New Chitose Airport (also known as Shin-Chitose Airport) is the main airport serving Sapporo and Hokkaido. It is located about 50 kilometers southeast of the city center and is one of the busiest airports in Japan. It handles mainly domestic flights, including many from Tokyo, along with a small number of international routes. Sapporo also has another airport called Okadama Airport, which is closer to the city center but smaller and handles fewer flights.
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Getting from How to Get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo
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By Train - Take the JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station (about ¥1,150-1,400, around 40 minutes). The JR station is on the B1 floor of the Domestic Terminal Building. Trains run to Sapporo Station every 15 minutes from around 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with return services from the city to the airport from around 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
By Bus - Buses to Sapporo depart from two points: the Domestic Terminal Building and the International Terminal Building. The fare is about ¥1,100, and the journey takes 70-90 minutes. Along the way, the bus passes major downtown landmarks such as Odori Park and Susukino, where you can also stop to explore. The Chuo Bus service runs to Sapporo every 10-15 minutes.
By Taxi - If you have a lot of luggage, are traveling with children or elderly family members, want extra convenience, or arrive at night after JR trains and buses have stopped running, you can take a taxi from the taxi stand at the exit of the Domestic Terminal. Fares range from ¥13,000 to ¥16,000 (with an additional toll fee if using the expressway), and the trip takes about 50-60 minutes. Chartered sightseeing rates within the city are also available; ask individual taxi companies for details. There are three taxi stands in total: two at the Domestic Terminal and one at the International Terminal.
By Rental Car - Many travelers prefer to drive around Hokkaido themselves rather than use public transport. Most major rental car companies have counters at the airport, so you can pick up your car without carrying your luggage far. The drive to central Sapporo takes about 50-60 minutes.
Getting from New Chitose Airport to Otaru
Train - Take the JR Rapid train (about 70 minutes, ¥2,040/3,040), with 2 departures per hour. The JR Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass are valid.
Getting from New Chitose Airport to Hakodate
Train - Take the JR Rapid Airport train to Minami-Chitose Station, then transfer to the JR Limited Express to Hakodate Station (about 3.5 hours, ¥8,910). The JR Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass are valid.
Getting from New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu
Train - Take the JR train to Minami-Chitose Station (3 minutes), then transfer to the JR Limited Express bound for Hakodate and get off at Noboribetsu Station (40 minutes). The total fare is about ¥3,500.
Taking a local train adds about 30 minutes but costs only ¥1,820. The JR Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass are valid.
From Noboribetsu Station, take a 15-minute bus (¥450) to Noboribetsu Onsen. This bus is operated by Donan Bus, so the JR Pass cannot be used. A taxi costs about ¥3,000.
Bus - The Donan Bus runs once a day round-trip, stopping at Noboribetsu Bus Stop, then a shuttle bus continues to the onsen area (¥1,900-¥2,400).
Car - The drive takes about 1 hour. The toll for the Do-o Expressway is ¥1,790; exit at Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange and continue driving for about 10 minutes.
Getting from New Chitose Airport to Lake Toya
Train - Take the JR train to Minami-Chitose Station (3 minutes), then transfer to the Limited Express bound for Hakodate and get off at Toya Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes). The one-way fare is about ¥5,460. The JR Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass are valid.
From Toya Station, take a 15-minute bus (¥400) to Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal (Lake Toya). This bus is operated by Donan Bus, so the JR Pass cannot be used.
Car - The drive takes 100 minutes. The toll for the Do-o Expressway is ¥3,020; exit at Abuta-Toyako Interchange and continue driving for about 15 minutes.
Getting from New Chitose Airport to Lake Shikotsu
Bus - The trip takes 1 hour and costs ¥1,260, with 4-6 departures per day.
Getting from New Chitose Airport to Niseko and Rusutsu
Bus - From December to March, several bus companies including Hokkaido Chuo Bus, Niseko Bus, Hokkaido Access Network, and Good Sports operate services from the airport to ski resorts in Niseko, taking about 3 hours (¥6,000). Many buses also stop at Rusutsu, taking about 2 hours (¥5,500). Each company offers discounted round-trip packages that include lift tickets.
From mid-July to mid-September, Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Niseko Bus operate services between the airport and Rusutsu and Niseko.
Train - Take the train from the airport to Kutchan Station (Niseko), transferring at Otaru Station. The journey takes 3 hours, with a one-way fare of ¥3,100. The JR Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass are valid.
Kutchan Station is a bigger regional transport hub than Niseko Station, with buses running every 1-2 hours to Hirafu (15 minutes). Some buses continue to Niseko Village (30 minutes) and Annupuri (45 minutes, winter only).
About New Chitose Airport
The airport has been renovated and expanded with shopping malls, restaurants, and various entertainment facilities, designed to be a place travelers want to spend time in. Here are some of the main highlights:
- Onsen Manyo no Yu: This hot spring facility has both indoor and outdoor baths, along with a dining area. You can relax in the onsen right after arriving, or enjoy a soak at the end of your trip.
- Rooftop Observation Deck: This deck offers wide views of the airport and surrounding area. It's a popular spot for aviation enthusiasts to watch planes take off and land up close.
- Air Terminal Hotel: A convenient hotel for travelers who need to stay overnight at the airport, directly connected to the terminal building.
- Doraemon Wakuwaku Sky Park: An interactive attraction and exhibition themed around the Doraemon characters, perfect for fans.
- Royce' Chocolate World: This includes a chocolate factory, museum, and retail shop, where you can watch the chocolate-making process and buy freshly made products.
- Hokkaido Ramen Dojo: As the name suggests, this food court brings together famous ramen shops from across Hokkaido, each with its own style and flavor. A must-visit for ramen lovers.
- Streetcar Dining District: Another must-visit food area, designed in the style of traditional Japanese street eateries, offering a variety of food from sushi to local Hokkaido dishes.
Chitose Outlet Mall Rera
Near the airport, you'll also find Rera Chitose Outlet Mall, offering discounted prices on hundreds of international and local brands. It's accessible by a free shuttle bus, or a short walk from Minami-Chitose Station.