New Chitose Airport is the main point of arrival for most visitors for their flights to Hokkaido. There are five options for getting from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo. We put together this guide to help you decide which approach is best for you, plus how to get from the airport to popular sightseeing spots.
5 New Chitose Airport Transportation Options
Here we will explain in detail how to get from New Chitose Airport’s International Arrivals Gate to the boarding points of each type of transportation.
1. Train: Getting Japan Railways (JR) trains at New Chitose Airport
Japan Railways (JR) runs trains to all of Hokkaido’s major cities and their surrounding areas. The Rapid Airport train from New Chitose Airport can reach JR Sapporo Station in as little as 37 minutes.
Changing trains at the adjacent Minami-Chitose Station and taking a conventional limited express train will also make it possible to travel between major cities in a relatively short time.
Note that the JR trains in Hokkaido are covered under the Japan Rail Pass. If you intend to travel just around Hokkaido, JR also offers the Hokkaido Rail Pass, which allows unlimited use of limited express trains in Hokkaido for 5 or 7 days.
Limited express trains heading for more northern areas like Asahikawa and the Sea of Okhotsk (Kitami & Abashiri) are less frequent.
Hokkaido Rail Pass Fares (As of April 1, 2021)
・5-day pass: Adults 19,000 yen (purchased abroad) / 20,000 yen (if purchased in Japan)
・7-day pass: Adults 25,000 yen (purchased abroad) / 26,000 yen (if purchased in Japan)
*Passes for children are available and are half the price of the adult rate. Child rates apply to ages 6 – 11.
*Some trains may require an additional fee.
Buy online ▶ JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
As soon as you exit the International Arrival Gate, you’ll see a sign with directions to the other transportation methods with JR and domestic flights posted in the middle of the sign. As you walk along the central passage, you’ll be able to follow more signs reading “JR Train.”
The corridor is long, but there are moving walkways and carts available to make transit smoother.
Proceeding along this route, you will arrive at the Domestic Terminal and more signs directing you to the JR Trains. There are escalators and elevators to floor B1 and JR New Chitose Airport Station.
Take note, the escalator only goes halfway and then you’ll need to use the stairs, so if you have large luggage, use the elevator!
JR New Chitose Airport Station has a tourist information desk with staff who can speak English, Chinese, and Korean available from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Not a…
