Sapporo is the principal rail hub of Hokkaido, positioned at the center of JR Hokkaido's intercity network. The city is served by Sapporo Station as its main train station, with Shin-Sapporo and several suburban stations supporting regional and local travel. Unlike cities on Japan's current Shinkansen network, Sapporo is not yet served by bullet train services.
Trains from Sapporo include JR Hokkaido Limited Express services across the island, Rapid Airport trains to New Chitose Airport, and local trains on the Hakodate Main Line, Chitose Line, and Sassho Line. Sapporo Station handles nearly all long-distance departures, while Shin-Sapporo is useful for Chitose Line services and transfers on the eastern side of the city.
Rail routes from Sapporo run south toward Hakodate and Tomakomai, north toward Asahikawa and Wakkanai, east toward Obihiro, Kushiro, and Abashiri, and southeast toward New Chitose Airport. Train tickets can be booked for limited express, airport, and regional services. Book trains from and to Sapporo online at Rail Monsters.