How to Get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo: Train vs. Bus (Which Is Better?)

If you’re landing at New Chitose Airport for the first time, you may be wondering how to get to central Sapporo. Planning your transfer ahead of time will help you avoid confusion after you arrive.

In this article, we’ll cover the best ways to get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo, including the main options and our recommendations.

Main Ways to Get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo

New Chitose Airport is farther from Sapporo than you might expect—about 40 to 60 minutes by train, and about 60 to 80 minutes by bus. Buses can run long in traffic, and trains can also be delayed in heavy snow. Even so, the train is faster.

Here are the main ways into central Sapporo.

Option	Fare	Overview
Train (JR) Rapid Airport (40–60 mins)	1,150 yen	The easiest way to go. You can use IC transit cards like Suica for smooth boarding and exiting. It can get crowded during peak commuting hours, so waiting for the next train to grab a seat is recommended.
Bus (60–80 mins)	1,100 yen	Stops at several places around Sapporo, which may drop you closer to your hotel. ★ Sapporo Downtown Direct Express (Example): Sapporo Station → Odori Park → Susukino → Nakajima Park
Taxi (60–80 mins)	(Est.) 8,000–9,000 yen + Expressway Toll 1,300 yen	If your budget allows, taxis are very convenient. They take you straight to your destination (hotel).
Rental Car (60–80 mins)	(Est.) Compact Car 8,000–20,000 yen (2 days / 1 night)	Lets you start your Hokkaido road trip right away. However, travelers unused to winter snow driving should avoid driving in winter.
Private Transfer (Chartered Vehicle) (60–80 mins)	(Est.) 8,000–20,000 yen	A shuttle service or private vehicle is extremely comfortable, though prices are higher.

If your budget allows, taxis and private transfers are also appealing, but most people choose the train or bus.

Train or Bus: Which Should You Choose?

In practice, which is more economical—train or bus? Let’s take a closer look, since it depends on what you need.

About 38 Minutes on JR (Rapid Airport)—Take the Train If Speed Matters Most

The route from inside New Chitose Airport to the train boarding area is clear, and you can board the JR (Rapid Airport) without getting lost. The fare is 1,150 JPY, close to the bus fare of 1,100 JPY. The best part about the train is that (aside from heavy snow) it is less affected by weather, reaching Sapporo in roughly 40 minutes.

Trains also depart every 15 minutes during the daytime, so you can ride with almost no waiting-time stress.

The downside is that during commuting hours, it can get extremely crowded from intermediate stations. Since New Chitose Airport is the starting station, waiting for the next train to sit down is no problem. (Of course, please yield seats to the elderly or people with disabilities.)

Another downside is needing to get from Sapporo Station to your hotel. It’s fine if the hotel is right by Sapporo Station, but if it’s near Odori Park or Susukino, hauling heavy suitcases on the subway is a bit tough, and a taxi adds fare (about 1,000 JPY to Susukino)—plus, depending on timing, you might wait at the taxi stand. In cold Hokkaido, waiting for a taxi in falling snow can be pretty rough at times.

Buses That Go Straight to Various Spots Around Sapporo

The biggest advantage of the bus is that it stops near destinations such as hotels (more precisely, it drops you at the bus stop). Plus, if you have large luggage, it’s nice that it can go in the bus luggage compartment. The fare of 1,100 JPY is close to the train fare of 1,150 JPY.

Compared with trains, in bad weather the trip can simply take an extra 20 minutes or so, so you’ll want to allow about an hour. Travel time can also be affected by traffic and weather, with delays or trips over an hour happening at times.

How to Get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station by Train

Here’s how to take the train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station.

When you arrive at New Chitose Airport, follow the overhead signs for “JR Line.”

Since the JR Line is underground, keep heading down via escalators or the like.

Many people buy tickets at the vending machines, but transit IC cards (Suica, etc.) work too—so if you have one, you can go straight through. (If you don’t have one, or you’re buying reserved seats, get a ticket here.)

Head down the stairs and the platform is right there. Whichever train starting from New Chitose Airport you board will stop at Sapporo, so you’re fine.

If it gets crowded along the way, standing with a suitcase is a bit tough—so even if you miss one train, waiting to sit might be better. (Reserved seats are Car No. 4; the others are non-reserved.)

Once you arrive at Sapporo Station, head for the taxi stand. On snowy winter days there may be lines, so walk briskly~ (or check the situation at the souvenir shops inside Sapporo Station).

Summary: How Should You Get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo?

There are several ways from New Chitose Airport into Sapporo, but the train or bus is usually the economical pick. If you can sit, the train may give more peace of mind. Enjoy a wonderful trip in Sapporo.

Enjoy a nice time in Hokkaido!

Ways to Pass Time at “New Chitose Airport” & How to Spend Waiting Time for Departure and Layovers

Hokkaido and Sapporo’s airport, “New Chitose Airport,” packs so much of Hokkaido’s charm into one wonderful space that you won’t get bored even if you stay all day. Its open, futuristic feel is cool—New Chitose Airport is a complete commercial complex on its own, or rather a theme park. Let’s enjoy New Chitose Airport.

Here’s how to enjoy New Chitose Airport.