reaches Otaru in 30 minutes. The complete journey on the Airport Rapid from New Chitose Airport to Otaru takes 70 minutes.
Otaru is 25 minutes away from Sapporo by car.
Otaru is one of Hokkaido's key ferry ports, and the closest to Sapporo. Shin-Nihonkai Ferry (06-6348-1120) operates a daily service between Sapporo and Niigata (18 hours, \6,200+) and between Sapporo and Maizuru near Kyoto (20 hours, \9,600+). Both services are overnight, and private cabins are available for a higher fare (the base fare buys sleeping space on the floor).
Otaru Hilton right next to Otaru Chikko Station and the factory outlet is another place to stay. Oataru Chikko is just two stops west of Otaru on the Sapporo-Otaru rail line and conveniently situated in the middle to travel around Sapporo and Otaru area