New Chitose Airport (CTS) is Hokkaido’s main gateway to Sapporo. Check the 5 easy ways to get from the airport to downtown Sapporo: JR train, airport bus, taxi, car rental, or private transfer.
About New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport is Hokkaido’s main international airport and an important hub for domestic flights. Inside the airport, you’ll find a wide range of shops, restaurants, duty-free stores, and facilities where travelers can rest. In addition, New Chitose Airport connects directly to JR lines and offers frequent airport bus services on multiple routes, making it easy to reach Sapporo, Hakodate, Otaru, and other parts of Hokkaido quickly.
Getting from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo
There are plenty of ways to get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo, each with its own pros and cons. Here are the 5 main options:
Option | One-Way Price (USD) | Local Price (JPY) | Travel Time | How Often | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$7.8 | ¥1,150 | 33 mins | 163 trips/day (every 10-15 mins) | Fastest, indoor walk to station, spacious | A bit pricier than bus; no guaranteed seat | |
$11.4 | ¥1,680 | 33 mins | Same as unreserved | Guaranteed seat, extra luggage space | More expensive | |
Airport Bus | $8.8 | ¥1,300 | 65-80 mins | Hourly (fewer morning trips) | Cheap, multiple routes, direct to ski resorts in winter | Slower; few early morning buses |
Taxi | $68+ | ¥10,000+ | 50 mins | 24/7 on-demand | Door-to-door, 24h service | Very expensive; some drivers speak little English |
$46+ | ¥6,800+ | 50 mins | Pre-book only | Flexible for road trips; 8% OFF on Trip.com | Needs International Driving Permit (IDP); right-hand traffic | |
$185+ | ¥27,200+ | 50 mins | Custom times | No transfers, good for groups/families | Most expensive |
New Chitose Airport to Sapporo | JR Railway
- The JR Airport Train is the best pick for speed. The station is on B1 floor of the Domestic Terminal – 10-minute indoor walk from arrivals, with clear English signs.
- Fares: Unreserved ($7.8) or reserved ($11.4). For big luggage, add $3.7 for a U-Seat (spacious).
- Schedule: First train 06:00, last 23:40. Trains run non-stop to Sapporo Station, taking exactly 33 mins.
- Tip: If you’re traveling around Hokkaido (e.g., Otaru, Hakodate), buy a JR Hokkaido Pass for unlimited train rides.
Beyond getting into Sapporo itself, if you want to explore Hokkaido by JR rail, the easiest option is to just buy a JR PASS. Get 5% Off new user coupon below!
New Chitose Airport to Sapporo | Airport Bus
Photo credit: New Chitose Airport official website
Airport buses are the ideal pick for budget-conscious travelers, with multiple routes covering downtown Sapporo, popular tourist neighborhoods, and even Hokkaido’s top ski resorts—perfect if your hotel is not near Sapporo Station (no extra local transfers needed).
- Bus Stop Location: Dedicated bus stops are on the 1st floor of both the International and Domestic Terminals, operated by Hokkaido’s top bus companies (Hokkaido Chuo Bus, Hokuto Kotsu, Donan Bus).
- Fares & Travel Time: A one-way ticket costs a flat $8.8 (¥1,300), with the journey to downtown Sapporo taking 65–80 minutes (varies slightly by route and traffic).
- Schedule: Buses run hourly throughout the day, with reduced departures (1 every 2 hours) before 08:00. The first bus departs at 06:30, and the last bus leaves at 23:00.
New Chitose Airport to Sapporo | Private Airport Transfer
If you’re carrying lots of luggage, or traveling with kids, seniors, or anyone with limited mobility, consider booking Trip.com’s airport transfer service. A private vehicle will take you straight to your designated destination, so you won’t have to lug bags on and off trains and buses, and you can skip the hassle of mapping out transit routes yourself. Do note that among the many transportation options at New Chitose Airport, this is the most expensive choice.
New Chitose Airport to Sapporo | Airport Car Rental
- Rent a car if you want to explore Hokkaido at your own pace. Book on Trip.com for 8% OFF. Price Starts at $35.88/day (small car). SUVs/4WD (good for winter) cost more.
- Requirements: You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) + your home driver’s license. Japan drives on the right (opposite of US/Europe) – learn basic rules first.
- Tip: Book in advance (especially summer/winter) – few cars are left on-site.
New Chitose Airport Car Rentals
From
US$28.99/day
From
US$40.23/day
New Chitose Airport to Sapporo | Taxi
- Taxis are available 24h at the airport’s taxi stand. Good for late-night or early-morning flights.
