Travelling from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Sapporo: what you need to know
The timezone in Sapporo is UTC+9. The city is four hours behind Auckland, where Auckland Airport is located.
For a relaxed start to your AKL to Sapporo flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good general rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling and possibly even tick a new city off your list. When browsing for flight tickets from AKL to Sapporo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Narita International Airport (NRT)
The journey from central Auckland to AKL takes around 1 hour 25 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Catching an early flight from Auckland Airport to Sapporo? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels close to AKL:
69.31% of flights that leave from Auckland Airport reach their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Sapporo
R 5,272 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Auckland Airport to Sapporo flight. A return flight ticket right now is R 12,066. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares may change.
To find cheap flights from AKL to Sapporo, book ahead. Airlines usually offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets first go on sale.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, check out the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across every month when looking for an Auckland Airport to Sapporo ticket.
Save time searching for cheap flights from AKL to Sapporo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Save on your flight from Auckland Airport to Sapporo with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Sapporo
New Chitose Airport (CTS)
New Chitose Airport (CTS) is around 56 kilometres from central Sapporo. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 1 hour.
Consider booking a hotel close to CTS if you're coming in on a late flight from Auckland Airport to Sapporo. Select one of these accommodation options and make your arrival easier:
Grab a New Chitose Airport rental car and discover Sapporo and beyond with your own wheels. Car rental Hokkaido, Times and Nissan Rent a Car are well-known companies you can book with here.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your vehicle from New Chitose Airport about two weeks ahead of your flight from AKL to Sapporo.
The address for CTS is 987 Bibi, Chitose.
Okadama Airport (OKD)
Central Sapporo is located around 8 kilometres from Okadama Airport (OKD). After your flight from Auckland Airport to Sapporo has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 30 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near OKD. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your AKL to Sapporo flight:
Budget, バジェットレンタカー and Orix make collecting an Okadama Airport rental car simple. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Snap up a deal by booking your ride from OKD two weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.
You can find Okadama Airport at 885 Sakaemachi, Higashi Ward.
Best time to go to Sapporo
Carefully consider your travel dates before locking in your flight from Auckland Airport to Sapporo. The city comes alive in peak season, but hotel rates are often higher and major attractions can be crowded. Visit Sapporo in the off-season for a quieter vibe.
Before booking an Auckland Airport to Sapporo flight ticket, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Sapporo, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC (61ºF) to 27ºC (81ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between -11ºC (12ºF) and -1ºC (30ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from AKL to Sapporo around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Sapporo
Start your Sapporo trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Auckland Airport to Sapporo, check out our range of accommodation options including:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower and Hokkaido Shrine are must-visits when exploring Sapporo.
Explore more of Japan
Sapporo will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of Japan just waiting to be explored. About 113 kilometres north-east of Sapporo, a trip to Asahikawa will keep you on the move. Start with popular sights like Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa Museum of Sculpture and Kamikawa Shrine.
Akita is another favourite destination in Japan and is around 386 kilometres south of Sapporo. No journey is complete without experiencing Koizumigata Koen Tennis Court Chikaku Parking Lot, Buzaemonseki Water Park and Omachi Sanchome Gaiku Park.