Upon arrival at Sendai Airport (SDJ), there are several options for getting to the city, depending on your budget and needs. Taxi, private transfer, shared transfer, and public transport are all viable options. In this article, we will review the options to make your journey from the airport to your accommodation or the city center as smooth as possible.
Taxi stands are generally located at the airport exits, clearly marked. Taxi drivers usually do not speak fluent English, so it may be helpful to write down the name of your destination in Japanese or show the address of your accommodation. Taxis generally use a meter, but fixed rates are often applied for journeys to the city center from the airport. The journey time can be 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
A private transfer is a pre-booked service where a driver will wait for you at the airport. The meeting point is agreed upon during booking, usually in the baggage claim area or at the exit. It is important to confirm the driver's name and vehicle type upon arrival. A private transfer is comfortable and reliable, but is generally more expensive than a taxi or shared transfer. Prices are usually fixed and determined at the time of booking.
A shared transfer is a more cost-effective solution, especially if you are traveling alone or in a small group. Minibuses carry multiple passengers and stop at several locations before reaching your final destination. Therefore, the journey time may be longer than by taxi or private transfer. Shared transfers are usually pre-booked, and the schedule will be provided during booking.
You can also reach the city from Sendai Airport by public transport, such as train or bus. The train station is located near the airport, and direct services run to Sendai Station. Buses are also frequent and operate on several routes to different parts of the city. Public transport is the cheapest solution, but the journey time may be longer, and traveling with luggage may be less comfortable.
The duration and cost of traveling from Sendai Airport to the city center or nearby towns depends on several factors, including traffic, time of day, and the amount of luggage.
| Mode of Transport | Duration (approx.) | Price (EUR, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 30-60 minutes | 40-70 |
| Private Transfer | 30-60 minutes | 70-120 |
| Shared Transfer | 60-90 minutes | 30-50 |
| Train/Metro | 45-75 minutes | 10-20 |
| Bus | 60-90 minutes | 8-15 |
The above times and prices are indicative and may vary depending on traffic and season.
Popular destinations from Sendai Airport: Sendai city center, Matsushima, Yamadera and Zao Onsen.
Taxi stands are located at the airport exits, clearly marked.
The journey time can be 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
The driver will wait for you at the airport, the meeting point is agreed upon in advance.
A more cost-effective solution where a minibus carries multiple passengers.
If cost is an important consideration and you are not in a hurry.
The taxi fare usually ranges between 40-70 EUR.
You can pre-book a private transfer online or at the airport offices.
Yes, the train station is located near the airport.
Most taxis accept both cash and credit cards.
It is advisable to write down the address of your accommodation in Japanese or use a translation app.
The booking confirmation and your passport.