Access／Coming to Sapporo
Coming to Sapporo
[How to get to Sapporo]
By Plane ／ By Railway ／ By Bus ／ By Ferry
Transport Information Servise（third-party site）
By Plane
Given the travel time, it’s best to come to Sapporo by a speedy plane. New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Hokkaido, is linked with major cities across the country and boasts a wide range of facilities. Accessing Sapporo City from the airport is also easy with many options.
New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport, approximately 45 kilometers from downtown Sapporo, is Hokkaido’s largest airport, with direct flights to 30 cities across Japan. It ranks second in domestic passenger traffic, with over 15.23 million passengers annually. The Tokyo (Haneda) – Sapporo (New Chitose) route stands out, with over 3.76 million passengers per year, making it one of the world’s busiest routes. As the gateway to Hokkaido by air, New Chitose Airport plays a critical role.
New Chitose Airport
| Address | Bibi, Chitose City, Hokkaido |
|---|---|
| Open | Domestic terminal: Open 5:00am / Closes 11:00 PM International: Open 5:00am / Closes 11:00pm Connecting Facilities: Open 5:00am / Closes 11:00pm * Opening and closing hours may vary as a result of flight schedule changes and flight delays. * The international counter operates according to the arrival and departure of international flights. |
| Holidays | None |
| Parking | Fee required |
| Telephone | 0123-23-1111 |
| Travel time required from major domestic airports | Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) / Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes Narita International Airport / Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes Chubu International Airport / Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes Kansai International Airport / Approximately 2 hours Fukuoka Airport / Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes Naha Airport / Approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes |
| Direct flights from foreign airports | Incheon International Airport (South Korea / Seoul) Gimhae International Airport (South Korea / Busan) Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Taiwan / Taipei) Hong Kong International Airport (China / Hong Kong) Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Thailand / Bangkok) Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Malaysia / Kuala Lumpur) Changi International Airport (Malaysia / Singapore) * Only main routes are listed * For details, please check the New Chitose Airport official website. |
| Domestic airlines | Air Do／ All Nippon Airways／ Japan Airlines／ Hokkaido Air System ／ Skymark Airlines ／ Fuji Dream Airlines／ Peach／ Jetstar |
General information center / information center
General information centers and information centers are located on the first, second, and third floors of both the international and domestic terminals. These centers can provide airport guidance, arrival and departure information, transportation guidance, and hotel information and bookings, etc.
| Useful Information for Foreign Tourists in Sapporo: Go sightseeing in Sapporo from New Chitose Airport using a rental wheelchair｜Useful Information |
From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo City
By railway (JR)
JR is the fastest means of transportation to Sapporo City. The Rapid Airport to Sapporo runs approximately every 12 minutes (except early morning and late night) from after 8:00 to after 22:00, and takes passengers from the airport to Sapporo Station the quickest in just 37 minutes. If traveling prior to 8:00, you can take a local train bound for Sapporo. JR Hokkaido New Chitose Airport Station is directly connected with the first floor basement of the airport terminal building.
New Chitose Airport–Sapporo Station
| Time required | Approximately 37 minutes by Rapid “Airport” Approximately 33 minutes by special rapid train “Airport” |
|---|---|
| Charges | One way ¥1,150 * Reserved seat +¥840 * Half price for children * In addition to tickets purchased at ticket vending machines, you can also use smart cards such as “Kitaka,” “Suika,” and “PASMO.” |
JR General Information Center / Foreigner Guidance Desk
In addition to the JR General Information Center, there is also a Foreigner Guidance Desk within New Chitose Airport Station which provides guidance and support in English, Korean, and Chinese.
JR Hokkaido ／ Rapid Airport timetable
By bus
Chuo Bus and Hokuto Kotsu Bus operate services from the airport to Sapporo City departing every 10–15 minutes. The bus takes approximately 70 minutes to arrive in central Sapporo. There are bus terminals at two locations on the first floor of the domestic terminal and at one location on the first floor of the international terminal. Tickets can be purchased at the bus counter or from ticket vending machines and used for buses from both companies. There are also special deals such as round trip tickets and coupon tickets.
New Chitose Airport–Sapporo Station
| Time required | Approximately 70 minutes |
|---|---|
| Charges | One way ¥1,300 * Children ¥650 *In addition to purchasing tickets at a ticket machine, you can also use IC cards such as Kitaca, Suica, and PASMO. |
| Boarding location | [Domestic terminal] Chuo Bus counter (first floor, JAL arrival lobby) Hokuto Kotsu Bus counter (first floor, ANA arrival lobby) [International terminal] Transportation Information Counter (first floor lobby) |
Chuo Bus timetable ／ Hokuto Kotsu Bus timetable
By rental car
Renting a vehicle may be an attractive option if you want to enjoy driving in Hokkaido. Sapporo City is located approximately 45 kilometers from New Chitose Airport and takes around 60 minutes by car (using the expressway). Rental car company counters are located on the first floor of the domestic terminal. Rental car guidance is provided at the Transportation Information Counter in the international terminal.
