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Walking around airport terminals is possible, and in some cases, it is the quickest way to get to your destination. Most airports have a similar basic design, so you can follow the same steps to navigate them. Some airports, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), have free shuttle bus services or mini-train systems to help passengers get between terminals. However, at LAX, passengers can also walk between terminals via outdoor sidewalks or through parking garages. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) also offers passengers the option to walk between terminals or take the AirTrain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Walking between terminals | Possible in some airports, e.g. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) |
| Impossible in some other airports, e.g. Denver International Airport | |
| Walking to/from the airport | Possible in some cases, but not always practical |
| Walking within the airport | Made easier by moving walkways and signs |
| Some airports have a mini train or tram system |
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What You'll Learn
Some airports offer free shuttle services between terminals
While some airports allow passengers to walk between terminals, others provide free shuttle services to facilitate inter-terminal travel. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), for instance, offers a free shuttle bus service that runs in a counterclockwise loop, stopping at each terminal approximately every 10 minutes. Passengers can also opt to walk the same route via public sidewalks or through parking garages connecting the northern and southern terminals.
Boston Logan Airport also provides a complimentary shuttle service, connecting all airline terminals, the Rental Car Center, the Water Transportation Dock, and the Airport Station on the MBTA Blue Line. The blue shuttle buses can be easily spotted on the lower level of each terminal, and they typically arrive every 5 to 6 minutes.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) features the AirTrain, a train system that operates 24 hours a day with departures as frequent as every four minutes. The AirTrain is wheelchair accessible and provides convenient connections between all terminals, terminal garages, the BART Station, and the Grand Hyatt at SFO.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers the Mears Connect shuttle service, catering to passengers travelling to and from the airport and nearby resorts, including Walt Disney World Resorts. This service is available 24/7 and is known for its affordability, ample luggage space, and wheelchair accessibility.
These shuttle services not only enhance inter-terminal connectivity but also ensure efficient transportation to other areas within or near the airport premises.
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Certain airports have pedestrian walkways or bridges between terminals
At LAX, Terminals B, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are linked with airside walkways, while Terminals 4, 5, and 6 are connected by underground tunnels. Terminals 6, 7, and 8 are joined by above-ground tunnels, and there is an above-ground connector tunnel with moving walkways between Terminal B and Terminal 4. Passengers can also walk from level 3 departures through the parking garages to reach the northern or southern terminals.
Some airports have their own mini-train or tram systems to help passengers get between terminals. For example, SFO's AirTrain runs 24 hours a day with departures every four minutes, and it is wheelchair accessible. LAX also has the LAX Automated People Mover, which is set to be completed in 2026, promising quicker and more efficient transfers between terminals.
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Moving walkways are motor-powered
Moving walkways are indeed a common feature of airport terminals, and they are motor-powered. The first commercial moving walkway in the United States was installed in 1954 in Jersey City, New Jersey. The first moving walkway in an airport was installed in 1958 at Love Field in Dallas, Texas. Moving walkways are often used in larger airports to help passengers with heavy luggage cover long distances more easily. They can also help with crowd control by keeping passengers moving in one direction and providing a "fast lane" and a "slow lane".
These walkways are designed with safety in mind, especially for those with reduced mobility, children, and those with luggage or shopping carts. They typically move at a slower speed than a natural walking pace, and riders tend to slow down when stepping onto one. This means that they only minimally improve travel times and overall transport capacity.
There are two basic styles of moving walkways: the pallet type, which is a continuous series of flat metal plates similar to an escalator, and the belt type, which has a sequence of belts moving at different speeds to control acceleration and deceleration. The pallet-type design is considered safer, as it eliminates many of the risks generated by the moving belt-type used in Paris. This design features pallets that "intermesh" with a comb and slot arrangement, expanding and compressing as the speed changes.
Some notable examples of moving walkways in airport terminals include those found in futuristic suspended tubes at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France, and the high-speed walkways installed by ThyssenKrupp in Toronto Pearson Airport in 2007, which can reach speeds of up to 4.3 mph.
