New Chitose Airport
Also known as: Sapporo Airport, Chitose Airport, Sapporo New Chitose Airport.
Private transfer from CTSSee pricesSee pricesAbout 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.
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Book a transfer from CTSJR 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.
Moving between terminals
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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.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Do, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Skymark Airlines
International Terminal
The international terminal, expanded in 2019, with its own hotel.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Canada, United Airlines
Airlines and destinations
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.