New Chitose Airport (CTS) to Sapporo: JR Train, Airport Bus or Rental Car

New Chitose Airport (CTS) is your gateway to Sapporo

A Sapporo trip starts at New Chitose Airport (CTS). When you book, check which airport is on your ticket and make sure it says New Chitose (CTS).

According to our Sapporo guide, there are three ways into the city: the JR Rapid Airport train from New Chitose Airport Station to Sapporo Station (about 40 minutes, about 1,100-1,300 yen), the airport bus to major hotels in central Sapporo (about 70-90 minutes, about 1,200-1,400 yen), and a rental car picked up at the airport (about 1 hour to the city).

The right choice depends on where you are staying, your luggage and whether you plan trips outside the city. Below we cover each option, how to reach each hotel area and how to continue to places like Otaru. All times and fares are approximate, so double-check them with the official transport information.

• Full Sapporo travel guide →

JR Rapid Airport train: New Chitose Airport Station to Sapporo Station

The JR Rapid Airport train runs from New Chitose Airport Station to Sapporo Station. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs about 1,100-1,300 yen, and a reserved-seat car is available.

The area around Sapporo Station, where you arrive, is where airport trains and JR trains to Otaru leave from, with malls all around. Our guide lists it as a good base for a first visit or for trips to the airport and day trips.

If your hotel is elsewhere, continue by subway. Three lines, the Namboku, Tozai and Toho lines, link Sapporo Station, Odori and Susukino, and IC cards work. Our guide does not list first and last train times, so check the official JR information before you fly.

Airport bus: to major hotels in central Sapporo

The airport bus stops at major hotels in central Sapporo. The ride takes about 70-90 minutes and costs about 1,200-1,400 yen.

Heavy snow or traffic can make it slow. If your arrival day is tightly planned, allow extra time for this.

Our guide does not list which hotels the bus stops at, stop locations or operating hours, so check the official bus information in advance.

Getting to each hotel area

Which option suits you depends on where you are staying. Here are the city hotel areas from our guide and how to reach each from Sapporo Station. You can also walk underground from Sapporo Station to Odori and Susukino, which is especially handy on cold or rainy days.

• Sapporo Station (first visit, airport and day trips): where the JR Rapid Airport train arrives. Airport trains and JR trains to Otaru leave from here
• Odori (sightseeing, festivals): the central area with Odori Park and the TV Tower. Continue from Sapporo Station by subway or the underground walkways. It is busiest during winter festivals
• Susukino (food and nightlife): continue from Sapporo Station by subway or the underground walkways. A lively district open late; ignore touts
• Around Nakajima Park (quieter stays): a calm area south of Susukino with easy subway access to the center
• If you want to get off at a major hotel: the airport bus stops at major hotels in central Sapporo. Check the official information to see whether it stops at yours

Continuing to Otaru and beyond, and rental cars

For day trips such as Otaru, take JR. It is about 30-40 minutes from Sapporo Station to Otaru, so a simple plan is to ride the JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station and change to a JR train to Otaru. Otaru is known for canal night views and Jozankei for onsen ryokan, and many travelers stay a night.

If you plan countryside drives, picking up a rental car at the airport is an option. It is about 1 hour to the city, and costs vary by company, car and season. Japan drives on the left.

Avoid winter driving on snowy roads unless you are experienced. If you have never driven on snow, skip a winter rental car and use trains or bus tours instead.

At a glance

All times and fares are approximate values from our guide. Double-check them with the official transport information before you travel.

• JR Rapid Airport train: New Chitose Airport Station → Sapporo Station, about 40 min, about 1,100-1,300 yen, reserved-seat car available
• Airport bus: New Chitose Airport → major hotels in central Sapporo, about 70-90 min, about 1,200-1,400 yen, can be slow in heavy snow or traffic
• Rental car: picked up at the airport, about 1 hour to the city, costs vary by company, car and season, avoid winter driving on snowy roads unless experienced
• Sapporo Station → Otaru: about 30-40 min by JR
• Sapporo Station → Odori and Susukino: subway (Namboku, Tozai, Toho lines) or the underground walkways

Arrival-day checklist

Sort out the items below and your first trip from New Chitose Airport into Sapporo will be easy.

• Check which airport is on your ticket and make sure it is New Chitose (CTS)
• Have an IC card ready: it works on the city subway
• Carry some yen in cash: some small eateries and markets are cash only
• From December to March, sidewalks are icy and very slippery. Wear shoes with good grip, and consider slip-on ice cleats sold locally
• Japan's tax-free shopping switches to a pay-first, refund-at-departure system from November 2026, so check official information
• Check entry requirements with the official source before you leave

• Full Sapporo travel guide →
• Incheon → Sapporo (New Chitose) flights →
• Sapporo itinerary →
• Otaru and Sapporo day route →

FAQ

Related reading

Itinerary · JapanHow Many Days in Sapporo? A 4-Day Route and How to Get AroundHow long to stay in Sapporo, plus a day-by-day 4-day route: New Chitose Airport, Odori…Itinerary · JapanOtaru and Sapporo in One Day: Which Order Works Best?Two ways to pair Otaru and Sapporo in one day, with JR and highway bus links, walking…ComparisonAirport to City: Train, Bus, Taxi or Transfer? A Practical ComparisonCompare the five ways to get from the airport into town, with tips for late-night…

All articles →