Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport: JR Rapid Train Guide 2026
Discover the best way to travel from Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport in 2026! Compare JR Rapid Train options, fares, and booking tips for a smooth journey.
Loading...
Discover the best way to travel from Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport in 2026! Compare JR Rapid Train options, fares, and booking tips for a smooth journey.
Your Guide to Getting from Sapporo Station to the Airport
JR Rapid Airport Express: Reserved & Non-Reserved Seats
After wrapping up a delightful 3-night, 4-day trip to Sapporo,
the day before heading back to the airport,
I made a stop at Sapporo Station to purchase my ticket for the next day's
JR Rapid Airport Express reserved seat.
Many travelers opt for reserved seats on the airport train,
and with high demand, tickets can often sell out by the morning of travel.
That's why I made sure to buy mine in advance.
(Online reservations are also available!)
Today, I'll be comparing the JR Rapid Airport Express's reserved and non-reserved seats,
detailing how to purchase tickets both on-site and online,
and giving you all the insider tips!
✈️Contents✈️ |
✔️ How to Get from Sapporo Station to the Airport - JR Train vs. Limousine Bus ✔️ JR Rapid Airport Express: Reserved vs. Non-Reserved Seats ✔️ How to Purchase JR Rapid Airport Express Tickets On-Site ✔️ Online Reservation Guide ✔️ My Riding Experience |
Book Your Sapporo Transport Pass
If you're planning to explore areas near Sapporo, like Biei or Otaru,
a transport pass might be a more economical choice.
Just something to keep in mind!
How to Get from Sapporo Station to the Airport
First off, when traveling from Sapporo Station to the airport,
you have two main options: the JR Rapid Airport Express train or the airport limousine bus.
Let's compare them with the latest 2025 information!
Transport Method | JR Rapid Airport Express Train | Airport Limousine Bus (Chuo, Hokuto) |
Travel Time | Approx. 40 min | Approx. 60-90 min |
Fare | Non-reserved ~$7 / Reserved ~$13 | ~$8 |
Frequency/Routes | Departs from Sapporo Station approx. every 15 minutes | Approx. every 20-30 minutes, pick-ups from various city locations like Susukino, Sapporo Station, etc. |
Payment Methods | Cash, Credit Card, IC Card (Suica, etc.) | Cash, Credit Card, IC Card |
Reservations | Reservations available on the Ekiknet website (on-site ticket collection required) | Mobile reservations not available |
Pros | - Shorter travel time - Guaranteed seat with reserved ticket - Consistent travel time, even during peak hours | - Guaranteed seat - Staff assists with handling and storing heavy luggage - Can board directly by tapping a credit card, no need for a physical ticket |
Cons | - Seat not guaranteed with non-reserved ticket - Reserved seats are more expensive than the bus | - Longer travel time compared to the train - Potential for delays due to traffic congestion |
🔻Airport Limousine Bus Ride Review🔻
JR Rapid Airport Express: Reserved vs. Non-Reserved Seats
When I traveled from Sapporo city to New Chitose Airport,
I opted for the JR Rapid Airport Express train, boarding from Sapporo Station.
This train offers both reserved and non-reserved seats.
With a non-reserved seat, you only purchase the basic fare ticket,
meaning there's no assigned seat number.
You simply take any available open seat.
Think of it like standing room in some countries, but you hope to find a spot!
The airport train can get incredibly crowded,
so if you don't board early, finding a seat can be a real challenge.
A reserved seat means you book a specific seat of your choice,
purchasing both your basic fare and a seat reservation ticket together.
This ensures you can sit comfortably throughout your entire journey.
Only Car No. 4 is designated for reserved seats,
with all other cars being non-reserved.
That long line in the distance? That's the queue for non-reserved seats...
It really makes you understand why paying a bit extra for a reserved seat is worth it!
Buying Tickets On-Site
First, let me explain how to get your tickets on-site!
The line on the left is for purchasing non-reserved (unassigned) seats, and only cash is accepted.
The line on the right is labeled for reserved seats, but I found that you can also purchase non-reserved seats there too!
Plus, both cash and credit cards are accepted.
(Even if you've booked online in advance,
you can queue up in the right line for assistance.)
If you're buying tickets on the day you plan to travel,
just click on 'Airport Train' (에어포트호).
But if you're purchasing in advance for another day,
you'll want to click 'Purchase Tickets by Time' (시간별 티켓 구입).
<For Same-Day Ticket Purchase>
Airport Train (에어포트호) - New Chitose Airport (뉴 치토세 공항)
- Select Time, Reserved (지정석) or Non-Reserved (자유석) Seat
- Select Number of Passengers - Payment
<For Purchasing in Advance for Another Day>
Purchase Tickets by Time (시간별 티켓 구입) - Departure Station: 'Sapporo Station' (삿포로역)
- Click Arrival Station: 'New Chitose Airport' (뉴 치토세 공항)
Next, select your desired date and time.
I bought my tickets the night before I was due to travel, and all the times I originally wanted were already fully booked!
Even other time slots were almost full.
There weren't even any adjacent seats available, so I had no choice but to purchase tickets for a different time slot than I originally intended.
So, if you need to buy tickets for adjacent seats,
make sure to book in advance!