* Please contact the rental car company for inquiries regarding rental fees and bookings, etc.List of rental car companies with counters in the airport
By taxi
There are taxi stands in two locations outside the domestic terminal exits and at one location outside the international terminal exit, where taxis are waiting at all times. The trip from New Chitose Airport to JR Sapporo Station takes around 60 minutes by car and will cost around 10,000–13,000 yen depending on the traffic conditions (a separate expressway fee is required). Some taxi companies also offer a fixed-price service to Sapporo city beginning from ¥7,000 (booking and a separate expressway fee are required)
Sapporo Okadama Airport
Sapporo Okadama Airport is located within the Sapporo city. Hokkaido Air System (HAC) currently operates routes that connect Sapporo with Hakodate, Kushiro, Rishiri, and Misawa. In addition, Fuji Dream Airlines offers flights between Shizuoka,Matsumoto and Sapporo (summer time only). The airport is about a 20-minute drive from central Sapporo. Bus and subway access is good and the airport is convenient for fast transit.
| Travel time required from each airport | Hakodate Airport, approximately 40 minutes Kushiro Airport, approximately 50 minutes Memanbetsu Airport, approximately 50 minutes Okushiri Airport, approximately 50 minutes Rishiri Airport, approximately 55 minutes Misawa Airport (Aomori), approximately 60 minutes Matsumoto Airport, approximately 100minutes Shizuoka Airport, approximately 110 minutes |
|---|
Sapporo Okadama Airport ／ Hokkaido Air System (HAC)／ Fuji Dream Airlines（FDA）
By Railway
JR Sapporo Station
JR Sapporo Station, used by around 90,000 people a day, is the largest railway hub of JR Hokkaido. Numerous limited express trains connecting Sapporo with various parts of Hokkaido, Rapid Airport connecting New Chitose Airport, and local trains used for commuting within the Sapporo area arrive and depart from JR Sapporo Station.
The station boasts an extensive underground shopping center which, together with the directly-connected “JR Tower” and “Daimaru Sapporo”, forms a huge shopping area of fashion, food, culture, and entertainment. It has become one of the centers of excitement in Sapporo.
| Useful Information for Foreign Tourists in Sapporo: Coin-operated Lockers in Sapporo Station｜ Useful Information |
From within Hokkaido
From Asahikawa
Limited Express Kamui train / Limited Exrpess Lilac train
Two limited express trains connecting Sapporo and Asahikawa in 1 hour and 25 minutes the quickest. Over 20 round trips operate per day. Direct services between New Chitose Airport and Asahikawa may also run (with the Sapporo–New Chitose Airport segment served by the Rapid Airport.)
| Time required | Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes |
|---|---|
| Charges | One way ¥5,220 (fare ¥2,860 + regular car reserved seat ¥2,360) Half price for children |
From Hakodate
Limited Express Hokuto train
Two limited express trains run between Sapporo and Hakodate.
| Time required | Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Charges | One way ¥9,440 (fare ¥6,270 + regular car reserved seat ¥3,170) Half price for children |
From Kushiro
Limited Express Ozora train
The Super Ozora runs between Sapporo and Kushiro. It is highly popular as it makes a stop at Obihiro, the major city in eastern Hokkaido.
| Time required | Approximately 4 hours and 11 minutes |
|---|---|
| Charges | One way ¥9,990 (fare ¥6,820 + regular car reserved seat ¥3,170） Half price for children |
Related railway companies
JR Hokkaido ／ JR East ／ JR West
By Bus
Long-distance inter-city bus is also convenient when heading from major cities in Hokkaido to Sapporo. Many long-distance buses link Sapporo with major cities. The appeal of bus travel lies in the cheap fares compared to other methods of transportation and the ability to arrive in central Sapporo without having to transit.
