New Chitose Airport serves as Hokkaido’s main international airport and acts as the gateway to the region, thanks to its excellent transit connections to central Sapporo, 40 minutes away by direct train.
International flights mostly originate from across Asia (e.g. South Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Singapore & Australia), with some others from further destinations, like Hawaii or Finland(Actual results in 2020. Please check the New Chitose Airport and each airline's website for the current flight status. NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT). Domestic flights originate from all over Japan. The Tokyo—New Chitose route is one of the busiest in the world (9.7mill passengers carried in 2018), with up to 80 flights during normal conditions.
The airport was renovated and expanded in August 2019. Its freshly built complex features a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, catering to passengers’ needs.
Trains services run about every 15 minutes between Sapporo Station and the airport JR station, directly beneath the domestic terminal. The ride takes around 40 minutes and costs ¥1,150.
Bus services are marginally cheaper, depart from both terminals and visit several places around Sapporo — helpful if you are heading to a specific area like Sapporo Beer Garden or Jozankei Onsen.
Taxis are another option, with a journey starting from ¥10,000 — but this can vary depending on nighttime surcharges, road conditions, and your specific dropoff location.