Services run every 30 minutes, with a journey time of 1 hour and 20 minutes for the 136.8km (85.0mi) between Sapporo and Asahikawa, giving an average start-to-stop speed of 102.6km/h (63.8mph). Services departing from Asahikawa on the hour continue onward from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport as the Airport rapid service.
Services are formed of 5-car 785 series and 789-1000 series EMUs. All seats are non-reserved, except for car 4, which has improved "u-Seat" accommodation, including AC outlets for personal use.