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Tram systems can help customers get between terminals
Tram systems are an efficient way to help customers navigate between terminals at airports. Airports can be overwhelming for travellers, especially first-time flyers, with their complex layouts of moving walkways, long hallways and gates. Implementing a tram system can make the experience much smoother.
Some airports, such as San Francisco International Airport (SFO), already have a mini-train or tram system in place to help passengers get between terminals. SFO's AirTrain runs 24 hours a day, with departures as frequent as every four minutes and is wheelchair accessible. It connects all terminals, terminal garages, the BART Station and the Grand Hyatt at SFO.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is also introducing an electric tram system, the LAX Automated People Mover (APM), which will provide access to terminals, parking, pick-up and drop-off areas, and connect to the regional Metro rail system. The APM will feature a 2.25-mile elevated guideway with six stations and is expected to serve approximately 30 million passengers per year.
The use of trams or similar systems, often referred to as 'people movers', within airport terminals offers several advantages. Firstly, they can enhance inter-terminal connectivity, making transfers quicker and more efficient. Secondly, they are suitable for the lower passenger throughput within an airport compared to a subway system; for example, London Heathrow Terminal 5 processes in a day a similar number of passengers as the London Underground Victoria Line moves in two hours. This makes full-sized conventional vehicles unnecessary. People movers are also cheaper to install than conventional systems and often do not require extensive customisation. Additionally, they can help reduce traffic and an airport's carbon footprint by encouraging the use of public transportation.
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Hotels near airports are often within walking distance
When it comes to navigating large airport terminals, it can indeed be quite a challenge for first-time flyers or infrequent travellers. However, it's worth noting that most airports follow a similar design, making it easier to get your bearings. Many airports have walkways, both pre and post-security, connecting different areas. For instance, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), passengers can walk between terminals via outdoor sidewalks or through parking garages connecting the northern and southern terminals. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) also connects all its terminals via walkways, and it provides a 24-hour AirTrain service for added convenience.
While some airports provide clear walking routes, others might require a bit more planning. For example, at LAX, if you need to travel between terminals, you can take the terminal shuttle that runs in a counterclockwise loop, stopping at each terminal approximately every 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt to walk the same route using the public sidewalks on either the departure or arrival level. At SFO, the AirTrain's Red Line connects all terminals, terminal garages, the BART Station, and the Grand Hyatt at SFO, while the Blue Line connects to long-term parking and the rental car center.
When it comes to staying near an airport, hotels often cater to travellers by providing accommodations within walking distance. This convenience can be a significant advantage for those with early flights or layovers. These hotels typically target business travellers or those seeking a comfortable and stress-free stay without the hassle of long transfers. The proximity to the airport can be a significant selling point, and some hotels even offer soundproof rooms to mitigate aircraft noise.
By offering easy access to the airport, these hotels provide a strategic base for travellers. Whether it's a quick overnight stay or a longer layover, guests can take advantage of the hotel's proximity to rest, work, or explore the nearby area. Some hotels may even provide additional amenities, such as airport shuttle services, to enhance the convenience and appeal to travellers. This accessibility can be a deciding factor for travellers who value time efficiency and convenience over lengthy commutes to and from the airport.
In summary, hotels near airports often cater to travellers by being within walking distance, providing a convenient and strategic option for those with early flights or seeking a comfortable layover. With the potential for direct access to terminals, travellers can save time and navigate the airport with greater ease, making the most of their journey and reducing travel-related stress. This proximity to airports shapes how these hotels operate and the services they offer, ensuring travellers can rest and recharge without complicated logistics.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can walk around airport terminals. Most airports have walkways connecting terminals, both pre and post-security. Some airports also have parking garages connecting terminals, which you can walk through.
No, you are free to walk around different terminals. However, you should research the correct terminal for your flight in advance to simplify the process and reduce stress.
Most airports have a similar basic design, so you can easily follow signs to find your gate or terminal. Some larger airports have their own mini train or tram system, which you can use to get between terminals.
Yes, most airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Give yourself extra time if you need to check a bag or park your car.
