Overview
Chitose Airport is the main gateway for passengers coming in and out of Hokkaido from within Japan and internationally.
The transfer time from Chitose to Furano is between 2 and 4.5 hours depending on your choice of transfer.
Train, bus, private taxi transfer and self-drive are all possible options for transport from Chitose airport to Furano.
Flights to Chitose Airport
Sapporo Chitose Airport (CTS) is Hokkaido’s largest airport and handles both regional international flights from China, Hong Kong, South Korea & Taiwan as well as domestic flights from airports across Japan.
The Tokyo <-> Chitose route actually offers the most flight departures of any route in Japan!
If you plan to arrive at Chitose Airport later than 20:00 and wish to take the train, bus or hire a car and drive yourself to Furano, you will need to stay at an airport hotel and travel the next morning.
Private taxi transfers are available to book in advance for all flights arriving at Chitose Airport.
The most convenient Chitose Airport hotel options are Air Terminal Hotel and Portem International Hokkaido both of which are located within the terminal building. Nearby Chitose Town also has a number of good hotel options close to Chitose Train Station.
Bus from Chitose Airport to Furano
- Price: ¥4,500 per adult / ¥3,500 per child
- Transfer Time: 2.25 to 2.5 hours
Taking the bus from Chitose Airport to Furano is the most popular method of travel.
The service is fairly convenient with meeting locations in the Domestic and International terminal buildings and buses picking up on site.
The Chitose Airport to Furano bus is direct with no changes of vehicle required and a comfort break provided along the way.
The transfer time varies between 2.25 and 2.5 hours depending on road and weather conditions.
The last bus from Chitose to Furano is not late enough for the latest scheduled flight arrivals. Similarly, the earliest bus from Furano to Chitose Airport is not early enough to service early flight departures. So, if you want to take the bus, please check the bus timetable before booking your flights.
Buses drop off all over the Furano area, so whether you are staying in Kitanomine, Shin Furano or Furano Town, bus services are an option open to you.
Bus transfers can be arranged at Chitose Airport upon arrival but advanced booking is highly recommended as bus services can fill up, especially over peak times as most passengers book well in advance.
If you let your accommodation provider know which bus you have booked, most will meet you at your drop off location and take you to your accommodation for check.
Similarly for departure from Furano to Chitose Airport, if you let your accommodation provider know which bus you have booked with sufficient notice, most will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off at the bus pick up location in plenty of time.
Pros
- Well priced
- Reasonably convenient
- Reasonably fast
Cons
- Not suitable for all flights – check the bus timetable before booking your flights
Chitose Airport to Furano Taxi
- Price: ¥3,200 to ¥40,000 per person - depending on vehicle type and number of passengers
- Transfer Time: 2 hours
Private Taxi Transfers are the most convenient and fastest option for transfer from Chitose Airport to Furano with a variety of vehicle sizes offered.
On arrival at the airport, the driver will meet you in the arrival lobby, carry your bags to the vehicle and drop you off at your check in location in Furano.
On departure from Furano to Chitose Airport, the driver will collect you from your accommodation and drop you off at the correct location for check-in for your flight. This means minimal pushing of trollies stacked with ski bags!
Tip
- You can book a stop off at a supermarket to buy groceries for an additional charge. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation in Furano and plan to cook some of your own meals, this can be really useful.
Taking a taxi from Furano to Chitose Airport is a great stress-free option is you are worried about being late for your flight(s) home.
Private taxi transfers must be booked in advance and cannot be arranged at the airport.
Pros
- Available 24 hours a day - ideal for flights arriving late
- Most convenient
- Faster than bus services
Cons
- More expensive than other options
Chitose Airport to Furano Train
- Price: Approximately ¥5,500 per person
- Transfer Time: Up to 4.5 hours - depending on waiting time between trains
Japan has a world-class network of trains that famously run on time to the second!
Chitose Airport Station is located within the terminal building. Tickets can be purchased on the day of travel from ticket machines or a sales counter.
Furano Train Station is located in Furano Town, 5 to 10 minutes’ drive from Kitanomine village or Shin Furano.
The route takes place in three stages:
- Stage 1: JR Rapid Airport Line: Chitose Airport -> Sapporo (38 minutes)
- Stage 2: JR Limited Express Lilac Line: Sapporo -> Takikawa (50 minutes)
- Stage 3: JR Nemuro Line: Takikawa -> Furano (66 minutes)
If you plan which train you plan to get in advance, most accommodations in Furano will provide a pick up and drop service between Furano Station and your accommodation, if you book it with them in advance with a couple of weeks’ notice. Alternatively, you can take a local taxi for approximately ¥2,500 for the 5 to 10 minutes’ drive. Please ensure you have your destination written out in Japanese as most taxi drivers in Japan do not speak conversational level English.
Japan Rail Pass: For guests visiting Furano as part of a longer itinerary of travel elsewhere in Japan, either side of their ski experience, a Japan Rail Pass can be a fantastic investment, allowing unlimited train travel on most Japan Rail trains, for periods of 7, 14 or 21 days to suit your travel schedule.
- Look up winter season train timetables on JR Hokkaido
- Search Japan's train schedules using the Japan Transit Planner.
Note: Sapporo train station is listed as “SAPPORO(JR)” in this system (not to be confused with “SAPPORO(SUBWAY)" or "SAPPORO-BEER-TEIEN”, which are different services.
Pros
- Free if you hold a JR Rail Pass
Cons
- Longest transfer time
- Not ideal for passengers with ski / snowboard bags
Driving from Chitose Airport to Furano
- Price: Varies by vehicle type and hire duration
- Transfer Time: 2 hours
Chitose Airport has lots of car hire options for those wanting to drive themselves the 2.5 hours drive from Chitose Airport to Furano.
The route is pretty straightforward with road signs in English but driving in January and February can be a little tricky for those without experience of driving in challenging winter conditions. Snow & ice covered roads are commonplace and visibility can be poor when snow is falling, which is not uncommon in Hokkaido!
If you are comfortable driving in these conditions, having a vehicle opens up the possibility of day tripping to Tomamu, Sahoro, Asahidake or Kamui Ski Links ski resorts, to off the beaten path Onsen hot springs in the area or for authentic dining in Furano Town.
If you like the sound of this but prefer not to drive between Chitose Airport and Furano, you can hire a car in Furano Town. This is becoming increasingly popular, so book as early as you can and check that your accommodation has sufficient parking.
Larger 7 or 8-seater vehicles, such as Toyota Hi-Ace or Mistubishi Delica, are commonly available to book in advance and can easily transport ski and snowboard bags.
Hire vehicles are four-wheel drive, come with winter tyres fitted (so no snow chains required) and English language GPS can be booked.
All drivers must bring their own national driver's license and a valid International Drivers Permit to legally drive in Japan. Car hire companies will not hand over the keys without these documents.
Pros
- Flexibility to get around in the Furano area
Cons
- Challenging driving conditions – snowy / icy roads & poor visibility
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Furano Transfers
Whether you are coming from Chitose Airport, Asahikawa Airport, Sapporo, Asahikawa or one of the other Hokkaido Ski Resorts, there are numerous options for the transfer to Furano.
Book now through our Pre-Trip Concierge Service
Available for guests that have booked accommodation with us.
Furano Accommodation
Furano has a mix of Ski In / Ski Out Resort Hotels, Japanese Pensions and self catering apartments located at the base of the Furano Ski Resort.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.