While you could technically purchase your basic fare ticket (승차권) with a credit or IC card and then only buy the reserved seat ticket (지정권) separately, there's no need to make things complicated!
You can just buy both the basic fare ticket and the reserved seat ticket all at once.
After confirming that your selected route is correct, hit 'Select'.
You can pay with either cash or a credit card.
I used my Naver Pay Money card, and it worked perfectly!
The reserved seat ticket costs 2,070 yen per adult.
While it's about 900 yen more expensive than a non-reserved seat, with heavy luggage, I just couldn't imagine standing all the way to the airport!
Online Booking
You can make online reservations on Eki-net,
which is the official Japanese train website.
Just a heads-up, membership registration is required!
For your departure and arrival stations,
enter "Sapporo" and "New Chitose Airport" in Japanese.
*Please note that these screenshots have been translated just for demonstration purposes.
You absolutely should NOT turn on automatic translation in Chrome or Whale browsers.
It often causes errors, leading to payment failures or frequent crashes.
Now, select your preferred train based on the time.
While you can book both reserved and unreserved seats,
unreserved seats don't have a specific seat assigned anyway,
and you'll still need to get a physical ticket at the station,
so it's practically not worth it.
Make sure to apply for your boarding ticket together.
This way, you can reserve your ticket for the same price as buying it on-site, approximately ~$13.
After clicking to confirm the second seat map,
you can then choose your desired seats.
When I tried to select connected seats here, I kept encountering errors.
It only worked when I re-entered everything from the beginning.
For payment methods, the top option will be 'Credit Card',
and the bottom option will likely be 'Pay at Station'.
Choosing 'Pay at Station' means you'll pay when you pick up your ticket,
so you don't have to pay immediately.
However, if you don't complete the payment by 4 days before your boarding date,
your reservation will be cancelled.
If your travel plans are definite,
I highly recommend paying by credit card right away!
Once your reservation is complete, you'll receive an email with a QR code.
Head to the ticket machine at Sapporo Station, scan your QR code,
and you can then print your reserved ticket!
Additionally, if you plan on traveling frequently between areas like Biei, Furano,
the Airport, Sapporo, and Otaru during your Sapporo trip,
purchasing the transportation pass below might be a more economical option.
This pass allows for unlimited rides on unreserved seats
for limited express and rapid trains, among others.
Book your Sapporo Transportation Pass
My Review of the Reserved Seat Ride
This was my first time experiencing a reserved seat, and with only one train,
there were fewer people, which definitely made it super comfortable and enjoyable!
The individual seats were also wonderfully spacious and clean.
In the very front row, you'll find single seats,
and conveniently, there's a separate luggage compartment right next to them where you can easily store your carry-on!
Of course, there's also overhead space for your belongings,
and I particularly loved having individual window blinds – such a thoughtful detail!
Remember, you'll need to return your ticket when you get off,
so make sure to keep it safe and sound – don't lose it!
The JR Rapid Airport train takes about 40 minutes, with non-reserved seats costing 1,150 yen and reserved seats costing 2,070 yen. The airport limousine bus takes about 60-90 minutes, and the fare is 1,300 yen.
Non-reserved seats do not have assigned numbers, so you can sit in any available seat. Reserved seats allow you to book your desired seat and sit comfortably from start to finish. Reserved seats are only available in Car No. 4.
For non-reserved seats, purchases can only be made with cash at the left queue. For reserved seats, both cash and credit cards can be used at the right queue. If you are issuing tickets after an online reservation, you also use the right queue.
Using automatic translation tools like Chrome or Whale may cause errors, so it's best to turn them off and proceed. It is recommended to pay immediately with a credit card. If you choose 'Pay at station', your ticket will be canceled if not paid by 4 days before the boarding date.
Reserved seats are comfortable, spacious, and clean. The very front seats have a dedicated luggage space next to the single seat for placing suitcases, and there is also overhead luggage space and individual window blinds.
Discover more travel stories curated around the same theme.
Explore the best of Hokkaido's Biei and Furano on a 2026 Sapporo bus tour. Discover the stunning Blue Pond, vibrant Farm Tomita, and Shikisai-no-Oka flower gardens for an unforgettable day trip!
Don't get caught off guard! Discover real-world advice for Hokkaido's summer weather in July and August 2026, including essential packing tips for Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate.
Craving authentic soup curry in Sapporo? We explored Picante near Hokkaido University, known for its rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Discover our take on this local favorite!
Don't rush your departure from New Chitose Airport! Explore duty-free finds, savor authentic Hokkaido ramen, and get insider tips for a smooth and enjoyable exit.
Hokkaido is packed with incredible sights, and a Biei bus tour from Sapporo is a must! Discover Ninguru Terrace, Blue Pond, and Patchwork Road with insider tips for a seamless adventure.
Traveling to Sapporo soon? Learn the most convenient ways to reach Sapporo Station or Susukino from New Chitose Airport, whether by train or bus.
JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass 4-Day Rail Pass - MyRealTrip
How to Get from Sapporo Airport to the City: Susukino, Sapporo Station Airport Bus, Credit Card, Timetable Guide
Eki-net (JR East) | Top: Shinkansen/JR Limited Express Train Reservations, East Japan Tours, Station Rent-a-Car Applications