Rapid Airport 88 from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport
The Rapid Airport is Sapporo’s airport train service connecting Sapporo with New Chitose Airport. My JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass had already expired by the fifth and final day of my trip, so I needed to pay extra for my journey to the airport, and was not restricted to pass allowances. Nevertheless, between the Rapid Airport train and airport bus, the Rapid Airport was still the fastest way to travel from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport, avoiding any traffic in the morning peak.
Sapporo Station
Heading into Sapporo Station for the last time on this trip.
Heading to the ticket machines to buy my ticket from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport.
I had considered purchasing a U Seat for this Rapid Airport journey to New Chitose Airport seeing that there were plenty of available seats.
However, there was a bit of a queue with more than 1 customer needing help with the machine, and I was afraid that I may miss my seat reservation for the next departing train.
Not wanting to queue, I decided to just buy a regular ticket from the empty ticket mahcines.
There is an express purchase button for New Chitose Airport, so checking against the fare table overhead was not necessary.
My 1150 yen ticket for my Rapid Airport train journey from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport.
Heading through the ticket gates.
The next departing Rapid Airport train was at Platform 6.
Heading up to Platform 6.
The Rapid Airport 88 was already waiting at the platform with passengers quickly filling up the train. Luckily I didn’t queue to buy a U Seat ticket, or else I’d have to catch the next train.
The Rapid Airport 88 at Sapporo Station.
The Rapid Airport 88 was already almost fully seated when I boarded, but I still managed to get a seat luckily.
Departing from Sapporo Station on time at 8.48am.
Passing by Nippon Ham Fighters Indoor Baseball Training Facility.
Passing by Ario Sapporo.
Passing by the level crossing at Ario Sapporo.
Passing through Naebo Station.
Passing by Naebo Depot.
Crossing over the Toyohira River.
Shin-Sapporo Station
Making a brief stop at Shin-Sapporo Station.
Kita-Hiroshima Station
Making a brief stop at Kita-Hiroshima Station.
Eniwa Station
Making a brief stop at Eniwa Station.
Chitose Station
Making a brief stop at Chitose Station.
Minami-Chitose Station
Making a brief stop at Minami-Chitose Station. This is the junction station for the Chitose Line Airport branch, Chitose Line, and Sekishō Line.
Taking the junction to the airport tunnel.
The journey from Minami-Chitose to New Chitose Airport is underground.
New Chitose Airport Station
My Rapid Airport 88 arrived at New Chitose Airport Station on time at 9.26am.
Looking back at the empty interior of the Rapid Airport 733 series EMU.
The station sign of New Chitose Airport Station.
Heading to queue for the escalator up to the concourse.
The ticket gates are just in front, but I’m not heading through them just yet.
I wanted to keep my ticket as a souvenir, so I approached the staff at the side manned counter for a stamp.
The JR Hokkaido staff at the manned counter put a souvenir stamp on my ticket instead of the regular cancellation stamp, and let me pass through the open side.
Sapporo New Chitose Airport
There are signs pointing to domestic airlines depending on which side you should ascend to, but it will be the same on both sides for international flights as the path will lead back to the same linkway later.
Heading up the escalator to the terminal.
New Chitose Airport Station is located under the domestic terminal. For the international terminal, follow the signs leading to the international terminal via the linkway.
Conclusion
The Rapid Airport is a convenient way to travel from downtown Sapporo to New Chitose Airport even without my Sapporo-Furano Area Pass as it was more important to avoid any traffic in the morning peak, along with the speed of the train. The non-reserved seats on the 733 series EMU may not be the most comfortable to be in especially with luggage, but considering there is no additional fees needed to use the Rapid Airport, this was good value.
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