From Asahikawa
From Asahikawa
| Time required | Approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Charges | One way ¥2,300 Half price for children |
| Boarding location | Bus terminal in front of Sapporo Station |
| Inquiries | Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal 011-231-0500 Chuo Bus Asahikawa Terminal 0166-25-3000 |
From Hakodate
Hakodate Highway Bus
| Time required | Approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes |
|---|---|
| Charges | One way ¥4,900 Half price for children |
| Boarding location | Bus terminal in front of Sapporo Station |
| Inquiries | Chuo Bus Booking Center 011-231-0600 Chuo Bus Oyachi Information Center 011-891-6388 ”Japan bus online” online booking |
From Wakkanai
Limited Express Hamanasu
| Time required | Approximately 6 hours |
|---|---|
| Charges | One way ¥6,200 Half price for children |
| Boarding location | Odori Bus Center |
| Inquiries | Sapporo booking information 011-241-0241 Bus NAVI Hokkaido Hokuto Kotsu |
From Obihiro
Potato Liner
| Time required | Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (direct) |
|---|---|
| Charges | One way ¥3,840 Half price for children |
| Boarding location | Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal |
| Inquiries | Chuo Bus Booking Center 011-231-0600 Chuo Bus Oyachi Information Center 011-891-6388 “Hassha All Right Net” online booking |
From Kushiro
Starlight Kushiro
| Time required | Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (direct) |
|---|---|
| Charges | One way ¥5,770 (Sapporo–Kushiro) Half price for children |
| Boarding location | Bus terminal in front of Sapporo Station |
| Inquiries | Chuo Bus Booking Center 011-231-0600 Chuo Bus Oyachi Information Center 011-891-6388 ”Japan bus online” online booking |
By Ferry
Use of a ferry is recommended if you are traveling to Sapporo from Honshu in private cars or motorcycles. Although the journey by ferry takes a while, you can watch the sunrise and sunset, relax comfortably, and enjoy an elegant cruise. Being able to drive and tour around Sapporo and Hokkaido is very appealing. Ferry terminals are located at Otaru and Tomakomai (West Port and East Port).
Otaru Ferry Terminal
To Sapporo from the Otaru Ferry Terminal
Around 30 minutes by car / Otaru Exit–Sasson Expressway–Sapporo: approximately 37 kilometers
Maizuru–Otaru (Shin Nihonkai Ferry)
Operating daily
| Time required | Approximately 20 hours and 40 minutes |
|---|---|
| Charges | Passenger fare: ¥11,100– Vehicle fare: ¥31,800– * The fare differs depending on the room, vehicle type, and period. Please check the details on the ferry company’s website. |
| Inquiries | Shin Nihonkai Ferry |
Niigata–Otaru (Shin Nihonkai Ferry)
Operating from Tuesday to Sunday
| Time required | Approximately 18 hours |
|---|---|
| Charges | Passenger fare: ¥7,500– Vehicle fare: ¥19,400– * The fare differs depending on the room, vehicle type, and period. Please check the details on the ferry company’s website. |
| Inquiries | Shin Nihonkai Ferry |
Tomakomai West Port Ferry Terminal
To Sapporo from the Tomakomai West Port Ferry Terminal
Around 60 minutes by car / Tomakomaihigashi Exit–Hokkaido Expressway–Sapporo: approximately 55 kilometers
Nagoya–Sendai–Tomakomai West (Taiheiyo Ferry)
The Nagoya–Sendai route operates every other day; the Sendai–Tomakomai route operates daily.
| Time required | Approximately 40 hours |
|---|---|
| Charges | Passenger fare: ¥11,700– Vehicle fare: ¥37,000– * The fare differs depending on the room, vehicle type, and period. Please check the details on the ferry company’s website. |
| Inquiries | Taiheiyo Ferry |
Oarai–Tomakomai West (MOL Ferry)
Operating almost every day
| Time required | Approximately 18 hours |
|---|---|
| Charges | Passenger fare: ¥9,800– Vehicle fare: ¥29,700– * The fare differs depending on the room, vehicle type, and period. Please check the details on the ferry company’s website. |
| Inquiries | MOL Ferry |
Hachinohe–Tomakomai West (Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen)
Operating daily
| Time required | Approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Charges | Passenger fare: ¥5,600– Vehicle fare: ¥21,000– * The fare differs depending on the room, vehicle type, and period. Please check the details on the ferry company’s website. |
| Inquiries | Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen (Silver Ferry) |
Tomakomai East Port Terminal
To Sapporo from the Tomakomai East Port Ferry Terminal
Around 60 minutes by car / Tomakomaihigashi Exit–Hokkaido Expressway–Sapporo: approximately 55 kilometers
Tsuruga–Tomakomai East (direct) (Shin Nihonkai Ferry)
Operating daily
| Time required | Approximately 19 hours and 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Charges | Passenger fare: ¥11,100– Vehicle fare: ¥31,800– * The fare differs depending on the room, vehicle type, and period. Please check the details on the ferry company’s website. |
| Inquiries | Shin Nihonkai Ferry |
Tsuruga–Niigata–Akita–Tomakomai East (stopping at each port) (Shin Nihonkai Ferry)
Departing from Tsuruga on Monday; departing from Niigata from Monday to Saturday
| Time required | Approximately 31 hours and 20 minutes |
|---|---|
| Charges | Passenger fare: ¥11,100– Vehicle fare: ¥31,800– * The fare differs depending on the room, vehicle type, and period. Please check the details on the ferry company’s website. |
| Inquiries | Shin Nihonkai Ferry |
