Train from Chitose Airport to Hakodate

1. Please advise how fast is the luggage retrieval at Chitose airport upon arrival.

2. My group of 4 intends to travel to Hakodate by train. What's the fastest and cheapest train to take? Where do we catch the train to Hakodate from CTS?

3. Would it be less of a hassle to take the train on the following day instead of the same day we arrive in Sapporo? Our flight lands at 1630h. This is our first time in Hokkaido.

Thank you.

Rgds,
Juliana

1. Please advise how fast is the luggage retrieval at Chitose airport upon arrival.

It is usually relatively fast. 10-20 minutes after arriving at the gate.

2. My group of 4 intends to travel to Hakodate by train. What's the fastest and cheapest train to take? Where do we catch the train to Hakodate from CTS?

The fastest and the cheapest are almost never the same. The most practical option is to take the airport train one station to Minami-Chitose and then the limited express trains.

3. Would it be less of a hassle to take the train on the following day instead of the same day we arrive in Sapporo? Our flight lands at 1630h. This is our first time in Hokkaido.

I personally would consider it, especially if your overseas flight is a long one. There are some hotels inside the airport.

The fastest and the cheapest are almost never the same to reach Hakodate. The most practical option is to take the airport train one station to Minami-Chitose and then the limited express trains.
@Uji - Thank you for your response above. What do you mean by taking the airport train? If I do that, I alight one station at Minami-Chitose and which limited express train do I take to reach Hakodate? Are there direction signs at Chitose Airport to show us the way around?

It's our first time in Hokkaido and we have 8 days there. Do you have any recommendations where we should visit during this time and which mountain we can hike if we only have half day to do that?

What do you mean by taking the airport train?

The frequent trains that operate between the airport and Sapporo.

I alight one station at Minami-Chitose and which limited express train do I take to reach Hakodate?

The one bound for Hakodate. There are signs.

And you can look up connections here:
https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en/?sub_lang=nosub

Here are some basics on using trains:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2016.html

It's our first time in Hokkaido and we have 8 days there. Do you have any recommendations where we should visit during this time and which mountain we can hike if we only have half day to do that?

Assuming you visit in summer, then I recommend Mount Tarumae for an easy and impressive volvano hike; however, you need a rental car to access the trailhead:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6736.html

Alternatively, the ropeway to Mount Uzu and the hiking trails arounf Mount Uzu are interesting - again for a volcanic landscape:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6726.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6727.html

The walking trails from the Noboribetsu Hell Valley towards Lake Oyunuma are also interesting if you like volcanic activity:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6751.html

I would get a hotel for the night. If you try for Hakodate, it will be 7.30-8.00 at the earliest to arrive.

Agree with the above.

It is ~4 hours train ride from Chitose to Hakodate, probably a bit more than that with connections.

As well, once you arrive in Hakodate you still have to get to your hotel by taxi or other, so it is at least a 4 ½ hour endeavor AFTER flying all that way to Chitose.

Get a local hotel at Chitose Airport area and rest up overnight before your 4 ½ hour plus train trip to Hakodate

S