New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu – Travel Guide and Getting There

Рекомендация: Take the JR Rapid Airport to Sapporo, then transfer to the Muroran Line toward Noboribetsu, and ride the final leg to Noboribetsu Station. It takes about 1 hour 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu, including the transfer time.

Rail option basics: From CTS to Sapporo is around 40 minutes on the Rapid service, then the Sapporo to Noboribetsu leg on the Muroran Line runs about 60–70 minutes. With a quick platform change and a few stops, you reach Noboribetsu in roughly 1 hour 40 minutes. The information boards at Sapporo Station show transfer options, and the staff at CTS can help you pick the best window for your ride. They can also meet you at the platform if you arrive with luggage. Japanesedonan souvenirs await some travelers at the stations along the way.

Driving offers flexibility: Rent a car at CTS and follow the coastal roads toward Noboribetsu. Expect 75–90 minutes under normal conditions; winter snow can extend that by 20–30 minutes. Bring a map or use your phone with offline maps for precise turns, and you’ll enjoy views of the Ishikari Plain and the valley ahead.

Bus option: Donan Bus runs from CTS to Noboribetsu Onsen Terminal with several daily departures. Travel typically takes 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops. This route helps you spare transfers, and the ride is a good chance to meet local passengers and staff along the way.

Arrival tips and quick-start: Noboribetsu Station places you within a short ride of the hot springs district. Staff at hotels and ryokan bring maps and recommendation sheets, and signage around the station shows the location of Noboribetsu Onsen. Just follow the signs to Noboribetsu Onsen. If you plan to visit Jigokudani, bring a light jacket–the valley stays breezy even on mild days. For wildlife, observe bears from a safe distance and follow posted location signs; hot-spring steam and boardwalks create perfect photo opportunities.

Broader travel: If you’re building a larger circuit that includes okinawa, wakayama, kyushu, iwate, or shiga, this Hokkaido entry point fits neatly into your timetable. Use the search feature to check live rail and bus times, and explore the location data on your map before you go. The route around CTS to Noboribetsu это a perfect kick-off to a northern Japan trip.

JR Rail Route: CTS to Noboribetsu via Sapporo Transfer

Take the JR Rapid Airport from New Chitose (CTS) to Sapporo, then transfer to the Noboribetsu Line. The CTS to Sapporo leg runs about 36 minutes, with shown timetables confirming departures every 15 minutes during the day. From Sapporo Station, board the JR Noboribetsu Line toward Noboribetsu; this leg takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, with hourly service during off‑peak hours and more frequent during peak hours. Total door‑to‑door time will be around 2 hours. If you are traveling with children, this route remains straightforward with comfortable seating and clear announcements, and it will suit a family plan nicely.

Boarding logistics: The airport’s CTS station is inside the terminal; use the front entrance to reach the JR counter and ticket machines. Here you can buy single tickets or present a JR Pass if you have one. If you will meet someone on arrival, coordinate at Sapporo Station or Noboribetsu Station; please verify platform numbers before boarding.

Luggage and fares: For the lowest fare, ride non‑reserved cars on the Rapid Airport and the Noboribetsu Line; you can store luggage in overhead racks or at the car ends. If you have larger luggage, consider forwarding service to your Noboribetsu hotel. If you travel with a lot of luggage, plan extra time during connections; unreserved seating keeps costs down and bags manageable.

Onboard experience and sights: The CTS‑Sapporo leg traverses farmland and urban outskirts before you reach Sapporo’s core. The Sapporo‑to‑Noboribetsu leg rolls through rural Hokkaido toward the famous onsen town; you may catch glimpses of the Sapporo Tower. After arrival, enjoy a bath and stroll the adorable streets near Noboribetsu to browse local shops and eateries.

Where to stay and meet: In Noboribetsu, the Dai‑ichi hotel is a solid choice for easy access from the station. If you arrange a meeting, meet at the hotel lobby or at the Noboribetsu Station entrance; staff can guide you to the onsen and dining options around here.