- Fare: At least $68 to downtown Sapporo. Travel time: 50 mins (depends on traffic).
- Tip: Save your hotel’s Japanese address on your phone – some drivers don’t speak much English. Taxis fit 4 people + 2 big suitcases.
New Chitose Airport to Sapporo | Red-Eye or Late-Night Flights
JR trains and airport buses cease operations after 23:40 and 23:00 respectively, and all car rental counters close overnight (no on-site pick-up). For travelers on red-eye/early-morning flights (arrivals before 06:00):
✅ Only reliable options: Taxi (24/7 on-demand) or a pre-booked private transfer (highly recommended).
✅ Pro Tip: Avoid unpredictable late-night taxi queues by booking a private transfer online in advance. This guarantees a driver is waiting for you upon arrival, saving you from tired, time-wasting waits at the airport.
New Chitose Airport to Sapporo | Must-Have Transit Cards
Prepaid IC Cards in Japan: Suica, Pasmo, Icoca
Buy a Kitaca or Suica (Watermelon Card) for easy travel. Works on JR trains, Sapporo subways, buses, and even convenience store purchases.
Where to buy: JR New Chitose Airport Station, Sapporo Station, or airport 7-Eleven. Costs $10-15 (refundable deposit + minimum load).
JR Train vs Airport Bus: Which to Choose?
JR Train: Best if you’re in a hurry or staying near Sapporo Station (33 mins fast).
Airport Bus: Best if your hotel is in downtown Sapporo/Susukino or a ski resort (cheaper, no extra transfers). Check the bus company’s English website for routes near your hotel.
JR Railways | Airport Bus | |
Cost | Unreserved seat 1,150 yen, Reserved seat 1,680 yen | One-way is about ¥1,300. |
Driving time | As fast as 33 minutes | Approximately 65–80 minutes |
Departures | The Airport Express operates 163 trips per day. | Direct trains run every hour, with fewer departures in the morning. |
Pros | Fast, frequent departures, and spacious, comfortable seating | Affordable prices, diverse routes, and direct access to Sapporo and various Hokkaido attractions. |
Cons | Ticket prices are on the higher side. | Longer travel time and fewer departures |
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Recommended Hotels Near New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport Hotel Recommendation #1: Hotel Portom International Hokkaido
The hotel showcases an elegant, traditional Japanese style, and inside it feels like an art museum, with art installations and exquisite décor at every turn. Directly connected to the New Chitose Airport International Terminal, it’s just a 3–5 minute walk to the international departures and arrivals halls, making it wonderfully convenient.
Address: Bibi, New Chitose International Airport International Terminal Building 4F, 066-0012 Chitose City, Hokkaido, Japan
New Chitose Airport Hotel Recommendation #2: Airport Terminal Hotel
Guests staying at the hotel can use the hot spring at New Chitose Airport, enjoying the unique experience of “staying inside the airport.” The airport terminal hotel is directly connected to New Chitose Airport’s domestic terminal, making it ideal for transit travelers, and it’s also recommended for those catching early-morning flights to check in the night before for an easy start the next day.
Address: New Chitose Airport 3F, Chitose City, Hokkaido 066-0012, Japan
New Chitose Airport Hotel Recommendation #3 ANA Crowne Plaza Chitose, Hokkaido
This five-star IHG hotel sits near New Chitose Airport, blending Japanese tradition with modern style. It offers multiple restaurants and bars with a wide range of choices—from Japanese and Western cuisines to local Hokkaido specialties you can savor. The hotel also features comprehensive amenities, including a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa, providing travelers with a top-tier stay.
Address: Chitose-shi, 2 Chome-2-1, 066-8637 Chitose City, Hokkaido, Japan
FAQs about Chitose Airport to Sapporo
How do I get from Chitose to Sapporo?
Fastest: JR Train ($7.8, 33 mins). Cheapest: Airport Bus ($8.8, 65-80 mins). Flexible: Car rental (8% OFF on Trip.com). Hassle-free: Private transfer ($185+).How much is the train from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport?
Same as reverse: $7.8 (unreserved) or $11.4 (reserved). 33 mins travel time.How do I go from Sapporo airport to the city?
Sapporo’s main airport is New Chitose Airport (CTS). Take JR train, airport bus, taxi, car rental, or private transfer.How much is transport from Chitose to Sapporo?
Starts at $7.8 (JR train) up to $185+ (private transfer). Taxi is $68+; car rental $46+/day (8% OFF).