New Chitose Airport JR Guide (2026): Prices, Boarding & Ticket Tips

This post contains affiliate links, but rest assured, it's an honest review based on my own expenses.

So, you've arrived at New Chitose Airport, and now it's time to head into Sapporo city!

For those of you wondering whether to take the airport limousine bus or the JR train,

I'll break down everything you need to know about using the JR Rapid Airport Express,

which is less affected by traffic and weather.

Plus, I've got a fantastic tip for buying tickets without waiting in line, so make sure to read until the end!

From the Airport to Sapporo City - There are two ways to get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo city: the airport limousine bus and the JR train. Today, we'll explore the JR train's location, prices, and more. The JR train station is located on B1 of the domestic terminal. Take the moving walkway to the domestic terminal, then go down the escalator to the basement. JR train tickets can be purchased at the ticket machine; Sapporo is ¥1230, and Otaru is ¥2040. Keep your ticket until you exit, as you'll need it. For more great tips, check out the blog! #NewChitoseAirporttoSapporo #SapporoAirportJR #SapporoAirportTrain #NewChitoseAirportTrainm.blog.naver.com

🔺30-Second Summary🔺

Airport to City Center: Bus vs. JR

There are two main ways to get from the airport to Sapporo city center:

the airport limousine bus and the JR train.

To get straight to the point,

I highly recommend the 'JR train'!

​

Hokkaido's winter weather can be quite unpredictable. Buses often face delays due to heavy snowfall or icy roads, but the JR line between the airport and Sapporo is quickly cleared, and trains usually arrive right on schedule, saving you precious time.

Price and Feature Comparison

If you're curious about a more detailed comparison of the pros and cons of the bus and JR,

check out the post below!

🔻[Reference] New Chitose Airport Limousine Bus vs. JR Train: A Complete Comparison

Comparing Ways to Get from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to the City Center (Sapporo/Odori/Susukino)⎟JR Rapid Airport Express, Airport Limousine Bus Prices, Times, Payment Methodsblog.naver.com

Location of JR New Chitose Airport Station

JR New Chitose Airport Station is located in the basement of the Domestic Terminal.

Since you've arrived at the International Terminal, expect about a 10-minute walk.

Once you exit the arrival hall (International Terminal 2F),

follow the Domestic/JR Train signs straight ahead.

After passing the domestic shopping area and reaching a plaza,

follow the signs and take the escalator down to B1F.

You'll see the JR New Chitose Airport Station ticket gates.

With JR Train signs consistently overhead,

there's no need to worry about getting lost!

How to Buy Tickets & Pro Tips

Once you arrive at the ticket gates, you'll need to purchase your ticket.

Fare Information

Non-reserved Seat 1,230 yen

Reserved Seat 2,070 yen

Operating Schedule

From New Chitose Airport Station to Sapporo Station,

trains run approximately every 10 minutes.

🔻 [Reference] Check JR Train operating times and fares

*Note

New Chitose Airport (NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT)

Sapporo Station (SAPPORO (JR))

How to Purchase Tickets

Select the number of passengers on the left side of the ticket machine (up to 4 people).

On the Destination Selection screen, click Sapporo 1,230 yen.

Insert cash to receive your ticket.

For areas other than Sapporo Station,

click Otaru 2,040 yen or refer to the map above the ticket machine,

then click the price of your desired destination and purchase.

Pro Tip: How to Buy Tickets Without Waiting in Line

There's often a long line in front of the JR ticket machines.

When the train departure time is approaching and you're short on time,

there's a smart way to beat the rush!

Target the Cash-Only Machines

Ticket machines are divided into 'card + cash' dual-purpose machines and

'cash-only' machines.

Most people queue for the dual-purpose machines to use cards,

so the cash-only machine lines are significantly shorter.

If you prepare cash in advance, you can buy tickets

twice as fast as others!

What if you don't have cash?

Throughout the airport, there are ATMs where you can withdraw cash

without fees, using Travel Wallet or Travelog cards.

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🔻[Reference] New Chitose Airport Pro Tips: ATM Locations

Don't miss out on these New Chitose Airport tips! ⎟ Immigration/ATM/Luggage Delivery/Transportation Pro Tipsblog.naver.com

🔻[Reference] New Chitose Airport Services Guide

Domestic Terminal Building | New Chitose Airportwww.hokkaido-airports.com

ATMs with Fee Waivers

Travel Wallet: AEON Bank ATM (Pink)

Travel Log: Seven ATM (Green)

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Manned Counter

If you can communicate in Japanese, head to the manned counter!

You'll get through much faster at the manned counter.

Sapporo Station, two non-reserved seats, please.

札幌駅 自由席 2つください

(Sapporo-eki jiyūseki futatsu kudasai)

1 (hito-tsu) / 2 (futa-tsu) / 3 (mit-tsu) ...

Even if you don't speak Japanese, try saying this to the staff!

Wrapping Up

Today, we explored how to get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station

by JR train.

Summary

1. Given Hokkaido's unpredictable weather, the JR train is highly recommended.

2. Move from the International Terminal to B1F of the Domestic Terminal.

3. Save time by using cash-only machines when purchasing tickets.

Just keep these three tips in mind and have an amazing trip to Sapporo!

If you want to discover more travel stories, including Sapporo's best eateries and souvenirs,

make sure to 'follow Travel Lubricant'!

🔗 Purchase Japan 5G eSIM​