One-time ticket
If you transfer to a bus or tram (streetcar), you’ll need to purchase a transferable ticket that includes the transfer fare.
Make sure to check the fare for your destination before purchasing the ticket. Alternatively, you can adjust the fare before exiting the bus or at the ticket gate.
If you plan to use the subway, buses, or tram (streetcar) three times a day, consider using an IC card or a One Day Ticket, which provides discounted fares for unlimited travel throughout the day.
However, it is inconvenient for travelers that only cash payments are accepted. You cannot purchase tickets using the balance on IC cards like SAPICA, SAPICA points, or credit cards.
IC Cards for Convenient Transport in Sapporo
Kitaca, Suica, PASMO, manaca, TOICA, ICOCA, PiTAPA, nimoca, SUGOCA, and Hayakaken are IC cards available for transportation in Sapporo. Using an IC card is highly convenient for transfers as you don’t need to buy tickets every time you ride.
Usable Areas:
– All subway lines in Sapporo
– JR Hokkaido Bus
– Jotetsu Bus
– Hokkaido Chuo Bus
– Tram (streetcar)
If you already possess one of these IC cards, there’s no need to purchase a SAPICA IC card. For more information about other IC cards, you can find detailed instructions on how to obtain and use them.
Consider Your Options: Choosing the Right IC Card in Sapporo
If you’re planning a long stay or you’re a resident of Sapporo, SAPICA could be a smart choice due to its additional point benefits.
However, if you’re a tourist staying for a few weeks at most, you’ll likely find Kitaca, Suica, or another IC card available in other areas to be more convenient and beneficial.
SAPICA
Travelers should not purchase SAPICA, as it cannot be used outside of Sapporo, making it a completely unnecessary expense.
SAPICA (サピカ, pronounced ‘Sapika’) is a rechargeable contactless smart card used for Sapporo Subway, buses, and trams.
It’s important to note that SAPICA is limited in its usability area, making it less suitable for foreign travelers.
You CANNOT USE SAPICA for JR trains (except JR Hokkaido bus) or other JR transport (such as JR Tokai).
However, IC cards like KITACA (JR Hokkaido IC card), SUICA, PASMO, and other JR family IC cards are accepted for Sapporo Subway, buses, and trams.
SAPICA offers a special advantage of earning 10% points on fare usage or 5% points on purchases at SEICOMART (a convenience store chain in Sapporo), where each point equals ¥1 yen for adjusting fare or shopping.
Usable Areas:
– All subway lines in Sapporo
– JR Hokkaido Bus
– Jotetsu Bus
– Hokkaido Chuo Bus
– Tram (streetcar)
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Choosing the Best IC Card for Transportation in Sapporo City
