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 Airport to Rusutsu is between 2 and 3 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 Rusutsu.
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 Rusutsu, 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.
Chitose Airport to Rusutsu Bus
- Price: ¥4,000 per adult / ¥3,000 per child
- Transfer Time: 2 hours
Taking the bus from Chitose Airport to Rusutsu 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 Rusutsu bus is direct with no changes of vehicle required and a comfort break provided along the way.
The transfer time varies between 2 hours depending on road and weather conditions.
The last bus from Chitose Airport to Rusutsu is not late enough for the latest scheduled flight arrivals. Similarly, the earliest bus from Rusutsu to Chitose Airport is not early enough to service early flight departures from Chitose Airport. So, if you want to take the Chitose Airport to the Rusutsu bus in the evening or the Rusutsu to Chitose Airport bus in the morning, keep the bus timetable in mind when booking your flights.
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.
Pros
- Well priced
- Reasonably convenient
- Reasonably fast
Cons
- Not suitable for all flights – check the bus timetable before booking your flights
Chitose Airport to Rusutsu Taxi
- Price: ¥3,000 to ¥28,000 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 Rusutsu with a variety of vehicle sizes offered.
Upon arrival at Chitose Airport, the driver will meet you in the arrival lobby of the Domestic or International terminal, carry your bags to the vehicle and drop you off at your check-in location in Rusutsu.
Private taxi transfers must be booked in advance and cannot be arranged at the airport.
For departure from Rusutsu 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!
Taking a taxi from Rusutsu to Chitose Airport is a great stress-free option if you are worried about being late for your flight(s) home.
Pros
- Available 24 hours a day - ideal for flights arriving late
- Most convenient
- Faster than bus services
Cons
- More expensive than other options
Train from Chitose Airport to Rusutsu
- Price: Approximately ¥8,500 per person
- Transfer Time: 3 hours
Japan has a world-class network of trains that famously run on time to the second!
Niseko Train Station is the closest train station to Rusutsu ski resort but is a 30 minutes drive, so is not an ideal option.
Chitose Airport Train Station is located on the basement level of the Domestic Terminal. Tickets can be purchased on the day of travel from ticket machines or a sales counter.
The train route from Chitose Airport to Niseko Station takes place in three stages:
- Stage 1: JR Rapid Airport Line: Chitose Airport Station -> Sapporo Station (40 minutes)
- Stage 2: JR Rapid Airport Line: Sapporo Station -> Otaru Station (30 minutes)
- Stage 3: JR Hakodate Line: Otaru Station -> Niseko Station (90 minutes)
Some Train Services will allow you to complete all three stages without changing trains. More commonly a change of trains at Otaru Station or Sapporo Station is required. This change is pretty straightforward at Otaru Station, which is a small station with just a few platforms. Most often this entails disembarking from your train, crossing the platform to the opposite track and boarding the train shortly after arriving at that platform.
Niseko Station to Rusutsu Ski Resort (30 mins)
Donan Bus Company operates a bus service departing from Niseko Train Station and dropping off at Rusutsu ski resort with several departures daily.
Alternatively, you can take a local taxi from the taxi rank at Niseko Station, which will likely cost at least ¥5,000. Please ensure you have your destination written out in Japanese as most taxi drivers in Japan do not speak conversational level English.
Tip
- If travelling during daylight, try and get a window seat on the right-hand side of the train for the section of the journey around Otaru as there are fantastic views out of the Sea of Japan to be had.
Japan Rail Pass: For guests visiting Rusutsu 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: Chitose Airport train station is listed as “NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT” in this system (not to be confused with “CHITOSE”, which is nearby Chitose Town’s train station).
Pros
- Free if you hold a JR Rail Pass
- Least expensive option
Cons
- A little complex if not familiar with trains in Japan
- Not ideal for passengers with ski / snowboard bags
Drive from Chitose Airport to Rusutsu
- 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 hours drive from Chitose Airport to Rusutsu.
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 in 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 Niseko or Kiroro ski resorts, off-the-beaten path Onsen (hot springs) in the area or authentic dining in the area.
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 already fitted (so no snow chains are 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 local area and day trip to other ski resorts
Cons
- Challenging driving conditions – snowy / icy roads & poor visibility
You might also like
Rusutsu Transfers
Whether you are coming from New Chitose Airport, Sapporo City, Otaru City or one of the other Hokkaido Ski Resorts, there are numerous options for the transfer to Rusutsu.
Book now through our Pre-Trip Concierge Service
Available for guests that have booked accommodation with us.
Rusutsu Accommodation
Rusutsu Resort is well serviced by two ski in / ski out resort hotels with plenty of restaurants and facilities.
Ideal for groups and families wanting an all in ski holiday experience.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.