Because the New Chitose Airport is the primary gateway to Sapporo, almost all international flights and most domestic ones use it. If you’re flying from overseas, you’ll most likely land here.
It’s rare to have a direct flight to New Chitose; overseas flights first involve a stop in Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya. You’ll pass through customs and immigration in these stops before proceeding to your domestic flight. Also, note that this could mean picking up your luggage and checking them in again for the next flight.
To be clear, the New Chitose Airport is not located in Sapporo but in the adjacent city of Chitose. From the airport, there’s still a bit of travel needed to get to central Sapporo. You can opt to travel via train, bus, taxi, or private vehicle.
By Train
- The train station is located beneath the airport itself. When you arrive, you can travel to the station on foot.
- Once on the station, board the JR Rapid Airport line, headed either for Sapporo or Otaru. Travel time takes about 40 mins.
- Get off once you arrive at Sapporo Station.
The Rapid Airport line is only available from 8 AM to 10 PM. The fare is priced at JPY 1,070 (USD9.6). You can pay an additional JPY 520 for a reserved seat, but unreserved seats are free.
By Bus
- Buses are a bit more complicated, as there are different operators and schedules.
- There are two primary shuttle operators conducting services: Hokuto Kotsu and Hokkaido Chuo Bus.
- Buses leave for Sapporo throughout the day, from 5:30 in the morning to 10:30 at night.
- Price for each ticket is at JPY 1,030.
By Car
Another option to travel is via car rental. While it may cost more, some travelers prefer to use this for convenience and privacy.
Three recommended rental car options include: Nico Nico Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, and Toyota Rent-a-Car. These three have their own pros and cons, with Nico Nico being the cheapest, Nippon with newer models, and Toyota with its trademark Toyota service.
Prices start at JPY 5,700 per day for the small, Kei-class cars, not including gas and other extras. Other rental car companies offer New Chitose Airport car pick up and return. If you decide to rent a car, make sure you have the complete documents/license requirements. Take note also of the service hours; for airport pick up and return, check your ETA and ETD.
By Taxi
If you prefer to take a taxi instead, there are taxi services available but they are very expensive. The one-hour taxi ride from the airport to Sapporo can cost JPY 15,000 or more. Not recommendable in terms of cost, but it’s something you may want to consider.
Sapporo Essentials
 Sapporo Pocket Wi-fi Stay Internet-connected while in Sapporo! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 Kitaca Card Easy access to train, subway and buses! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 Mt. Moiwa Viewpoint Trip Marvel at the beautiful Sapporo nightscape! ➡️ RESERVE SLOT HERE |
 JR Pass Unlimited train rides within the JR network. ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
Top Sapporo Hotels
 JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Karaksa Hotel Sapporo ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 La’Gent Stay Sapporo Odori Hokkaido ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sapporo-Susukino ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
