Changing terminal during a layover: what to know

The method of connecting terminals is not the same everywhere

Some airports connect terminals with an internal automatic train that runs every few minutes, others rely on a road shuttle with longer intervals and considerably longer travel times. The difference between the two systems, on a tight connection, can be worth 15-20 minutes of margin by itself.

When the shuttle is the only option, its frequency matters as much as travel time: a departure every 5 minutes means negligible waiting, one every 15-20 minutes can lose an already tight margin just on timing.

A new security check is not automatic

If the two terminals are not connected by an airside corridor, the change requires almost always to redo the security check, with the queues this entails during peak hours. Some airports avoid the problem with dedicated transit areas that always remain airside; others impose it systematically on every terminal change, regardless of the time of day.

Signage for transits and assistance from ground staff

The signage for transit passengers is generally separate from that for arrivals from outside: following it carefully avoids accidentally exiting the transit area and having to repeat checks from the start. In case of doubt about the route, asking the nearest ground staff right away stays faster than trying to navigate on your own in an unfamiliar facility.

It's also worth checking whether the terminal change requires repeating check-in, which happens when changing airlines: it's a step that adds real time, not just physical movement.

As soon as you land, ask the gate or the first ground staff member the estimated time at that moment to reach the terminal of your next flight: it's data specific to that connection, more reliable than the generic time indicated by the airline app.