How to Access Sapporo from New Chitose Airport
3 September 2024
This article provides information on how to get from New Chitose Airport (CTS) to Sapporo City.
The most recommended route is the JR Hokkaido Rapid Airport train.
The Japan Rail Pass covers the Rapid Airport train and its reserved seats.
We recommend the airport hotel if you plan to stay overnight at New Chitose Airport.
Train Access from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station
Here is how to travel by train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station.
We recommend the JR Hokkaido Rapid Airport train. This train takes just over 30 minutes to travel from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo. You can travel on the Rapid Airport Train without booking your seats in advance. However, if you need extra luggage space, there are seats which you can reserve. These are known as U-seats and they provide generous space for your luggage.
Item | Details |
Travel Time | 37 minutes |
Fare | 1,150 yen (unreserved seat) |
Reserved Seat Fare | Additional 840 yen (called 'U-seat') |
Frequency | Every 15 minutes, with the last train at 23:21 |
Purchase Method | JR Hokkaido website, station ticket machines |
Suica | Accept |
How to Purchase Train Tickets
If you are taking an unreserved seat on the Rapid Airport Train, you only need a regular ticket. If you want to use the U-seat (reserved seat), you need to purchase a reserved seat ticket. Note that the Japan Rail Pass can be used on the Rapid Airport Train. If you have this pass, you can also reserve U-seats with no booking fee through the JR Hokkaido website.
Regular Tickets
Regular tickets can be purchased at station ticket machines, and IC cards (such as Suica) are also accepted. In the Hokkaido area, Kitaca IC cards are available, but Suica cards can also be used interchangeably, so there is no need to buy a new Kitaca card.
Train Guides in Japan: How to take the train
Taking the train in Japan is essential. Learn how to buy tickets and use the 'Welcome Suica' card for JR, subways, and private railways, plus the benefits of the Japan Rail Pass.
Overseas travellers have a chance to use the "Mobile Suica"
Mobile Suica in Japan can also be used by tourists from outside of Japan. However, while iPhones are compatible, most Android devices sold overseas cannot install Mobile Suica. Here, we introduce the installation method and points to note for installing Mobile Suica on iPhones.
Japan Rail Pass allows you unlimited travel on JR lines
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) offers unlimited travel on JR trains across Japan, making it a must-have for tourists. Learn about the different types of JR Passes, how to purchase one, and important tips, including restrictions on Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains.
Reserved Seat Tickets (U-seats)
Reserved seat tickets can be purchased online or at ticket machines. Online reservations are convenient as they allow you to secure your seat in advance. While ticket machines do not accept credit cards, online purchases do. Reservations can be made via JR East's "eki-net" service.
Link: Eki-Net
Children's Fares
Children under 12 can travel for half the adult fare. Additionally, up to two children under six can travel for free with one adult.
Other Access Methods from New Chitose Airport
Apart from trains, there are other ways to get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo.
Bus
Airport limousine buses operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Hokuto Kotsu connect New Chitose Airport to major sightseeing spots and stations in Sapporo. This is a the recommended option if you have a lot of luggage.
Item | Details |
Travel Time | Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes (depending on traffic) |
Fare | 1,100 yen |
Purchase Method | Available at the bus ticket counter inside the airport |
Payment Methods for Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Hokuto Kotsu
Tickets can also be purchased on board the bus. However, payment methods differ, so please take note.
Hokkaido Chuo Bus: Cash and IC cards like Suica are accepted on board, but credit cards are not.
Hokuto Kotsu Bus: Contactless credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Amex, Diners Club, Discover) are accepted on board, but IC cards are not.
Both companies accept credit cards at the airport ticket counter.
How to Pay the Fare
For cash payments, board the bus through the middle door and take a ticket. Check the fare chart for the fare corresponding to your ticket number, and when you get off, put your ticket and the cash in the fare box at the front.
For credit or IC card payments, touch your card to on the reader when you board through the middle door, and touch it again at on the reader next to the driver when you get off.
Taxi
Taxis are a convenient way to travel from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo City, but the fare can be quite high. Some taxi cannot accept credit cards. So, we recommend asking the taxi driver whether credit cards are accepted before getting in.
Item | Details |
Travel Time | Approximately 1 hour |
Fare | About JPY15,000 to JPY18,000 (depending on traffic, $100-$123 ) |
Car Rental
Renting a car is convenient if you plan to explore rural Hokkaido or areas that are difficult to access by public transport. Several car rental companies operate within the airport, and reservations can be made in advance.
Item | Details |
Travel Time | Approximately 1 hour (depending on traffic) |
Fare | Additional costs include fuel and motorway tolls (about JPY1,330) |
Airport Terminal Hotel
New Chitose Airport is not a 24-hour airport. Both the domestic and international terminals close at 11 PM. Therefore, if you have an early morning flight, the Air Terminal Hotel, which is directly connected to the airport terminals, is highly recommended. They offer a breakfast buffet starting at 6:00 AM.
Guests staying at this hotel can enjoy the New Chitose Airport Onsen for free. (Unfortunately, guests with tattoos will not be granted entry.)
Link: Air Terminal Hotel
