Travelling from Cairns Airport (CNS) to New Chitose Airport (CTS): what you need to know
The timezone in Sapporo is UTC+9, which is one hour behind Cairns.
Arrive at the airport on time so you don't miss your CNS to CTS flight. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid the stress of rushing.
Be prepared for longer queues in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
We make it easy to book a flight with a stopover. To see your options for tickets from Cairns Airport to New Chitose Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Worthwhile stopovers between CNS and CTS include:
Haneda Airport
Narita International Airport
Kansai International Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Cairns Airport (CNS) to New Chitose Airport (CTS)
At the moment, $344 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Cairns Airport to New Chitose Airport flight. The best price for a return plane ticket is $782. Keep in mind that fares may change due to demand when booking.
To get your hands on cheap tickets from CNS to CTS, book in advance. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when flights are first made available.
Getting cheap flights from Cairns Airport to New Chitose Airport is easier if you're flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest fares across each month and score a great deal.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from CNS to CTS by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Secure the perfect flight for you by using the filters. To see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Cairns Airport to New Chitose Airport, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by airline, departure and arrival times, and number of stops.
Handy information about Cairns Airport (CNS)
71.55% of flights taking off from Cairns Airport land at their destination on time.
Central Cairns to Cairns Airport is around 6 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 10 minutes to get there if you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving.
Catching public transport? You can expect a journey time of around 1 hour 25 minutes.
Searching for a handy hotel close to CNS? If you're boarding an early flight from Cairns Airport to New Chitose Airport, these stays will have you moments from your departure gate:
Arriving at New Chitose Airport (CTS)
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a Cairns Airport to New Chitose Airport flight. Book one of these accommodation options near CTS instead:
Hit the road running by picking up a New Chitose Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from car hire Hokkaido, Times or Nissan Rent a Car and experience the lesser-explored corners of Sapporo and beyond.
Reserving your ride from New Chitose Airport about two weeks ahead boosts your odds of scoring a great price.
Getting from New Chitose Airport (CTS) to central Sapporo
CTS is located at 987 Bibi, Chitose.
From New Chitose Airport, Sapporo is approximately 56 kilometres away. It takes around 1 hour to reach the centre by car.
When to fly to New Chitose Airport (CTS)
June is the busiest month for flights from Cairns Airport to New Chitose Airport. To skip the crowds, head to Sapporo in April.
The warmest month in Sapporo is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 27ºC (81ºF). Book your flights from Cairns Airport to New Chitose Airport in this month if this is the type of weather you like.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from CNS to CTS in January. Temperatures average between -11ºC (12ºF) and -1ºC (30ºF) then.
Explore more of Japan
You've done Sapporo, now it's time to explore other parts of Japan. Travel about 113 kilometres north-east to Asahikawa to tick off its top sights. From Asahiyama Zoo to Asahikawa Museum of Sculpture and Kamikawa Shrine, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 386 kilometres south of Sapporo, Akita is another favourite stop in Japan. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Koizumigata Koen Tennis Court Chikaku Parking Lot, Buzaemonseki Water Park and Omachi Sanchome Gaiku Park.