New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Transportation Guide 2026
Traveling to Sapporo soon? Learn the most convenient ways to reach Sapporo Station or Susukino from New Chitose Airport, whether by train or bus.
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Traveling to Sapporo soon? Learn the most convenient ways to reach Sapporo Station or Susukino from New Chitose Airport, whether by train or bus.
Navigating from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo
Your Complete Guide to Sapporo Station & Susukino Transfers
ⓒ Choi
Hey there, fellow travelers!
If you're gearing up for an incredible trip to Sapporo, Hokkaido, one of the first things you'll want to figure out is how to get from New Chitose Airport (CTS) to the city center.
Most visitors tend to book their stays around two main areas: Sapporo Station and Susukino.
To cut straight to the chase:
If your accommodation is near Sapporo Station, the JR Rapid Airport Express is your best bet.
If you're staying closer to Susukino, the airport bus generally offers a more convenient ride.

1. From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station
For reaching Sapporo Station, the simplest and most efficient option is the JR Rapid Airport Express.
This train takes you directly from New Chitose Airport Station to Sapporo Station without any transfers. A standard ticket costs approximately ~$8 (1,230 JPY).
The fastest trains complete the journey in about 33 minutes, making it a quick transfer.
You can also use common Japanese IC cards like Suica, ICOCA, or Kitaca, which makes boarding a breeze.
If my hotel were located near Sapporo Station, I wouldn't hesitate to choose the Rapid Airport Express over a bus.

2. From New Chitose Airport to Susukino
When heading to Susukino, you have two main choices: a JR train combined with the subway, or an airport bus.
If you opt for the JR train, you'll travel from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station, then transfer to the Namboku subway line to reach Susukino Station.
While this can be a fast way to get there, having to transfer with luggage might be a bit cumbersome.
During my own Sapporo trip, my accommodation was in Susukino, so I decided to take the airport bus.
I remember it being incredibly convenient, as I was able to get off at a stop just a 5-minute walk from my hotel, without the hassle of transferring my bags on the subway.
It's an especially good choice if your hotel is close to an airport bus stop.
However, do keep in mind that bus travel times can vary depending on road conditions and weather.

3. Which Method Should You Choose?
For accommodations near Sapporo Station
→ JR Rapid Airport Express recommended
For accommodations near Susukino + lots of luggage
→ Airport bus recommended
For accommodations near Susukino + travel time is critical
→ JR Rapid Airport Express + Subway
Ultimately, the most comfortable way to decide on your transportation is to check your accommodation's location first.
4. Plan Your Sapporo Trip in Advance
Once you've sorted out your airport transfer, it's a great idea to also consider other essentials before you depart, such as a Japan eSIM or a Sapporo day tour to nearby attractions.
Having a Japan eSIM ready beforehand made navigating with Google Maps and checking transit schedules during my trip incredibly easy and stress-free.
Also, for must-visit spots like Biei and Furano, which are challenging to reach by public transport, taking a one-day bus tour is far more efficient.
It allowed me to comfortably explore places that would have been difficult to access otherwise, and I highly recommend it!
👉 Grab your Sapporo eSIM with a 20% discount via the link below!
👉 Interested in the essential Biei and Furano bus tour from Sapporo?
You can find booking information via the link below.
5. Key Takeaways
To summarize your transfer options from New Chitose Airport:
If you're heading to Sapporo Station, the JR Rapid Airport Express is the most convenient.
If your destination is Susukino, the airport bus is often the most comfortable choice.
While I personally found the airport bus perfect for my Susukino hotel, I would have chosen the Rapid Airport Express if my stay had been closer to Sapporo Station.
Above all, I recommend choosing your transportation method based on your hotel's location in Sapporo.
※ Please note that fares and operating hours can change. Always check the official JR Hokkaido and airport bus websites for the most up-to-date information before your trip in 2026.
The simplest way to get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station is by JR Rapid Airport. The standard fare for an ordinary seat is 1,230 yen, and the fastest train takes approximately 33 minutes.
We recommend using the airport bus if you have a lot of luggage and your accommodation is near Susukino. It's convenient as you can travel directly without needing to transfer with your suitcase, and it's even better if your accommodation is close to an airport bus stop.
The fastest JR Rapid Airport train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station takes approximately 33 minutes. It's a relatively short travel time as you can travel directly without transfers.
When using the JR Rapid Airport, you can use Japanese transportation IC cards such as Suica, ICOCA, and Kitaca. These cards allow you to conveniently pay the fare.
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