Schedule and planning: Trains run across the day; you will arrive in Noboribetsu after roughly 2 hours of travel, so plan your arrival time around hotel check‑in hours. If you are combining this route with other destinations like Osaka or Akita, you can plan a longer itinerary with connections via Sapporo. For travelers from Nagano or Yamanashi, you can reach CTS first by Shinkansen or domestic flight to Tokyo, then connect to New Chitose’s JR lines. Time windows and hours of operation vary by season, so verify the latest timetable before departure.

Broader itinerary notes: If you have a wider trip within Japan, you may also include Nara, Kanto, Kyushu, and other regions; but the direct CTS to Noboribetsu via Sapporo route remains the efficient core for your Hokkaido visit. If you arrive early, meet friends near Sapporo Station tower area and then proceed to Noboribetsu; the front of the station offers easy access to taxis and bus connections. Please arrive with enough time to switch trains, and enjoy a smooth transfer that fits your plans with luggage, kids, or a relaxed pace.

Travel Time and Fare: CTS to Noboribetsu by JR Rail

Travel Time

Board the JR Rapid Airport Service at New Chitose Airport Station and proceed to Sapporo in about 36–40 minutes. From Sapporo, board the Limited Express Super Hokuto for Noboribetsu, typically 1 hour 15–20 minutes. The CTS to Noboribetsu total time is around 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours, depending on transfer timing. Please plan for a comfortable buffer, proceed smoothly between platforms, and enjoy the ride with good photo opportunities along the way. This japanese guide keeps you informed with practical information at every step, including location details and easy boarding reminders, so you can proceed without stress and without missing a beat. onsennoboribetsu is the final stop where you can begin your onsen experience.

Fare and Tickets

Basic fare CTS to Sapporo is about 1,100 yen. Limited Express surcharge for Sapporo to Noboribetsu runs around 2,900–3,100 yen, giving a total of roughly 4,000–4,400 yen for a standard adult. If you reserve seats, add roughly 520 yen for the reserved-seat fee, bringing the total to about 4,500–4,900 yen. Luggage can be stored in overhead racks or dedicated areas, making the ride comfortable for most travelers. For admission to attractions after arrival, budgets vary by facility, and you’ll find convenient information at the station location. For the latest farestimetablesfor JR routes, check here or on the official information page. This great route serves as a perfect option for travelers planning a future trip to destinations like tokushima, okinawa, gifu, aichi, or niigata, offering a reliable JR experience with clear, practical guidance.

Direct Highway Bus: CTS to Noboribetsu Onsen Schedule and Fares

Recommendation: take the 08:40 CTS Ekimae direct bus to Noboribetsu Onsen for a smooth arrival in about 2 hour. Tickets are available at the airport front counters or online, and booking in advance guarantees a seat. The Ekimae stop is clearly signed at New Chitose Airport, and the walk from the terminal to the front door of the bus is short.

Schedule at a glance

• 08:40 Depart CTS Ekimae (front area); about 2 hour ride to Noboribetsu Onsen.
• 11:15 Depart; arrival around 13:05.
• 13:40 Depart; arrival around 15:30.
• 16:20 Depart; arrival around 18:10.
• 19:00 Depart; arrival around 20:50.

The timetable shows daily departures, with some variations by months and date. Departing times may shift on weekends, holidays, and peak months, so check the date-specific schedule for accurate hours before departing. If a stop at Ekimae or a town stop is listed, the ride time can shift by a few minutes depending on traffic and weather.

Fares and how to save

• Lowest one-way fare typically around 2,800–3,000 JPY when booked in advance; many travelers see 3,000–4,000 JPY as a standard range.
• Round-trip discounts may apply; look for deals on sitetravel or the official CTS partner sites.
• Payment at the Ekimae counter or online; credit cards and mobile payments are commonly accepted.
• Seasonal variations exist: peak months with holidays can raise prices, while off-peak months offer the lowest rates.

