Sapporo is Japan’s northernmost island and one of the country’s largest cities. Known to be a winter destination packed with culture, art, and untouched beauty, it is also famed for its ski slopes, buzzing nightlife, and delicious food scene, making it a great travel destination for all.

If you are landing at New Chitose airport, you have three transportation options to reach Sapporo city centre; you can take an airport taxi, a train or the bus. Taking a taxi or a private transfer is the best travel option from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo as they provide easy and reliable 24/7 transport, taking 50 minutes to reach your hotel or apartment. Alternatively, for those on a budget, you can take the train, which only takes 35 minutes to get from Sapporo Airport to the city or take the bus, which takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.

4 options to go from Sapporo Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABLE
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€180 50min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€70.50 50min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Train
€16.70 35min 06:39–22:53
Convenience
Read more
Bus
€16 80min 08:00–22:00
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Sapporo airport to the city by taxi

Taking a taxi or private transfer from Sapporo airport to the city is the most comfortable travel option. Taxis are quick and easy, avoiding the hassle of Sapporo public transportation. Moreover, taxis are available 24/7, getting you to your Sapporo hotel in 50 minutes.

How much is a taxi from Sapporo airport to the city centre?

Sapporo taxis calculate their fares using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled. You can expect to pay around €70.50 (JPY 10,000) for your 50-minute trip from Sapporo airport to the city centre.

Nevertheless, if you prefer travelling at a fixed rate with a local English-speaking driver, you can pre-book your private airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.

Where do I get a taxi from?

You can find the New Chitose airport taxi ranks outside the domestic and international terminals on the 1st floor.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Sapporo airport to the city centre is a great option. Not only are taxis reliable, but they also provide safe, 24/7 door-to-door services – which is practical when travelling late at night, with children and with heavy luggage.

Nonetheless, if you prefer to travel with a well-known company at a fixed price with an English-speaking driver, you can pre-book your personalised airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Useful Tips

It is important to know that most Sapporo taxi drivers don't speak English, so ensure to have your address written down..
Tipping your Sapporo airport taxi is expected; most travellers leave a 10% tip.
Most Sapporo airport taxis accept credit/debit card payments.

How to get from Sapporo airport to the City by train

You can choose the train from Sapporo airport to Sapporo city centre as a time-effective travel option. The train only takes 35 minutes to get from the airport to the main railway station located downtown.

What's the cost of the train from New Chitose airport to Sapporo city centre?

A one-way train ticket from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo city centre costs €8.35 (JPY 1,150). You can purchase your tickets from the automatic ticket machines, which you can find beside the ticket gates at the New Chitose Airport Station.

Cost
€8.35 (JPY 1,150)
Trip Duration
35 Min.
The train runs from Sapporo airport to the city centre every 15 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Sapporo train is available daily from 06:39 to 22:53.

Where do I get the train from?

The New Chitose train station is located at the airport’s domestic terminal building, on the lowest level.

Convenience

Taking the train from Sapporo airport to Sapporo’s centre is a great travel alternative as tickets are cost-effective and the train is the fastest way to get downtown. However, if you are travelling with children or late at night, it is best to take a taxi to your Sapporo hotel for your convenience.

Useful Tips

If you are travelling with bulky luggage, it is best to reserve your seat beforehand.
It is good to know that the train 'car 4' has spacious reclinable "u-seats" and large baggage storage areas.

How to get from Sapporo airport to Sapporo City Centre by bus

A good alternative, slightly cheaper than the train, is to take the airport limousine bus service that runs between New Chitose Airport and different locations in Sapporo. Moreover, two bus companies operate this route: Hokuto Kotsu and Hokkaido Chuo Bus, and both take around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach your destination in Sapporo.

How much is a bus ticket from New Chitose airport to Sapporo city centre?

Both bus companies charge the same price for a bus ticket from Sapporo airport to the city centre, with a one-way costing €8 (JPY 1,100).

You can purchase your bus ticket at the counters on the 1st floor of the international and domestic terminals.

Cost
€8 (JPY 1,100)
Trip Duration
1 H 20 Min.
The bus runs from New Chitose airport to Sapporo every 15 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The bus is available daily from 08:00 to 22:00.

Where can I get the bus from?

You can find the bus stops outside both terminals at New Chitose Airport: Stands 14 and 22 at the Domestic Terminal and Stand 84 at the International Terminal.

Convenience

The bus is ideal for travellers needing to get to specific areas in Sapporo’s centre, as there is an extensive range of stops, including Sapporo Station, Sapporo Beer Garden, Nakajima Park, and many hotels in the city centre. However, the travel time is quite long, and if you’re landing late at night or early in the morning, you will have to find another way to get to downtown Sapporo.

Timetables

Chuo Bus Website

Hokuto Kotsu Website

Bus Timetables

Useful Tips

Two bus companies operate the Sapporo airport to city centre route; they both have the same stops and ticket prices.
The bus provides ample storage space for your luggage.

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Sapporo from New Chitose Airport?

There are three travel options from New Chitose airport to Sapporo city centre; you can take a taxi for 50 minutes, a train for 35 minutes or a bus for 1 hour 20 minutes.

What’s the cost of a taxi from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo?

Can I catch a direct train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo city centre?

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Transfer Options in Sapporo