Which is more convenient for getting from Sapporo city to New Chitose Airport: the JR Airport Rapid Train or the airport shuttle bus? In recent years, there have been various changes, such as fare increases and reductions/increases in the number of flights, and access to the airport has also changed somewhat. We compared the travel time and fare from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport to find out which is the best deal.

JR's "Airport" trains are frequent and convenient

JR's "Airport" train. There are three types, including rapid trains.

First, let's look at how to get to New Chitose Airport by train. JR is the only train that goes from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport, and there are six "Airport" trains that connect Sapporo and New Chitose Airport during the daytime. There are three types of "Airport" trains, and the travel time varies. The fare is 1,230 yen.

・Special Rapid Express trains with few stops (only stopping at Shin-Sapporo and Minami-Chitose) The fastest travel time between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport is 33 minutes. During the day, trains run once an hour.

・Rapid Stops at major stations along the way The fastest travel time between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport is 37 minutes. Three trains per hour during the day

・Regional rapid trains The train stops at every station between Kitahiroshima Station and New Chitose Airport Station The fastest travel time between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport is 43 minutes Two trains per hour during the day

Hourly operation pattern (JR Hokkaido announcement, excerpt from 2024 timetable revision materials)

All "Airport" trains are first-come, first-served, so you won't be overtaken by later-departing express trains. Even if you take a section rapid train that stops at many stations, it will arrive at Sapporo or New Chitose Airport before the later special rapid or rapid trains. If you want to get to your destination quickly, take the Airport train, which departs first. During the day, trains depart Sapporo every 3 to 15 minutes, and New Chitose Airport departs roughly every 10 minutes.

The airport shuttle bus is convenient for use from various locations within Sapporo city.

There is an airport shuttle bus stop in front of Sapporo Station.

Airport shuttle buses to New Chitose Airport depart from various locations around the city, including Sapporo Station. They stop at many locations far from JR and subway stations, including major hotels and subway stations in the city center, making them a welcome option for those who live far from the station but have a bus stop nearby for the airport. When using JR from various locations in the city, it is common to take the subway to Sapporo or Shin-Sapporo and transfer to the "Airport" line, but with the bus you don't have to worry about changing trains. Depending on where you board, the bus can be more cost-effective and convenient, and if the station is far away and the bus stop for the airport is close, the bus is definitely the only option.

Timetable and fare display at the 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 to Maruyama Park and Makomanai. The train fare from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport is 1,230 yen (as of December 2025), so if you simply compare fares to and from Sapporo, the bus is slightly more expensive. However, if you are traveling from Susukino or other parts of Sapporo, the bus may be cheaper.

JR fare table from Sapporo (displayed above the ticket vending machine at Sapporo Station)

Which is better, train or bus?

Finally, we've compared travel times and fares for several subway stations in Sapporo where the airport shuttle bus departs and arrives. Use the table below to decide which is more convenient and economical: train or bus.

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

Trains are cheaper in terms of both time and fare! Buses have many stops along the way, so they can sometimes take twice as long as trains. There are direct buses that run only a few times a day with fewer stops, but trains are still faster. However, most trains have long seats (seats with your back to the window), and they mix with commuters and students at intermediate stations, making it difficult to find a seat or where to store large bags. In that respect, buses have reclining seats that allow you to sit comfortably, making them easier than trains. If you want a comfortable and fast trip, even if it costs more, using the paid U-seats on the train is your best bet! In addition to the JR fare, you will need to pay the following fees for U-seats. ・Until March 13, 2026: 840 yen ・From March 14, 2026: Paper tickets (purchased at stations, etc.) 1,000 yen, ticketless 800 yen

If you want to sit comfortably on the train, we recommend the U-seat.

Train or bus: From Susukino to New Chitose Airport

If you're going from Susukino to New Chitose Airport, if time is your priority, it's best to take the subway and transfer to the train in Sapporo. If cost is your priority, but it takes longer, the bus is recommended. Note that direct buses also stop at Susukino, but if you board from Susukino, the direct bus will take longer than a regular bus due to the order in which the buses stop within the city. When taking a bus from Susukino, remember that it's faster to take a regular bus rather than a direct bus.

Train or bus: From Oyachi to New Chitose Airport

If you're going from Oyachi to New Chitose Airport, the bus is probably more convenient, considering the travel time and the hassle of transferring. Buses run roughly every 30 minutes during the day. However, if you're concerned about price, it's only 50 yen cheaper to use the subway and JR. Trains also run more frequently. If there's a long time until the next bus, or if you want to save 50 yen, the train might be a good option, even though you'll need to transfer.

Train or bus: If you are going to New Chitose Airport from Fukuzumi or Aso

If you're heading to New Chitose Airport from Fukuzumi or Aso, the bus might be more convenient than the train. Both are relatively close to the highway, so once you've boarded the bus, you'll be on the highway straight to Chitose! While trains and subways run more frequently, considering the time, fare, and hassle of transferring, the bus seems more cost-effective and convenient.

Train or bus: If you are going to New Chitose Airport from Makomanai or Maruyama Park

In the case of Makomanai, there is not much difference between trains and buses when comparing time and fare. If you consider frequency, the train is the way to go, but if you want a comfortable seat without having to transfer, the bus would be the way to go. In the case of Maruyama Park, the bus takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, so even though you have to transfer, the train is a safe bet in terms of time and fare savings. However, just like Makomanai, if you prioritize not having to transfer and being able to sit comfortably, the bus is also an option! However, the number of buses departing from and arriving at both Makomanai and Maruyama Park has been significantly reduced in recent years, so the downside is that there are fewer buses. It would be good if you could time the bus right.

Would you choose the train or the bus?

If you're going from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport, the decision of whether to take the train or the bus can be a tough one. It all depends on where you get on and off, how much time you have, whether you're comfortable sitting or prepared to stand, and your budget, even if it's just a small price to pay.

*All information listed is current as of December 2025. *All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.