Sendai Airport (SDJ) Guide
Welcome to Sendai Airport, one of Japan's most modern and efficient airports located in the northeastern region of Honshu island. With its sleek design and state-of-the-art facilities, SDJ offers travelers a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Whether you're arriving or departing, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the airport with ease.
If you're flying in or out of SDJ Airport, this comprehensive guide is your go-to resource. From flight status and tracking to airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, food and shopping directories, and more, we've got you covered. Our helpful tips and information will ensure that you get from your door to your gate with ease, so you can focus on enjoying your journey. For more detailed information about other major commercial airports, check out iFly's Comprehensive Airport Guide.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours before for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are during the morning and evening rush hours, as well as holidays and weekends.
Getting to the Airport
The best way to get to Sendai Airport is by taxi or train. The airport is located approximately 13 kilometers from the city center and it takes about 25 minutes by taxi and 17 minutes by train. The Sendai Airport Access Line connects the airport to Sendai Station, which is the main transportation hub in the area.
Getting Oriented
To get oriented at Sendai Airport, visit iFly.com's interactive airport maps. These maps provide a detailed layout of the airport, including the location of terminals, gates, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can also use the maps to find your way to baggage claim, rental car facilities, and transportation options.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at SDJ, make sure to check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport. You can do this by visiting the airport's website or contacting your airline directly. It is also recommended to pack light and arrive early to allow plenty of time for security checks and other procedures. Lastly, be aware of the airport's rules and regulations regarding prohibited items and liquids to avoid any delays at security checkpoints.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Sendai Airport (SDJ) Terminals
Navigating SDJ's Terminals
SDJ Airport has one terminal building, which is divided into two levels. The first level is for arrivals and the second level is for departures. The terminal has a total of 14 gates, with gates 1 to 5 located on the first level and gates 6 to 14 located on the second level.
Major airlines that operate at the airport include ANA, JAL, and Peach Aviation. ANA and JAL use gates 1 to 5, while Peach Aviation uses gates 6 to 14.
Inside the terminal building, passengers can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and services. There are duty-free shops selling souvenirs, cosmetics, and electronics, as well as convenience stores and vending machines for snacks and drinks. Restaurants and cafes offer a range of options from Japanese cuisine to Western-style fast food.
Passengers can also find services such as currency exchange, ATMs, and baggage storage. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Sendai Airport has only one terminal building, making it easy for travelers to navigate through the airport. The terminal is divided into two floors, with the first floor being for arrivals and the second floor for departures. The airport is relatively small, so walking between the gates and facilities is quick and easy.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, Sendai Airport has plenty of options to choose from. For a quick snack or coffee, head to Starbucks or Tully's Coffee, both located in the main terminal. If you have a bit more time to spare, check out the sushi at Sushiden or the ramen at Ringer Hut, both located in the domestic terminal.
If you're in the mood for some shopping, SDJ has a variety of stores to browse through. Pick up some souvenirs at the Sendai Airport Shop or check out the latest gadgets at the Yodobashi Camera store. For some last-minute reading material, stop by the Tsutaya bookstore.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at SDJ Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, explore the facilities at this link.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered. From budget-friendly options to luxury stays, there are a variety of hotels that cater to every traveler's needs. Many of these hotels are located within a few kilometers of the airport and offer a range of amenities such as complimentary WiFi, private parking, and easy access to local attractions. Some are even within walking distance of major train stations, making it easy to explore the city and surrounding areas. Discover some of the best hotel options like the Super Hotel Mitazono, the Grand Hotel Staymore, and the Hotel Route-inn Natori. Ready to book now? View all the airport Hotels here.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At Sendai Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal building. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles are not allowed to wait for more than a few minutes. Drivers must stay with their vehicles at all times and are not allowed to leave them unattended.
For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, there is a cell-phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. Drivers can park their vehicles for free and wait for their passengers to call them before proceeding to the curbside for pick-up.
Parking Facilities & Options
Travelers flying in and out of Sendai Airport have several parking options to choose from. The airport has both short-term and long-term parking options available, with a total of four parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminal building.
For those who prefer to wait in their cars for arriving passengers, there is a cell phone waiting area located just a short drive away from the airport terminal. This area allows drivers to park for free and wait for their passengers to call before heading to the terminal to pick them up.