Variations: if the direct CTS to Noboribetsu Onsen service is full, you can ride to Sapporo and transfer to another highway bus that stops near Noboribetsu, or connect via a local train from the airport front area. For travelers starting from Tokyo, Nagasaki, Okinawa, Hyogo, Tochigi, Fukushima, Niigata, or Hokuriku regions, plan ahead by pairing air or Shinkansen connections with the CTS bus. Hokuh-kaido and Hokuriku routes connect well to Noboribetstu, and a brief walk from the Noboribetsu Ekimae stop puts you into town. From the airport, the front area signs guide you to the Ekimae stop, then you ride toward Noboribetsu and end in the Springs district.

If you want a quick check on schedule and prices, Sitetravel provides live updates and date-specific variations. For a broader island travel plan that includes tokyo or fukushima, you can add a domestic flight or rail leg after your stay in Noboribetsu. The town itself is walkable, and many hotels sit along a short walk from the bus stop.

From Noboribetsu Onsen to Sapporo: Fastest Return Options

The fastest return is the direct JR service from Noboribetsu Station to Sapporo Station, usually 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. If youre traveling with luggage, this route minimizes transfers and keeps baggage handling simple; lockers at Noboribetsu Station help you drop bags before boarding.

The ride follows the Muroran Line toward Sapporo, with a handful of stops and the onboard staff ready to help. Noboribetsu is famous for springs, and a quick photo stop in town is a nice way to start the trip. Use the here directions and guide to confirm platform numbers and departure times, which makes travel smoother. This option suits an adorable, efficient trip for international travelers and first-timers, and it also fits a broader plan that includes stops in Nagano or Iwate and onward to Shimane, Yamanashi, or Kyoto on a longer travel.

Rail option: direct Noboribetsu Onsen to Sapporo

Board at Noboribetsu Onsen and stay on the same train to Sapporo Station; no extra stops or transfers. If youre new to JR, the dai-ichi counter at the station can help with tickets and seat selection. The route offers a practical photo stop and a straightforward travel flow, with staff ready to assist. You’ll appreciate the minimal stops and the ease for a trip that begins in a famous hot-spring town and ends in the capital of Hokkaido.

Alternative fast options: bus or car

Highway buses from Noboribetsu Onsen to Sapporo typically take about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours, depending on weather and traffic. A rental car is usually 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes via the Hokkaido Expressway and Route 36, weather permitting. If you want flexibility to visit springs or other stops, driving lets you tailor a route that passes places like Wakayama, Shimane, or Kyushu on a longer trip, and you can plan a quick stop for a photo. For many travelers, this option works well for a wider travel plan that includes Kanto, Nagano, Yamanashi, or Tohoku connections later on; you can also book additional luggage services if needed.

Ticketing Tips: IC Cards, Seat Reservations, and Luggage

Top tip: preload a Kitaca IC card and use it for every leg from New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsus; tap on and tap off at stations and reload at CTS or Sapporo. This keeps you riding without ticket queues and suits hokkaido location well. If your plans include aomori or other parts of tohoku, the same card works across many lines, making your guide through the region smoother.

IC card coverage and fares are straightforward: Kitaca is standard on JR Hokkaido lines, and you may also use Suica or Pasmo where accepted on some services. Confirm on the station map screens if your card can ride the entire route to noboribetsus; refill machines are bilingual and operate 24/7 near the main gate area. This sure makes the ride smoother.

IC Cards and Fare Basics

Use IC cards for the ride across hokkaido, including the Noboribetsus route. You can tap on at the start and tap off at the end, with the fare automatically calculated. If you are planning to visit areas in fukushima, ibaraki or hyogo later, your card will still work at many stations, though you should confirm compatibility in advance.

Seat Reservations and Luggage

Reserve seats on Limited Express services toward noboribetsus, especially on weekends or holidays. Use the JR Hokkaido app or the ticket counter to secure a seat with your preferred arrangement (window or aisle). From Sapporo to Noboribetsu, plan for about 60–90 minutes depending on directness, and check the timetable on travel day for exact times.

