Hokkaido offers the most frequent chances to enjoy JAPOW in Japan. Hokkaido’s international airport, New Chitose Airport, has international flights, but many of them are short-haul routes from Asia. To get to Hokkaido from Europe, North America, or Australia, you generally need to enter Japan via Haneda or Narita first, and then travel onward to Hokkaido.
The capital city of Hokkaido is Sapporo, and many tourists use Sapporo as their base for getting around. This is where a common problem occurs: people confuse “Sapporo Okadama Airport” and “New Chitose Airport.” Even for Japanese people, these airports can be confusing if they are not used to them.
In this article, we summarize the following from a foreign traveler’s perspective: “access from Sapporo Station,” “estimated travel time,” and “common pitfalls for ski travelers.”
1) The Airports Have Different Characteristics: A Quick Comparison
New Chitose Airport (CTS)
- Hokkaido’s largest airport, with many international flights
- JR station is directly connected to the airport, making it easy to travel to Sapporo Station
- In winter, ski buses from the airport to Niseko and Rusutsu tend to be well developed
- On the other hand, it is farther from central Sapporo than OKD
Sapporo Okadama Airport (OKD)
- A small airport close to central Sapporo
- Mainly used for domestic routes within Hokkaido plus some routes to/from Honshu (direct travel from overseas is generally not assumed)
- In some cases, travel time to the Sapporo Station area can be shorter
- Because it has fewer flights and routes than CTS, itinerary flexibility is lower (fewer alternatives if there are delays)
In this image, both airports may look close to Sapporo Station, but the straight-line distances from Sapporo Station are as follows:
- New Chitose Airport: 5.9 km
- Sapporo Okadama Airport: 42.8 km
Hokkaido is very large, so travel can take time.
2) Access and Estimated Travel Time from Sapporo Station
Note: Travel time varies depending on weather, road conditions, and time of day. In winter, allow extra time.
A. Sapporo Station → New Chitose Airport (CTS)
Recommended: JR (Rapid “Airport,” etc.)
- Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport Station: approximately 35–40 minutes
- The airport station is directly connected to the terminal, making travel simple even on snowy days
- Trains are easy to understand, but there are fewer services late at night, so keep the “last train” in mind
Airport Limousine Bus
- Buses depart from areas such as Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino, and around major hotels; approximately 60–90 minutes
- Fewer transfers, and some services allow you to get off near your hotel
- In winter, traffic jams and blizzards can cause delays, so allow extra time before your flight
Taxi
- Estimated travel time: approximately 60–90 minutes (depending on road conditions)
- Convenient for group travel with lots of luggage, but costs can be high
When using a route search app, search with “Sapporo” as the departure point and “New Chitose Airport” as the destination.
B. Sapporo Station → Sapporo Okadama Airport (OKD)
(1) Subway + Local Bus (Practical and Reliable)
- Sapporo Station area → take the subway (Toho Line) toward “Sakaemachi”
- From around Sakaemachi Station, take a bus to the airport
- Total: approximately 30–45 minutes (varies depending on transfer time)
(2) Airport Shuttle Bus (Pay Attention to Season/Operating Conditions)
- There may be a bus connecting the Sapporo Station area and OKD, but because there can be seasonal operation and route changes, checking in advance is essential, especially during the winter ski season
- Estimate: if operating, it is often around 30 minutes
(3) Taxi
- From Sapporo Station: approximately 20–30 minutes
- Strong option if you want “zero transfers” for early morning flights, lots of luggage, or family travel
When using a route search app, search with “Sapporo” as the departure point and “Sapporo-Okadama-Airport” as the destination.
3) How Ski Travelers Should Choose: Recommendations by Purpose
① Coming from overseas / Want fewer transfers → CTS is the safe choice
- Many international flights and large airport facilities
- Easy to reach Sapporo via JR; less confusing for first-time visitors to Hokkaido
- Easier to plan direct buses to Niseko and Rusutsu (winter season)
② Want an airport close to Sapporo for “Sapporo stay + day-trip skiing” → OKD can be a great fit
- Easier to position yourself near central Sapporo
- Well suited for itineraries where you stay in Sapporo and ski day trips to Teine, Sapporo Kokusai, and nearby areas
- When combined with travel within Hokkaido (e.g., eastern/northern Hokkaido), the overall travel time may be shortened depending on flight segments
③ Want to go straight from the airport to a resort like Niseko → CTS is strong
- If you want to go directly to a resort without stopping in Sapporo, CTS offers more transportation options
- However, buses carry risks such as reservations, being full, and cancellations, so consider backups (e.g., going via Sapporo by train)
4) Common Pitfalls for Foreign Travelers (Especially Ski Trips)
1) Assume winter delays/cancellations and build in extra time
In Hokkaido winters, blizzards and strong winds can affect flights, trains, and buses.
- For international/domestic connections, having at least 2–3 hours of buffer time is reassuring
- On departure day, make it a rule to arrive at the airport early
2) Skis/snowboards + suitcases make transfers feel much longer
- Subway stairs, crowds, and platform movement can take more time than expected
- The CTS JR option is easy to understand because it requires fewer transfers
- OKD often requires “subway + bus,” so if you have lots of luggage, taking a taxi is also realistic
3) Be careful about late-night transportation
- JR services to/from CTS become less frequent late at night
- If you arrive late or are delayed, it is safer to prepare alternatives such as buses, taxis, or staying overnight in Sapporo
4) Buses are convenient, but can be full, canceled, or delayed
- Ski buses and airport buses can fill up during peak seasons
- Some services require reservations, so secure seats early during peak periods (New Year holidays through February)
5) Using luggage delivery makes your trip much easier
- Sending skis/snowboards and large luggage from the airport or city to your accommodation can dramatically reduce travel stress
- If your plan is to ski on the day you arrive, sending your gear ahead can also work (pay attention to delivery/receipt timing)
Summary
- Travel between Hokkaido and other areas → New Chitose (CTS)
- Travel within Hokkaido → Okadama (OKD)
If you confuse these two airports, you will almost certainly miss your flight. Make sure you pay close attention to which airport it is during the planning stage.
If you are unsure on the day of travel, ask a Japanese person nearby. Anyone will kindly tell you.