Handicapped parking is available in all of the airport's parking lots and garages, with designated spaces located near the terminal building for easy access.
Off-airport parking is also available for those looking for a more economical option. Several private parking lots are located just a short drive away from the airport, offering shuttle service to and from the terminal building.
Get details about SDJ parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
SDJ Airport offers a variety of transportation options to get you to your final destination.
If you prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies located in the terminal building, including Nippon Rent-A-Car, Toyota Rent-A-Lease, and Budget Rent-A-Car. You can easily book a car rental in advance or upon arrival at the airport.
Taxi services are also available at the airport. The taxi stand is located outside of the terminal building, and fares are based on distance traveled. It typically costs around 7,000 yen to get to the city center from the airport.
For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at Sendai Airport. Pickup areas are located outside of the terminal building, and restrictions may apply depending on your destination.
If you prefer to take an airport shuttle, there are several companies that offer this service. Pickup areas are located outside of the terminal building, and fares vary depending on your destination. Some popular shuttle providers include Sendai Airport Access Line and SDJ Transportation.
For those who want to take public transportation, there are several options available. The Sendai Airport Access Line is a train that runs between the airport and Sendai Station, with a travel time of approximately 25 minutes. There are also several bus lines that operate between the airport and various destinations throughout Sendai.
Passenger Services
SDJ Airport is a modern airport located in Japan, providing a wide range of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible.
For those who need to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. Simply connect to the network and enjoy high-speed internet access.
If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the terminal building. Staff are available to assist you in locating your lost item.
Traveling with children? The airport offers a children's play area where kids can burn off some energy before their flight. The play area is located near Gate 3.
Special-needs services are available for passengers who require assistance. Wheelchairs and other mobility aids can be arranged ahead of time by contacting your airline. Additionally, the airport has accessible restrooms and elevators for your convenience.
Need to take care of some banking before your flight? ATMs are located throughout the terminal building for your convenience.
If you require medical assistance, the airport has a medical clinic located on the second floor of the terminal building. The clinic is staffed by medical professionals who can assist with minor medical issues.
Flight Status Info
As a traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. At the airport in Japan, there are several ways to check for flight status information.
One of the most convenient ways to check flight status is by using the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Another way to stay informed is by downloading the mobile app of your airline. Many airlines offer push notifications, text messages, and email alerts for departure delays, cancellations, and gate changes. This way, you can stay up-to-date on any changes to your flight without having to constantly check the FIDS or wait in line at the customer service desk.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Sendai Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
Sendai Airport, located in Japan, serves as the main airport for the city of Sendai and the surrounding area. The airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.
The top airlines with the most daily flights from SDJ are Japan Airlines, ANA, and Skymark Airlines. On average, the airport handles around 10,000 passengers per day and has approximately 100 daily flights.
SDJ Airport serves a variety of destinations both domestically and internationally. On average, the airport serves around 20 destinations, with the top 5 destinations being Tokyo, Sapporo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Seoul.
Several air carriers use the airport as a hub, including ANA and Skymark Airlines. These airlines offer connecting flights to various destinations throughout Japan and beyond.
Airport History
Sendai Airport, located in the city of Natori in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, first opened its doors in 1994. Since then, it has undergone several changes and developments to become the modern airport it is today. Here are some significant events in Sendai Airport's history:
- 1994: SDJ opens for domestic flights, replacing the older SDJ Airport in Izumi-ku.
- 1998: International flights begin operating from the airport, with the first destination being Seoul, South Korea.
- 2011: Sendai Airport is severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. The airport is closed for over a month and undergoes extensive repairs and renovations.
- 2016: A new terminal building, designed to withstand earthquakes and tsunamis, is completed and opened to the public.
- 2019: Sendai Airport celebrates its 25th anniversary since opening.
Today, SDJ serves as an important hub for both domestic and international travelers, connecting Miyagi Prefecture to destinations around Japan and the world.
Airport Contact Info
- SDJ Airport Website
- Phone: +81 22-382-0080
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: 13-1, Senshukubota Aza Shimomasuda, Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture 989-2401, Japan