Luggage options: coin lockers at New Chitose Airport Station hold small to medium bags; prices typically range 300–600 yen by size. For heavier bags, use TA-Q-BIN luggage delivery to your hotel or to an onsen-cho lodging near Noboribetsus and arrange pickup when you arrive. This keeps your hands free and your ride comfortable.

Variations in itineraries exist if you include aomori or fukushima, or a stop in ibaraki or tottori; check timetable variations to avoid delays. The Noboribetsus area has a calm atmosphere and a gentle pace that fits a relaxed onsen-cho stroll after your ride. If you enjoy coastal exploration, you can plan a dolphin-watching leg as a side trip and return with a well-timed schedule in your guide.

One-Day Plan: Arrival, Onsen Break, and Evening in Sapporo

Start with a fast move: after landing at New Chitose, take the Rapid Airport Train to Sapporo for about 40 minutes, then spend a couple of hours wandering Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower, and Susukino for a first-hand feel of the region.

Morning arrival and Sapporo sightseeing

Catch the 09:00–09:40 train to Sapporo and arrive by mid-morning. Walk a short block to a cozy cafe for a light breakfast, then stroll past the adorable red-brick clock tower and cheerful storefronts along the Sapporo Chuo Doori. For a quick breather, pause at the park and watch locals and visitors mingle–a nice preview of hokkaido hospitality. If you crave a longer look at the city, reserve an hour for a quick ascent of the observatory at the nearby tower show, then grab a tangy miso ramen or seafood donburi nearby. This block of sightseeing keeps you within the japanesedonan vibe you’ll find in this northern region of japan.

Afternoon onsen break and return

At around 13:30, board a Noboribetsu-bound ride from Sapporo. The Limited Express Hokuto to Noboribetsu Onsen Station takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes. In Noboribetsu, head straight to Takimotokan for a rejuvenating onsennoboribetsu session; book a 90-minute bath to capitalize on mineral-rich baths and a tranquil bathhouse layout that locals and visitors rate as adorable and relaxing. After the soak, have a light tea and a snack in the onsen town, then ride back to Sapporo by the same train line, arriving around 18:30–19:00. You’ll have time to meet friends or new acquaintances in the Susukino area, where a casual dinner offers regional seafood and grilled skewers. If you’re traveling with a partner or group from kanagawa, saitama, ibaraki, okayama, yamaguchi, or other parts of japan, this plan makes it easy to coordinate a date or a quick meet-up for photos and planning.

Время	Деятельность	Расположение	Примечания
08:30	Arrive and clear customs	New Chitose Airport	Collect luggage, follow signs to JR station
09:10	Rapid Airport Train to Sapporo	Chitose Line	About 40 minutes; fare around 1,070 JPY
10:00	Sightseeing stroll	Odori Park / Sapporo TV Tower area	Casual pace, take photos, grab a coffee
12:00	Lunch	Susukino dining streets	Try miso ramen or fresh seafood
13:40	Ride to Noboribetsu Onsen	From Sapporo Station	Limited Express Hokuto, about 1h20m
15:05	Onsen time	Takimotokan	Reserved bath, 90 minutes; onsennoboribetsu experience
16:45	Return to Sapporo	From Noboribetsu	Same rail line, ~1h20m
18:20	Evening in Sapporo	Susukino dining	Dinner and casual strolls

Tip: book Takimotokan in advance to ensure a seamless onsen bath and a smoother day. If you prefer buses for part of the route, regional buses connect Noboribetsu to nearby stations, though trains usually save time. This plan balances a strong dose of sightseeing with a refreshing bath, and it works well for a date or a casual meet with friends from any of the nearby prefectures–kanagawa, saitama, ibaraki, okayama, yamaguchi–and beyond. The overall flow keeps you in the hokkaido region, with a generous lengthup for a compact itinerary that still feels like a full experience.