Blog - Chitose Airport to Sapporo by car: route, time, and tolls.

If you’ve just landed at New Chitose Airport and you’re staring at your rental car keys wondering how to actually get to Sapporo, you’re not alone. It’s one of the first questions almost every visitor to Hokkaido asks — and honestly, it’s one of the easiest legs of your whole trip. No mountain passes, no confusing interchanges, just a straight shot north.

Here’s everything you need to know about driving from Chitose Airport to Sapporo, including the route options, how long it actually takes, and what the tolls will cost you.

How Far Is Sapporo from New Chitose Airport?

Sapporo is roughly 45 kilometers (about 28 miles) from New Chitose Airport. That sounds close on paper, and it is — this is genuinely one of the shortest, most stress-free airport-to-city drives you’ll find anywhere in Japan.

Route 1: The Do Expressway (Fastest Option)

If you’re picking up your rental car and just want to get to your hotel with minimal fuss, the Do Expressway (道央自動車道) is your best friend.

Driving time: Around 40–50 minutes, traffic depending
Distance: About 45 km
Tolls: Roughly ¥1,000–1,200 one way (prices shift slightly depending on your exact entry and exit points)

The route is simple: from the airport, follow signs toward the Chitose-Eniwa area, merge onto the Doo Expressway, and take it straight through to one of the Sapporo interchanges — Sapporo-Minami or Toyohira-ku, depending on where in the city you’re staying. Signage is bilingual (Japanese and English), and the road itself is wide, well-maintained, and easy to navigate even if it’s your first time driving in Japan.

This is the route we recommend for most tourists, especially if you’re tired after a long flight and just want to check into your hotel.

Route 2: General Roads (Free, But Slower)

If you’d rather skip the toll — or you’re the type who enjoys seeing a bit of the local scenery — you can take Route 36 (国道36号), a general road that runs parallel to the expressway.

Driving time: Around 60–75 minutes, more in heavy traffic
Distance: Similar, about 45–50 km
Tolls: None

This route takes you through Chitose City and the outskirts of Ebetsu and Sapporo, past local shops, gas stations, and residential areas. It’s a nice option if you’re not in a rush, want to stop somewhere along the way, or are simply trying to save on toll costs. Just know that traffic lights and local traffic can slow things down, especially during Sapporo’s morning and evening rush hours.

So, Toll or No Toll?

Here’s the honest answer: unless you’re specifically trying to save every yen, take the expressway. For around ¥1,000, you’ll save 20–30 minutes, avoid stoplights, and arrive far less frazzled — which matters more than you’d think after an international flight. Save the scenic, toll-free drives for later in your trip, when you’re headed out toward Otaru, Furano, or Biei and actually want to enjoy the road.

Do You Need an ETC Card for Tolls?

Not necessarily. Most rental cars in Hokkaido come equipped with an ETC (electronic toll collection) device, but you’ll need an ETC card inserted to use it automatically. If your rental doesn’t include one, you can simply pay cash or by credit card at the toll booths — no ETC required for this particular route. If you’re planning a longer road trip around Hokkaido afterward, though, an ETC card rental is worth asking about at pickup, since it’ll save you time at tolls throughout your trip.

A Few Tips Before You Hit the Road

Fuel up before you leave the airport area. There are gas stations near Chitose, but it’s one less thing to think about once you’re on the expressway.
Winter driving is a different game. If you’re visiting between December and March, roads can be icy and visibility can drop quickly in snow. Make sure your rental comes with proper winter tires (most reputable companies in Hokkaido include these automatically in winter months) and give yourself extra time.
Google Maps and Japanese car navigation systems both work well here — the route is simple enough that you’re unlikely to get lost either way.
Rush hour matters. If you’re arriving in the late afternoon on a weekday, expect the general road option to be noticeably slower. The expressway is far more consistent regardless of time of day.

Renting Your Car for the Chitose-to-Sapporo Drive

Hokkaido is a very big place. Renting a car is a best way to travel andvisit places in Hokkaido with ease. Whether you’re heading straight into Sapporo for the night or starting a longer Hokkaido road trip, picking up your rental car right at New Chitose Airport is the easiest way to start your trip moving instead of waiting around for a shuttle. At Hokkaido Chitose Car Rental, we offer airport pickup and drop-off, winter-ready vehicles during snow season, and English-speaking support so you’re not navigating rental paperwork and Hokkaido roads on your own.

If this is your first time driving in Japan, don’t worry — the Chitose-to-Sapporo route is about as beginner-friendly as it gets. It’s a great way to ease into self-drive travel before tackling the more scenic (and slightly more adventurous) routes out to Otaru, Furano, or Niseko later in your trip.