Sōya (train)

The Sōya is a limited express train service between and in Hokkaido, which is operated by Hokkaido Railway Company. It was named Super Sōya between 2000 and 2017.

Service pattern

There is only one single daily return working per direction, with an average journey time between Sapporo and Wakkanai lasting approximately 5 hours 10 minutes. Trains operate at a maximum speed of.
The train operates over the same route as the Sarobetsu, which operates between Asahikawa and Wakkanai.

Station stops

The service calls at the following stations:
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
The stations in the are only served by the northbound service.

Rolling stock

Services are normally formed of 4-car KiHa 261 series DMUs, which were introduced from the start of services on 11 March 2000, with car 1 at the Wakkanai end. Car 1 consists of both ordinary-class seats and the Green Car, while the other cars are ordinary-class cars. All cars are no-smoking. These are lengthened to 6 cars during busy seasons.

Future plans

On 19 November 2025, JR Hokkaido announced that all non-reserved seating on Sōya services would be eliminated effective the next timetable revision, making all trains operate solely with reserved seating.