On a recent trip through Haneda airport, we needed to make a connection from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. This is the JAL Domestic terminal to International terminal. At HND you can transit between terminals in 2 different ways, you can exit security and take the train, or you can take the bus(and exit security).
Up front, I really don’t understand the reason the terminal transfer bus is configured the way it is. You cannot stay air-side when using the bus. If you arrive at HND Terminal 1, and need to get to Terminal 3, we are departing via Delta on their A350 in Business Class(Full Review Here), you’re going to have to pass through security. It’s dumb, the pickup location at Terminal 1 is airside, the bus runs on the ramp with the planes, but drops you off landslide at the check-in counters. Very silly, but that’s how it works.
Bottom Line: If you need to go from HND Terminal 1 to Terminal 3, you’re going to need to re-clear security, even if you take the seemingly air-side bus.
HND Terminal Transfer Bus Locations
In HND Terminal 1 there are two locations you can catch the transfer bus to Terminal 3, one in the north wing, the other in the south. Both are on the 1st floor. If you’re on the 2nd floor departure level, follow the signs near gates 9 or 16 towards the Terminal Transfer Bus and you’ll end up downstairs at the bus departure level.
There are signs that mark the departure location at each bus stop. They also have the scheduled departure times posted. For the most part, they leave about every 10-15 minutes so it’s pretty regular. We had arrived at Terminal 1 via JAL(Full Review Here).
HND Terminal Transfer Bus Process
It’s a terminal transfer bus, there’s really not too much to talk about here. You get on at Terminal 1 and they drop you off at Terminal 3.
You get a nice little tour of the airport from the ground level. The whole process takes about 7-10 minutes between the two terminals.
At Terminal 3 you exit the bus and follow the signs for departures. But here’s where things become a little odd.
HND Terminal Transfer Bus Foolishness
So we got onto the escalator and I was expecting us to arrive somewhere in Terminal 3 airside, that is after security. However my assumption was wrong.
I was a little surprised that at the top of the escalator, we were spat out into the check-in area. We’re departing on Delta riding on the A350 In Delta One Business Class(Full review here). So instead of keeping passengers air-side, you do have to go back through security after riding the terminal transfer bus. I find that very odd. Like why have the bus? I can just take the Monorail or Keikyu line for free on this route too. Oh, well.
From start to finish the bus takes less than 15 minutes. But keep in mind that you’ll need to clear security on arrival at Terminal 3.
HND Terminal Transfer Bus Final Thoughts
If you need to get from HND Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 to make an international connection, there are 2 options, take the bus or take a train. They’ll both take about 15 minutes from door to door, they both require you to clear security, and they both are free. There’s really not too much distinction between the two.
If you want to take the bus, there are two departure points at Terminal 1, both are well labeled with good signage. The bus then deposits you into the Terminal 3 check in area after a 10 minute ride.
The bus transfer works just fine, I just wonder why it doesn’t leave you airside. Having to clear security again is a little silly to me.
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