Last updated: {21/11/2025}
Quick Answer:
In 2025, a regular taxi in Sapporo usually starts at ¥670 up to 1,463 meters, then charges ¥80 for each extra 276 meters, with a late-night surcharge from 22:00–05:00. From December 17, 2025, a new system starts with a ¥600 base fare for 1.05 km and higher per-distance steps, so most short city rides end up around ¥800–1,500 before tolls.
Sapporo is a big northern city with long blocks, a reliable subway and heavy snow in winter. For many visitors, taxis become a simple way to go from station to hotel, or from dinner back to bed, especially with luggage or tired children. This guide explains how taxi fares work in 2025, what will change in December, and when a train or subway is the better choice.
1. How taxi fares work in Sapporo in 2025
The city tourism office, the Sapporo Tourist Association, publishes the standard meter structure for regular taxis. As of November 2025, it shows:
- Base fare: ¥670 up to 1,463 meters
- Additional fare: ¥80 for each extra 276 meters
- Late-night surcharge: added between 22:00 and 05:00
In simple terms, this means:
- A very short trip near the station may stay close to the base fare.
- A central ride such as Sapporo Station to Susukino or Nakajima Park normally falls in the ¥800–1,500 range in the daytime.
- After 22:00, and in slow traffic, the bill climbs faster because of the night surcharge and waiting time.
If someone wants a rough idea of what a ride might cost in different Japanese cities, they can also try a simple tool like this Japan taxi fare calculator. It is helpful for ballpark estimates, but the official fares set by the local transport bureau and taxi companies are always the final word.
2. Fare revision from December 17, 2025
On November 17, 2025, the Hokkaido District Transport Bureau announced a fare revision for the Sapporo–Otaru taxi area. The new fares start on December 17, 2025. The official notice (in Japanese) explains that:
- The new base fare will be ¥600 for 1.05 km.
- The add-on steps for distance and time will be higher (for example, ¥100 instead of ¥80).
- Taxi companies may add a separate winter surcharge of up to 20% during the snowy season.
You can read the official release on the bureau’s site:
Hokkaido District Transport Bureau – Sapporo–Otaru taxi fare revision, Nov 17, 2025
The new base fare looks cheaper at first glance. However, because the covered distance is shorter and the extra steps cost more, most typical rides will become roughly 10% more expensive overall after December 17, 2025. For visitors in winter 2025–26, it is sensible to expect taxi fares toward the upper end of the usual ranges.
3. Taxi vs train from New Chitose Airport
For many visitors, the first decision is how to go from New Chitose Airport (CTS) into the city.
The JR Hokkaido Rapid Airport train runs between New Chitose Airport Station and Sapporo Station in about 33–41 minutes, with a one-way fare of ¥1,230 for an ordinary seat. Trains are frequent, usually every 10–15 minutes during the day.
The Sapporo Tourist Association calls this train the fastest route into the city and notes that services run from early morning to late evening.
Airport buses run from the terminals to many major hotels. Taxis wait at signed ranks outside arrivals.
Below is a simple comparison.
USD shown at ≈ 1 USD = ¥157; check live rates.
| Option | Typical time (one way) | Typical cost (one way) | When it makes sense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid Airport train (JR) | 33–41 minutes | ¥1,230 (≈ US$8) from airport to Sapporo Station | Best for most travelers; fast, frequent, step-free from the airport station |
| Airport limousine bus | 60–90 minutes (traffic and hotel stops) | About ¥1,100–1,300 (≈ US$7–9) | Useful if your hotel is on the route and you prefer a seat and no transfers |
| Taxi | 60–80 minutes (longer with snow or congestion) | Around ¥16,000–20,000 (≈ US$100–130) per car | Good with 3–4 people, heavy luggage, late flights or mobility needs |
Official information for these options:
- JR timetable and fares: JR Hokkaido – Airport Access
- City overview of airport and city transport: Sapporo Travel – Access / Transportation
- Taxi stands and access at the terminals: New Chitose Airport – Taxi Access
4. How to catch a taxi in Sapporo
In the city
The city notes that taxis are easy to find around major spots and that many accept credit cards. You can see these details on the Sapporo Tourist Association transport page.
Common places to find a taxi quickly include:
- Outside JR Sapporo Station (north and south exits)
- Near Odori Park and the big department stores
- Around the Susukino nightlife district
- In front of major hotels and shopping centers
You can also hail a taxi on the street. If the windshield sign shows the car is free, you raise your hand and wait at a safe spot. In Japan, the rear door opens and closes automatically. There is no need to pull it yourself.
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) explains this and other taxi basics on its page about taxis in Japan.
At New Chitose Airport
The New Chitose Airport site has a clear map of the taxi ranks. They are on the first floor of the domestic and international terminals, with signs in English and step-free access from arrivals.
Airport staff can:
- Help you choose the right rank for a regular, reserved or jumbo taxi
- Arrange a suitable vehicle if you have a wheelchair, stroller or large ski bags
5. When taxis make sense – and when public transport is better
Taxis are useful in several common situations:
- Late at night, when trains are less frequent and you just want to reach the hotel
- Door-to-door trips with heavy bags or when traveling with elderly relatives or young children
- Snowy or icy mornings, when walking feels slow and slippery
- Short hops within the compact center between Sapporo Station, Odori and Susukino
At the same time, public transport is often cheaper and sometimes faster.
