Flying from Seattle to Sapporo: what you need to know
Seattle is home to a couple of airports where you can set off on your adventure. Explore your options for booking a flight from Seattle to Sapporo leaving from Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Seattle Lake Union SPB Airport (LKE).
Sapporo Chitose Airport (CTS) is where you'll be landing in Sapporo.
Sapporo is 17 hours ahead of Seattle and observes the UTC+9 timezone.
To ensure you board your Seattle to Sapporo flight, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport well in advance. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to Sapporo
To find cheap Seattle to Sapporo flights, book ahead. Airlines usually offer lower fares when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Seattle to Sapporo across each month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
Locking in a cheap flight from Seattle to Sapporo is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Seattle to Sapporo flights.
Flying from Seattle
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save on your Seattle to Sapporo flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Seattle / Tacoma International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Taipei Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE)
Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)
The journey from central Seattle to SEA takes around 35 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a taxi, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a handy hotel near Seattle / Tacoma International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Seattle to Sapporo, these stays will put you moments from your departure lounge:
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport has an excellent on-time record, reducing the likelihood of delays. Departures from SEA land on schedule 80% of the time.
Arriving in Sapporo
Sapporo Chitose Airport (CTS)
Sapporo Chitose Airport (CTS) is approximately 40 kilometres from the centre of Sapporo. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes around 45 minutes.
It typically takes 35 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Seattle to Sapporo. Book one of these accommodation options near CTS instead:
Pick up a Sapporo Chitose Airport rental car and discover Sapporo and beyond with your own set of wheels. Car rental Hokkaido, Times and Nissan Rent a Car are well-known companies you can book with here.
Booking your ride from Sapporo Chitose Airport around two weeks in advance gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
You'll find CTS at 987 Bibi, Chitose.
Sapporo Okadama Airport (OKD)
As soon as your flight from Seattle to Sapporo has arrived, you can get to the city centre in about 20 minutes by car. Central Sapporo is approximately 6 kilometres from Sapporo Okadama Airport (OKD).
You can expect the trip to take approximately 25 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places to call home for the night near OKD. Unwind after your Seattle to Sapporo flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Budget, バジェットレンタカー and Orix make collecting a Sapporo Okadama Airport rental car easy and quick. These reliable suppliers are located around or in the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Lock in the lowest price by securing your ride from OKD two weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
You'll find Sapporo Okadama Airport at 885 Sakaemachi, Higashi Ward.
Best time to go to Sapporo
March is the quietest month for flights from Seattle to Sapporo, while August is the busiest. Pick the ideal time to go to Sapporo based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Book a Seattle to Sapporo ticket departing in August if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Sapporo to range from 16ºC to 27ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Seattle to Sapporo in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -11ºC and -1ºC on average.
More about Sapporo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Sapporo right here. Browse these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Seattle to Sapporo:
Hokkaido Jingu and Odori Park are a couple of popular attractions to put on your Sapporo itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Mt. Moiwa Summit Observation Deck.
Explore more of Japan
Sapporo is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other parts of Japan you should also see. Around 257 kilometres south of Sapporo, a trip to Aomori will keep you on the move. Don't miss top attractions like Jomon Jiyukan, Kohrakuen and Aomori kenritsu kyōdo-kan Prefectural Museum.
If you're looking to explore another corner of Japan, head for Morioka, about 370 kilometres south of Sapporo. Yonai weeping cherry trees, Kodaiji and Tsurugaike are key highlights.