Sapporo Subway Guide 2026 | Three Lines, Transfers and Tickets

The Sapporo Municipal Subway is one of the easiest ways to travel across the city, particularly during winter. It has three lines and 49 stations.

The three lines

Line	Main corridor	Useful stations
Namboku (N)	Asabu to Makomanai	Sapporo, Odori, Susukino, Nakajima-Koen
Tozai (T)	Miyanosawa to Shin-Sapporo	Maruyama-Koen, Odori, Shin-Sapporo
Toho (H)	Sakaemachi to Fukuzumi	Sapporo, Odori, Hosui-Susukino, Fukuzumi

Where to transfer

Odori Station serves all three subway lines and is a major transfer point.

Sapporo Station connects the Namboku and Toho lines and is near JR Sapporo Station. Changing between the two subway lines at Sapporo involves leaving and re-entering ticket gates; follow the designated transfer procedure.

How to ride

1. Find your line and destination station.
2. Check which direction your train is traveling.
3. Purchase a ticket or use a supported payment method.
4. Pass through the ticket gates and follow signs to the correct platform.
5. Exit through the gates at your destination.

Tickets and payment

Buy a ticket from a station vending machine or use a supported payment method at the gates. SAPICA and other eligible transit IC cards are useful for repeat journeys. Check the official website for the latest rules on contactless bank-card payments.

The subway also offers day passes and the Donichika Ticket, designed for eligible weekend and holiday travel. Compare the cost of individual journeys with the relevant pass before purchasing; ticket prices and validity can change.

Practical ticket tips

• Keep your paper ticket until you exit through the gate.
• Confirm whether a pass covers the subway only or other transport modes as well.
• When transferring to JR trains, use the appropriate separate ticket or payment method.
• Check the official Sapporo subway information before travel.

Useful stations for visitors

• Odori: Odori Park, shopping and connections across all lines.
• Susukino: Restaurants and nightlife.
• Maruyama-Koen: Access to the Maruyama area.
• Shin-Sapporo: Connection to JR services.
• Fukuzumi: Useful for events at the dome area.

Choosing the right line

If you are staying near JR Sapporo Station, the Namboku and Toho lines both serve the Sapporo subway station area. For Maruyama Park, use the Tozai Line; for Susukino, the Namboku Line is a convenient choice. Hosui-Susukino on the Toho Line is a different station from Susukino on the Namboku Line.

For a journey to Shin-Sapporo, take the Tozai Line toward Shin-Sapporo. There you can change to JR services via a separate station area.

Riding in winter and with luggage

The subway helps reduce outdoor walking during snow and rain, though the final stretch to your destination may still be above ground.

Explore each subway line

• Namboku Line: all 16 stations
• Tozai Line: all 19 stations
• Toho Line: all 14 stations
• Sapporo Station guide
• Sapporo underground shopping streets

For detailed station listings and 2026 updates, see the Japanese guide.

This English edition summarizes the original Japanese guide. Transport details may change; verify them with the official operator before traveling.