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New Chitose International Airport in Hokkaido, Japan

As part of our guide for visitors to Sapporo City, here is some information about the Hokkaido’s international airport.

New Chitose International Airport

New Chitose International Airport serves as a hub airport in Japan and connects the Hokkaido region to the world. Most local people make the name a little shorter and call simply call it “Chitose.” The IATA airport code abbreviation for New Chitose airport is “CTS.” Sapporo’s airport – New Chitose Airport – is run by Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd. (HAP).

There are two terminals at New Chitose International Airport; the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal, each located in different buildings. They are connected via pedestrian bridge, which takes about 10 minutes to cross. In both terminals, the departure lobby is on the 2rd floor and the arrival lobby is on the 1st floor.

The upper floors of the Domestic Terminal offer some entertainment and places to relax. There are many famous restaurants and popular shops. There is also an “hot bath” onsen, cinema, and more. Visitors to Chitose Airport can also observe airplanes landing and taking off from an area of the airport called the “Observation Deck.”

Most of the international flights serviced by New Chitose International Airport are to and from Asia countries such as South Korea, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Philippines.

Where is the Airport in New Chitose?

New Chitose International Airport is located in Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Sapporo. It’s the main airport serving the Sapporo metropolitan area and the largest airport in Hokkaido. The airport is situated near the cities of Chitose and Tomakomai.

There is second, smaller airport called Okadama Airport.

How do you Get to Sapporo Station from New Chitose Airport?

There are a number of ways to travel between New Chitose International Airport and Sapporo Station in central Sapporo City; the easiest way is by train.

— By Train

The fastest way from New Chitose International Airport to Sapporo Station is to take JR Hokkaido train called the Airport Express, which takes just 37 minutes, and the fare is 2,070 JPY. Services run roughly every 15 minutes.

The train station in the airport is called JR New Chitose Airport Station it is located on B1F of the Terminal Building.
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— By Bus

Hokuto Kotsu and Hokkaido Chuo Bus companies both run limousine bus service between the airport in Sapporo and various locations in Sapporo, including Sapporo Station, Sapporo Beer Garden, Nakajima Park, and several hotels in the downtown area. The fare between the airport and Sapporo is the same for both companies at 1,300 JPY, and this is slightly less expensive than taking the train.

Taking a bus from the airport to Sapporo Station should take around 1 hour and 20 minutes, dependent on traffic and weather conditions. At New Chitose Airport bus ticket counters are located on the 1st floor of both the international and domestic terminals. The bus stops are located outside both these terminals.

— By Taxi

It is possible to take a taxi between New Chitose Airport and Sapporo, but because of the distance most people would consider taking a taxi to be far too expensive. The cost of a regular taxi service between these two locations would be about 15,000 – 18,000 JPY, will take about an hour. The exact fare, toll charges, and travel time will differ according to the traffic and weather conditions.

— By Rental Car

Travelling by car is a good option if you plan to explore some rural areas in Hokkaido that are hard to access by train. From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo can take around one hour depending on traffic conditions, and should cost 1,500 JPY in toll charges. There are rental car reception counters in New Chitose Airport where several car rental companies are represented; reservations are highly recommended.

How do I get to New Chitose Airport from Sapporo City?

The most common way is to take a train, but you can go to the New Chitose Airport by Hokuto Kotsu and Hokkaido Chuo Bus and taxi as well.

Which Terminal at New Chitose Airport is Used for Domestic Flights?

Domestic flights at New Chitose Airport primarily use the Domestic Terminal building (which is distinct from the International Terminal).

Some of the carriers that fly in and out of New Chitose Domestic Terminal for domestic flights include Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), Air Do (ADO), Skymark Airlines (SKY), Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA), Peach Aviation (MM), Jetstar Japan (GK), Spring Japa (IJ), and IBEX Airlines (FW).

Which Terminal at New Chitose Airport is Used for International Flights?

International flights at New Chitose Airport utilize the International Terminal Building, which is smaller, and primarily used for international flights.

Some of the carriers that fly in and out of New Chitose International Terminal for international flights include Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), Peach Aviation (Peach), Korean Air (KE / KAL), Aurora Airlines (HZ / SHU), China Eastern Airlines (MU / CES), Cathay Pacific Airways (CX / CPA), EVA Airways (BR / EVA), China Airlines (CI), Air China (CA), Asiana Airlines (OZ), Jin Air (LJ), T’way Airlines (TW), Thai Airways International (TG), Hong Kong Airlines (HX), AirAsia X (D7), Tianjin Airlines (GS), and Air Busan (BX).

Some carriers like JAL and ANA provide service for both domestic and international flights, each from their respective terminals.

Some Popular Attractions at New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport offers a variety of unique attractions, including a hot spring “onsen” bathhouse and even a cinema. Visitors can enjoy chocolate-making at Royce’ Chocolate World, savor ramen at the Hokkaido Ramen Dojo, and explore a variety of shops and restaurants.

Travel Tip: If you have extra time before your flight, take advantage of the airport’s shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, you’ll find it’s one of the most traveler-friendly airports in Japan.

With easy access to Sapporo by train, bus, car, or even limousine service, New Chitose ensures your journey begins and ends with comfort and convenience.

New Chitose International Airport in Hokkaido, Japan