When traveling from Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport, which is more convenient: the JR Rapid Airport train or the Airport Limousine Bus? With recent changes like fare increases, service reductions, and additions, the airport access situation has shifted. We've compared the time and fares from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport to find out which option offers the best value.

The JR "Airport" Train: Frequent and Convenient

The JR "Airport" train. There are three types, including Rapid services.

First, let's look at accessing New Chitose Airport by train. JR is the only railway connecting Sapporo to the airport, with its "Airport" service running approximately seven times per hour during the day. There are three types of "Airport" services, which differ in travel time. The fare is 1,430 yen.

・Special Rapid
A high-speed service with few stops (only stopping at Shin-Sapporo and Minami-Chitose).
Fastest travel time between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport: 33 minutes.
Runs twice per hour during the day.

・Rapid
Stops at major stations along the way.
Fastest travel time between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport: 37 minutes.
Runs three times per hour during the day.

・Regional Rapid
Stops at all stations from Kita-Hiroshima Station to New Chitose Airport Station.
Fastest travel time between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport: 43 minutes.
Runs twice per hour during the day.

All "Airport" trains are first-come, first-served in terms of departure and arrival, meaning a later, faster train will not overtake an earlier one. Even if you board a Regional Rapid with more stops, you will still arrive at Sapporo or New Chitose Airport before a later Special Rapid or Rapid train. If you want to reach your destination quickly, take the next departing Airport train. During the day, trains from Sapporo depart every 3 to 15 minutes, while trains from New Chitose Airport depart roughly every 10 minutes.

The Airport Limousine Bus: Convenient from Various Points in Sapporo

There is an Airport Limousine Bus stop in front of Sapporo Station.

The Airport Limousine Bus to New Chitose Airport departs from various locations throughout Sapporo, including Sapporo Station. It stops at major hotels and subway stations in the city center, as well as many places far from JR or subway stations. This makes it a great option for those who live far from a train station but have a bus stop nearby. When using JR from various parts of the city, you typically need to take the subway to Sapporo or Shin-Sapporo Station to transfer to the "Airport" train. The bus, however, eliminates the need for transfers. Depending on your boarding location, the bus can be better in terms of both cost and time. If you're far from a station but close to an airport bus stop, the bus is undoubtedly the best choice.

The bus fare is 1,500 yen from Sapporo Station and Susukino, 1,400 yen from Oyachi, and 1,600 yen from places like Maruyama Park and Makomanai. The train fare from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport is 1,430 yen (as of April 2026), so a simple comparison of fares from Sapporo shows the bus is slightly more expensive. However, if you're traveling from other parts of Sapporo like Susukino, the bus can sometimes be cheaper.

Train or Bus: Which is Better?

Finally, we compared the time and fares based on several subway stations in Sapporo where the Airport Limousine Bus stops. Let's use the following information to decide whether the train or bus is more convenient and economical.

Train or Bus: From Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport

The train is better for both time and fare! The bus has many stops along the way, so the journey can sometimes take twice as long as the train. While there are a few direct bus services with fewer stops, the train is still faster. However, most train cars have longitudinal seating (bench-style seats facing inward), and you'll be sharing the space with commuters and students, which can make it difficult to find a seat or a place for large luggage. In contrast, the bus offers comfortable reclining seats, allowing for a more relaxed journey. If you want comfort and speed, the best option is the train's reserved "U-Seat"! The U-Seat requires the following fee in addition to the standard JR fare:
■ Paper ticket (purchased at stations, etc.): 1,000 yen; Ekinet (online reservation): 800 yen

For a comfortable train ride, the U-Seat is a great option.

Train or Bus: From Susukino to New Chitose Airport

If you're traveling from Susukino to New Chitose Airport and time is your priority, the best option is to take the subway to Sapporo Station and transfer to the train. If cost is more important, the bus is recommended, even though it takes longer. Note that while the direct bus service does stop in Susukino, due to the order of stops within the city, taking the direct bus from Susukino actually takes longer than the regular service. It's good to remember that when taking the bus from Susukino, the regular service will get you there faster than the direct one.

Train or Bus: From Oyachi to New Chitose Airport

From Oyachi to New Chitose Airport, the bus is likely more convenient considering the travel time and the hassle of transfers. During the day, buses run approximately every 30 minutes. However, if you're focused on price, the bus is 150 yen cheaper. The train also runs more frequently. If there's a long wait for the next bus or you need to arrive as quickly as possible, taking the train, despite the transfer, might be a good option.

Train or Bus: From Fukuzumi or Asabu to New Chitose Airport

If you're heading to New Chitose Airport from Fukuzumi or Asabu, the bus might be more convenient than the train. Both locations are relatively close to the expressway, so once you're on the bus, it's a straight shot to Chitose! While trains and subways run more frequently, the bus seems to offer better value for both cost and time when you factor in transfers.

Train or Bus: From Makomanai or Maruyama Park to New Chitose Airport

In the case of Makomanai, there's not much difference between the train and bus in terms of time and fare. The choice comes down to frequency (train) versus a transfer-free, comfortable ride (bus). For Maruyama Park, the bus journey takes a lengthy 1 hour and 30 minutes, making the train the more sensible choice as it's better for both time and fare, even with the required transfer. However, like with Makomanai, if you prioritize a relaxing, direct journey without transfers, the bus is still a viable option. A major drawback is that services from both Makomanai and Maruyama Park have been significantly reduced in recent years, so there are fewer buses. If the bus schedule works for you, it could be a good choice.

Train or bus, which will you choose?

Deciding between the train and bus for your trip from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport can be tough. Your choice will depend on your starting point, how much time you have, whether you prefer a guaranteed seat or are okay with standing, and perhaps your budget, even if the price difference is small.

*All information is current as of April 2026.
*Please check official websites for the latest information as details may change.