Which is more convenient to get to New Chitose Airport from Sapporo City, JR Rapid Airport or Airport Connection Bus? Bus fares between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport will change in December 2023, and the number of trains and stops will change in March 2024 due to JR's timetable revision. We compared the time and fares from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport to find out which is more economical.

Rapid Airport will change from March 16, 2024.

JR Rapid Airport

First, let us introduce the access to New Chitose Airport by train, which will change from March 16, 2024. Up to now, the "Rapid Airport" between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport has been running approximately every 12 minutes during the day, five times an hour. The journey time between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport is approximately 39 minutes, and the fare is 1,150 yen.

After the timetable revision on March 16, 2024, the number of Rapid Airport trains will be increased to six per hour. The fare will remain the same. However, the breakdown of the six runs is,

3 = Rapid (same as before)
1 = Special rapid (trains with few stops along the way)
2 = sectional rapid (rapid only between Sapporo and Kitahiroshima, then stops at each station until New Chitose Airport)

The number of trains per hour will increase, but there will be fewer "rapid" trains and more "sectional rapid" trains, which will stop at more stations and take slightly longer.

Hourly service pattern (excerpts from the 2024 timetable revision data released by JR Hokkaido)

The sectional rapid trains will be created in place of the regular trains between Kita Hiroshima and Chitose during the daytime in order to increase access to the airport. The sectional rapid trains will stop at Shimamatsu, Megumino, Sapporo Beer Garden, and Choto, which the conventional rapid trains used to pass through, so that the time required from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport will be slightly longer.

Airport shuttle buses offer convenience despite fare hikes

There is a bus stop for the airport shuttle bus in front of Sapporo Station.

On the other hand, airport shuttle buses to New Chitose Airport depart from various locations in the city, including in front of Sapporo Station, and many stop far from JR and subway stations, which is great for those who are far from the station but close to a bus stop for the airport.

Timetable and fare information posted at bus stops in front of Sapporo Station

Bus fares will be raised in December 2023 and will be 1,300 yen from Sapporo Station and Susukino, 1,200 yen from Oyachi, 1,400 yen from Maruyama Koen and Makomanai, and 1,150 yen from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport by train (as of December 2023). Buses used to be cheaper than trains, but prices have increased year by year, and buses have become more expensive when simply comparing fares.

JR fare table from Sapporo (displayed on the top of the ticket machine at Sapporo Station)

The advantage of the bus is that it is available not only in front of Sapporo Station, but also from major hotels in the city center, subway stations, and other locations in Sapporo. Depending on where you ride, buses may be more economical in terms of both cost and typa, and if the station is far away and the bus stop for the airport is close by, buses are definitely the best choice.

Finally, we compared the time and fare based on several subway stations in Sapporo where airport buses are available. Based on the table below, consider whether train or bus is more convenient and economical.

I made a comparison of train and bus fares and times (times may vary slightly)

Train or Bus: From Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport

Train is more economical in terms of time and fare! There are 6 train services per hour during the daytime, while buses generally run 4 times per hour during the daytime, so trains are more convenient in terms of frequency. However, some train cars have long seats (chairs with your back to the window), and because they are mixed with commuters at intermediate stations, it can be difficult to sit down or to find a place to put a large bag. In this respect, buses may be easier than trains because you can sit comfortably in reclining seats. If you are willing to pay the cost, the best option is to use a U-seat, a paid seat on a train!

If you want to sit comfortably on a train, U-seat is also recommended. You need to pay 840 yen in addition to the train ticket.

Train or Bus: If you are going from Susukino to New Chitose Airport

If you want to go to New Chitose Airport from Susukino, the best way is to take the subway and change to the train at Sapporo if time is your priority. The bus fare is only 60 yen more than the subway fare, but the bus fare is slightly cheaper and you can go without changing trains. If you have more time, take the bus!

Train or Bus: If you are going to New Chitose Airport from Oyachi, Fukuzumi, or Aso

If you are going to New Chitose Airport from Oyachi, Fukuzumi or Aso, bus may be more economical than train. Both of them are very close to the expressway, so you can go straight to Chitose on the expressway as soon as you get on the bus! Although trains and subways operate more frequently, considering the time, fare, and hassle of changing trains and subways, the bus seems to be more cost-effective and typer.

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

In Makomanai, there is not much difference between train and bus in terms of time and fare. If you consider the frequency of train service, you should take the train. If you consider that you can sit in a comfortable seat without changing trains, you should take the bus. In the case of Maruyama Koen, it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there by bus, so even if you have to transfer, the train is the safer choice because it takes less time and costs less. However, as in Makomanai, if your priority is to sit comfortably without having to transfer, the bus is also an option!

Which would you choose, train or bus?

If you are going from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport, you may have a hard time deciding whether to take the train or the bus. The choice depends on where you get on and off, whether you have enough time to spare or not, whether you want to sit comfortably or be prepared to stand, and your financial situation, which may be a minute amount.