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

If you’re visiting New Chitose Airport for the first time, you may be wondering how to get to central Sapporo. Planning your transportation in advance will help you avoid confusion after you arrive.

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

Main Transportation Methods from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo

From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo is unexpectedly far, taking about 40 to 60 minutes by train, and about 60 to 80 minutes by bus. While buses may take time due to traffic conditions, trains can also be delayed during heavy snow. Even so, the train is faster.

Here are the main transportation methods to Sapporo city.

Transportation	Fare	Overview
Train (JR) Rapid Airport (40–60 mins)	1,150 yen	The easiest way to travel. 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 secure a seat is recommended.
Bus (60–80 mins)	1,100 yen	Stops at various locations throughout Sapporo, which may drop you off 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 budget allows, taxis are very convenient. They take you directly to your destination (hotel).
Rental Car (60–80 mins)	(Est.) Compact Car 8,000–20,000 yen (2 days / 1 night)	Allows you to start your Hokkaido road trip right away. However, tourists unused to winter snow driving should avoid driving in winter.
Private Transfer (Chartered Vehicle) (60–80 mins)	(Est.) 8,000–20,000 yen	Using a shuttle service or private vehicle is extremely comfortable, though prices are higher.

If you have financial margin, taxis and private transfers are also attractive, but normally, you 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 detailed look as it depends on your purpose.

Arrives in About 38 Minutes via JR (Rapid Airport); Use the Train If Speed is Prioritized

The flow line from inside New Chitose Airport to the train boarding area is good, and you can board the JR (Rapid Airport) without getting lost. The fare is 1,150 JPY, which compares favorably with the bus fare of 1,100 JPY. The best part about the train is that (aside from heavy snow) it is less susceptible to weather, reaching Sapporo in roughly 40 minutes.

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

The weakness (demerit) is that during commuting hours, it can become extraordinarily crowded from intermediate stations. Since New Chitose Airport is the origin station, waiting for the next train to sit down poses no problem. (Of course, let’s yield seats to the elderly or persons with disabilities.)

Also, needing to move from Sapporo Station to your hotel is another demerit. It is fine if the hotel is in front of Sapporo Station, but if it is near Odori Park or Susukino, moving with heavy suitcases via subway is a bit tough, and taking a taxi incurs fares (about 1,000 JPY to Susukino), plus depending on timing, you might wait at the taxi stand. In cold Hokkaido, waiting for a taxi while snow falls can be quite painful at times.

Buses That Go Directly to Various Locations in Sapporo City

The greatest advantage of the bus is that it goes near destinations such as hotels (more accurately, it takes you to the bus stop). Furthermore, if you have large luggage, it is nice that it can be stored in the bus luggage compartment. The fare of 1,100 JPY compares favorably with the train fare of 1,150 JPY.

Furthermore, compared to trains, during bad weather, travel time may simply take an extra 20 minutes or so, so allowing a margin of about 1 hour is necessary for travel. Also, time can be affected by traffic conditions and weather, with delays or travel times exceeding 1 hour occurring at times.

Explaining How to Travel from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station (Train)

Explaining the method of travel by train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station.

When arriving at New Chitose Airport, aim for “JR Line” from the overhead guidance signs.

Since (the JR Line) is underground, continue underground via escalators or the like.

Many people buy tickets at ticket vending machines, but transportation IC cards (Suica, etc.) can be used, so if you have one, passing right through is OK. (If you do not have one, or if purchasing reserved seats, purchase a ticket here.)

Heading down the stairs, the platform is right there. Whichever train originating from New Chitose Airport you board, it will stop at Sapporo, so rest assured.

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

Upon arriving at Sapporo Station, let’s head to the taxi stand. On snowy winter days, there may be lines, so walk briskly~ (or check the situation at souvenir shops inside Sapporo Station).

Summary: How to Travel from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo?

While there are several transportation methods from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo city, mainly the train or bus is economical. If you can sit, the train might offer peace of mind. Please 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,” is a wonderful space concentrated with Hokkaido’s goodness where you will not get bored even staying all day. The open space of New Chitose Airport, where you can enter a futuristic feel, is cool; New Chitose Airport is a commercial facility completed by itself—no, rather a theme park—let’s enjoy New Chitose Airport.

Introducing how to enjoy New Chitose Airport.