When traveling from Sapporo city to New Chitose Airport, which is more convenient: the JR Rapid Airport train or the airport shuttle bus? With recent changes like fare hikes, service reductions, and additions, the airport access situation has evolved. 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 New Chitose Airport, with the "Airport" train running approximately six times per hour during the day. There are three types of "Airport" services, each with different travel times. The fare is 1,230 yen.

・Special Rapid
A fast service with few stops (only stopping at Shin-Sapporo and Minami-Chitose along the way).
Fastest travel time between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport: 33 minutes.
Runs once 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
Makes local stops 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.

Hourly service pattern (Excerpt from JR Hokkaido's 2024 timetable revision document)

All "Airport" trains are "first-come, first-served" in terms of arrival, meaning a train departing later will not overtake an earlier one. Even if you take the 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 available Airport train. During the day, trains from Sapporo depart at intervals of 3 to 15 minutes, while trains from New Chitose Airport depart roughly every 10 minutes.

Airport Shuttle Buses: Convenient from Various Locations in Sapporo

An airport shuttle bus stop in front of Sapporo Station.

Airport shuttle buses to New Chitose Airport depart from various locations throughout Sapporo, including Sapporo Station. They stop at major hotels and subway stations in the city center, as well as many places far from JR or subway stations. This makes them a great option for those who live far from a 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 eliminates the need for transfers. Depending on your starting point, 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.

Timetable and fare display at a bus stop in front of Sapporo Station.

The bus fare is 1,300 yen from Sapporo Station and Susukino, 1,200 yen from Oyachi, and 1,400 yen from places like Maruyama Park and Makomanai. The train fare from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport is 1,230 yen (as of December 2025), 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.

JR fare chart from Sapporo (Display above ticket machines at Sapporo Station)

Train or Bus: Which is Better?

Finally, we've compared the time and fares based on several subway stations in Sapporo where the airport shuttle bus also stops. Let's use the table below to decide whether the train or the bus is more convenient and economical.

We made a comparison of fares and travel times for trains and buses (times may vary slightly).

Train or Bus: From Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport

The train is better for both time and fare! The bus makes 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 bench-style seating (long 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, making for a more relaxed journey. If you want comfort and speed, even at a higher cost, the best option is the train's reserved "U-Seat"! The U-Seat requires the following fee in addition to the JR fare:
・Until March 13, 2026: 840 yen
・From March 14, 2026: 1,000 yen for a paper ticket (purchased at stations, etc.), 800 yen for a ticketless reservation.

For a comfortable train ride, the U-Seat is also 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 and transfer to the train. If cost is your priority, the bus is recommended, although it takes longer. Note that while the direct bus service stops in Susukino, boarding from there can actually take longer than the regular bus due to the order of stops within the city. It's worth remembering that when taking the bus from Susukino, the regular service is often 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 travel time and the hassle of transfers. During the day, buses run approximately every 30 minutes. However, if you're focused on price, taking the subway and JR train is 50 yen cheaper. The train also runs more frequently. If there's a long wait for the next bus or you want to save even 50 yen, the train is a good option despite the transfer.

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, considering the hassle of transfers.

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

For 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 a more practical choice for both time and fare, even with the required transfer. However, like with Makomanai, if you prioritize a relaxing, transfer-free journey, the bus is still an option! The main drawback is that services from both Makomanai and Maruyama Park have been significantly reduced in recent years, so there are fewer buses. Hopefully, you can catch one at a convenient time.

Train or bus, which will you choose?

Choosing between the train and bus from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport can be a tough decision. It depends on your departure 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 December 2025.
*All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.