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Airport Transportation

New Chitose Airport

Also known as: Sapporo Airport, Chitose Airport, Sapporo New Chitose Airport.

CTS · RJCC · Sapporo

Airport facts

Name
New Chitose Airport
IATA code
CTS
ICAO code
RJCC
City
Sapporo
Country
Japan
Coordinates
42.7791, 141.6866

About New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the main airport for Sapporo and the island of Hokkaido, in northern Japan. It sits next to the city of Chitose, south-east of Sapporo, about 37 minutes from Sapporo Station by the fastest train. In 2024 it handled about 24 million passengers.

ANA and Japan Airlines both have focus cities here, and Air Do and Skymark also fly from New Chitose, linking Hokkaido with Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Okinawa and other Japanese cities; the Sapporo–Tokyo Haneda route is one of the busiest in the world. International flights go mainly to Asia, including Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore and Manila. United to San Francisco and Air Canada to Vancouver are due to start in December 2026.

The airport has a semicircular domestic terminal with 18 gates and an international terminal, expanded in 2019. The domestic terminal is known for its extras: a hot-spring spa, a cinema, museums and a hotel. New Chitose shares its area with the Chitose Air Base.

From the airport, most travelers head into Sapporo, to Otaru on the coast, to the hot springs at Noboribetsu and Lake Shikotsu, or, in winter, to ski resorts such as Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Hokkaido Airports Ltd.

Runways

Two civil runways, plus two at the adjacent Chitose Air Base

Passengers per year

About 24 million in 2024

Hours

One of Japan's 24-hour airports, with limited late-night slots

Arrival tips for New Chitose Airport

International flights arrive at the International Terminal, where you go through quarantine, immigration (foreign visitors have their fingerprints and photo taken) and customs. Filling in your details on Visit Japan Web before you fly can speed things up. Domestic flights arrive at the Domestic Terminal with no checks.

New Chitose Airport Station is under the terminals. The fastest Rapid Airport trains reach Sapporo Station in about 37 minutes and continue to Otaru in about 73 minutes; they can be very crowded at busy times. Buses run to central Sapporo, to Tomakomai, Noboribetsu and Muroran, and to other towns, and taxis wait outside. Pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals lobby.

Hokkaido winters are snowy, and heavy snow can delay flights and roads. If you are heading to a ski resort, allow extra time and choose transport that can carry skis and snowboards.

Japan is on Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) all year and uses the yen.

Ground transportation

The train is the quickest way to Sapporo; for ski resorts and hot-spring towns a pre-booked car or bus is easier.

  • JR Rapid Airport train

    From New Chitose Airport Station to Sapporo Station in about 37 minutes, and on to Otaru. Fast, but crowded at peak times.

  • Bus to Sapporo

    Hokkaido Chūō Bus and Hokuto Kotsu run frequent buses to central Sapporo and hotel areas. Easier with luggage than the train.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car or van meets you in the arrivals lobby, with room for skis, the easiest option for Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano and hot-spring resorts.

  • Taxi from New Chitose

    Taxis wait outside the terminals. Expensive over the long drive to Sapporo.

  • Buses to southern Hokkaido

    Donan Bus runs to Tomakomai, Noboribetsu, Muroran and Urakawa.

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Moving between terminals

  1. Walking between terminals

    The domestic and international terminals are connected inside the airport, so you can walk between them.

Terminals

Domestic Terminal

A semicircular terminal with 18 gates for domestic flights, with a hot-spring spa, cinema, museums and the Air Terminal Hotel.

International Terminal

The international terminal, expanded in 2019, with its own hotel.

Airlines and destinations

This directory lists the main airlines at New Chitose.

Air Canada International Terminal

Vancouver (from 18 December 2026)

Air Do Domestic Terminal

Tokyo–Haneda and other domestic cities

All Nippon Airways Domestic Terminal

Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and other domestic cities

Japan Airlines Domestic Terminal

Tokyo, Osaka and other domestic cities

Skymark Airlines Domestic Terminal

Tokyo–Haneda, Kobe and other domestic cities

United Airlines International Terminal

San Francisco (from 11 December 2026)

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo?

The fastest way is the JR Rapid Airport train from New Chitose Airport Station to Sapporo Station, about 37 minutes. Buses also run to central Sapporo and hotel areas, and taxis and pre-booked cars go door to door.

Is New Chitose the same as Sapporo Airport?

Yes. New Chitose Airport (CTS) is Sapporo's main airport, near Chitose. Sapporo also has a small city airport, Okadama, with a few regional flights, but almost all domestic and international flights use New Chitose.

How do I get from New Chitose Airport to Niseko?

Niseko is a long drive west of the airport. In winter, many skiers use a pre-booked transfer or ski bus with room for equipment. Heavy snow can slow the roads, so allow extra time.

Does New Chitose Airport have international flights?

Yes. The International Terminal has flights mainly to Asia, including Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok and Singapore. United to San Francisco and Air Canada to Vancouver are due to start in December 2026.

What is there to do at New Chitose Airport?

The domestic terminal has a hot-spring spa, a cinema, museums, many food shops and the Air Terminal Hotel, which makes it a good place to wait for a late flight or a delayed transfer.

Can snow close New Chitose Airport?

Heavy winter snow can delay or cancel flights at New Chitose. When the runways close, the neighbouring Chitose Air Base runways are sometimes used to help. Check your flight status before setting out in winter.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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