The Sapporo City Transportation Bureau explains that the subway has three lines (Namboku, Tozai and Toho) that run roughly from 06:00 to 24:00. Single rides start from ¥210. One-day subway tickets start from ¥830, and special weekend Donichika tickets are cheaper.
The city’s streetcar (tram) has a flat fare and its own one-day passes, also listed on the same official page.
The Hokkaido Tourism Organization collects this information for visitors on its English guide to Getting Around Hokkaido.
In short:
- For regular sightseeing, passes and IC cards for subway and tram offer good value.
- For a few key rides, especially in bad weather or at awkward times, taxis are a comfortable upgrade.
6. Accessibility and special needs
Accessibility is improving, but not every taxi is fully barrier-free.
- Many newer taxis in Sapporo are tall, box-shaped models (such as the Toyota JPN Taxi). These have higher roofs and sliding doors, which can be easier for some passengers to use.
- Folding wheelchairs and strollers are usually fine, but if someone needs to stay seated in a wheelchair, it is best to ask the hotel or a local information desk to book a suitable vehicle in advance.
- At New Chitose Airport, the official access pages list elevators, accessible toilets and other facilities that make the move from plane to taxi easier.
On the public transport side, the subway and main stations are largely barrier-free, with elevators, ramps and wide gates at key stations like Sapporo, Odori and Susukino. The city transport bureau and tourism sites give station-by-station details.
7. Etiquette, safety and common mistakes
A few simple habits will make taxi rides in Sapporo smoother:
- Let the driver operate the door. This is the norm across Japan.
- Have the destination written in Japanese, or show it on a map on your phone. A hotel card is very useful.
- Stand back slightly from the curb, especially in winter when snow piles narrow the road.
- Expect higher fares after 22:00 and in winter due to surcharges.
- Do not tip. Taxi fares are regulated and are paid as shown on the meter.
Licensed taxis in Japan are strictly regulated. Ridesharing by private car is limited by law, and even apps such as Uber or GO normally send regular licensed taxis, not private vehicles. This gives most visitors a good level of safety and consistency.
FAQs
How much does a typical taxi ride inside central Sapporo cost in 2025?
Most rides between central areas such as Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino and Nakajima Park end up between ¥800 and ¥2,000 in daytime. Night rides and winter rides will be higher.
Is it better to take a taxi or the Rapid Airport train from New Chitose?
For most visitors, the Rapid Airport train is faster, cheaper and simple. A taxi is better when flights arrive very late, when there is a lot of luggage, or when someone in the group finds trains and transfers difficult.
Do taxis in Sapporo accept credit cards and IC cards?
Many taxis accept major credit cards, and some accept IC cards like Kitaca and Suica, but not all. It is still wise to carry some cash and to check the stickers on the window before the ride starts.
Do taxis in Sapporo accept credit cards and IC cards?
Many taxis accept major credit cards, and some accept IC cards like Kitaca and Suica, but not all. It is still wise to carry some cash and to check the stickers on the window before the ride starts.
What happens if someone misses the last train from the airport?
If the last train has gone and the buses have finished, a taxi or a pre-booked car may be the only way to reach central Sapporo the same night. In that case, it is best to ask at the airport information counter to confirm fares and options.
Can visitors book or use a taxi app in Sapporo?
Yes, several apps work in the city, but they usually connect to the normal taxi fleets. For special needs, a hotel concierge or airport staff can often arrange a suitable vehicle and explain the expected fare.
Key takeaways
- In early 2025, Sapporo taxis use a ¥670 base fare up to 1,463 meters, then ¥80 per extra 276 meters, with late-night surcharges.
- From December 17, 2025, a new fare system in the Sapporo–Otaru area will make rides roughly 10% more expensive overall, and winter surcharges may apply.
- The Rapid Airport train is usually the best choice from New Chitose Airport, while taxis offer a comfortable and costly alternative.
- Within the city, subway passes and the tram are great value; taxis shine for short hops, bad weather and special situations.
- Taxis are regulated, clean and safe, and visitors do not need to tip.
Sources used
- Sapporo Tourist Association – Transportation in Sapporo City
https://www.sapporo.travel/en/info/about/transportation-sapporo/ - Sapporo Travel – Access / Transportation
https://www.sapporo.travel/en/info/about/transportation/ - Sapporo City Transportation Bureau – Fare and Tickets
https://www.city.sapporo.jp/st/english/fareandticket.html - JR Hokkaido – New Chitose Airport Access (Rapid Airport train)
https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/travel/airport.html - New Chitose Airport – Taxi Access
https://www.hokkaido-airports.com/en/new-chitose/access/taxi/ - Hokkaido Tourism Organization – Getting Around Hokkaido
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/detail_400.html - Hokkaido District Transport Bureau – Sapporo–Otaru taxi fare revision, Nov 17, 2025 (Japanese)
https://wwwtb.mlit.go.jp/hokkaido/press/20251117_00001.html - Japan National Tourism Organization – Taxis in Japan
https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/getting-around/taxis/
