Can you go between terminals at Narita?

Shuttle buses operating between all terminals arrive in the following order: Terminal 1, Terminal 3, Terminal 2. It is also possible to travel between Terminals 2 and 3 on foot using the access corridor. Please check how long it will take to travel between the respective terminals by the terminal shuttle bus.



Yes, moving between terminals at Narita International Airport (NRT) in 2026 is efficient and well-signposted. There are two primary ways to transfer: the free terminal shuttle buses and the pedestrian walkway. Shuttle buses run frequently (every 7–10 minutes) between Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are particularly close, and many travelers in 2026 prefer to use the "access corridor" walkway, which is roughly 630 meters (about a 10-15 minute walk) and features "running track" style flooring to guide you. If you are a transit passenger staying within the secure "airside" area, there are dedicated inter-terminal transit buses that allow you to move between terminals without clearing customs and immigration again. In 2026, Narita has also integrated more digital signage that provides real-time "walking time" estimates, helping passengers manage their connections between the main international hubs and the low-cost carrier terminal (T3).

People Also Ask

2 hours on the same carrier on the same ticket are more than enough at NRT. You will have to go through transit security which takes just a few minutes.

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You can change terminals without going through the customs by shuttle bus. If you go through the customs, then there's free shuttle bus connection every 5 minutes or so. You may choose to walk outside if you have no luggage (there is a passage), but it would take around 15 minutes.

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For travelers making a brief stopover in Japan while en route to another country, transit visas are required. Activities are limited to rest and leisure, and do NOT include business-related activities or visiting family and friends.

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You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business visa free stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day visa free entry.

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You will need to reclear TSA security once you arrive in your departure terminal. For international arriving passengers, you must claim all checked bags at Customs and recheck with your departing airline, even if the bags are checked to your final destination! To learn more about the AirTrain system, click here.

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An enclosed walkway connects the Departures Level of Terminal 1 with the Arrivals Level of Terminal 2. Once you pass through security in both terminals, you are within a common departures area, and you can freely walk between the shopping areas and boarding gates across both terminals.

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Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.

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Currently, there are no COVID-19 testing , proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements to travel to Japan.

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For a stopover in the United States or a stay of less than 90 days : It is not necessary to apply for a transit visa. You can simply apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization issued by the United States. To obtain your certificate in a few minutes click on the online form.

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Peak Aircraft Arrival and Departure Times While aircraft may take off or land at Narita Airport between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., each day has peak traffic periods as well as times of relative quiet. Peak periods for passenger aircraft departures are between 10:00 a.m. and noon, and again between 6:00 pm.

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