Some airports connect terminals airside by train or walkway, so you never leave security. Others require an inter-terminal bus or train landside, meaning you re-clear security. Check whether your connection is airside before you relax, and allow 90 minutes to two hours for a terminal change.
The critical question is whether the terminals are linked airside (inside security) or only landside (outside it).
Airside links (no re-screening): Atlanta’s Plane Train, Singapore Changi’s Skytrain between T1–T3, Hong Kong’s people mover, Amsterdam’s single terminal, Frankfurt T1 concourses. A gate change here takes minutes.
Landside only (re-clear security): JFK between most terminals, LAX between Terminals 1–2 and the rest, LHR between terminals, ORD to/from Terminal 5. You take the AirTrain/shuttle, then queue at security again.
How to handle it:
- Find your departure terminal on arrival, not at the gate.
- If it’s a landside change, budget 90 minutes to two hours.
- International arrivals almost always exit to immigration first, so a terminal change there means immigration, bags, and a fresh check-in.
Our airport guides list realistic connection times per terminal pair.
Related questions
Do I have to go through security again on a layover?
Not if you stay airside in the same terminal. You will re-clear security if you change terminals without an airside link, leave the airport, or arrive internationally into a country (like the US) that makes everyone clear immigration and customs. Full answer →
Is a 1-hour layover enough to make my connection?
For a same-terminal domestic connection on one ticket, usually yes. For international connections, terminal changes, or if you need to clear immigration or re-check bags, one hour is risky. Never attempt a 1-hour connection on separate tickets. Full answer →
How early should I get to the airport?
Two hours before a domestic flight, three before an international one, and add 30–45 minutes at mega-hubs, on holiday weekends, or if you're checking bags. PreCheck/Fast Track lets you trim about 30 minutes. Full answer →
Airline, airport and government rules change without notice. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with the airline or authority for your specific trip. Request a correction if something is out of date.