Most visitors arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS), about 40 minutes south of the city. The JR Rapid Airport train runs every fifteen minutes to Sapporo Station and costs 1,150 yen. It is fast and reliable, though be warned that seats fill up quickly and there is limited space for large luggage.
Airport shuttle buses are an alternative, running to major hotels and Sapporo Station. They take a bit longer but are more comfortable if you are travelling with heavy bags or ski equipment.
If you are already in Japan, the JR network connects Sapporo to Hakodate (about three and a half hours) and onward to Honshu via the Seikan Tunnel. The journey from Tokyo by train takes around ten hours and costs approximately 27,000 yen, though a Japan Rail Pass covers the fare. Most people coming from Tokyo fly instead, with frequent flights taking about ninety minutes.