The 20 Best Airports Where You'll Be Glad To Have A Layover
These Airports Will Make Your Flight Delay Feel Like A Vacation
Layovers usually mean overpriced coffee, uncomfortable chairs, and counting ceiling tiles while your phone dies. Some airports, however, offer a different kind of experience. With thoughtful design aimed at taking stress out of your travel day, some airports are actually a joy to spend time in. Featuring massive indoor waterfalls, fish ponds, and zen gardens, these aren't just flight hubs; they're a memorable part of your vacation. Here are 20 of the world's best airports that'll have you hoping your flight gets delayed.
1. Singapore Changi Airport
Foodies will be thrilled to have a layover at Singapore Changi Airport as its extensive dining options have won multiple awards. What's more, the airport is stunning and thoughtfully designed, featuring the world's tallest indoor waterfall and a butterfly garden.
2. Tokyo Haneda Airport
One of the world's cleanest and most organized airports, Tokyo Haneda Airport is easily one of the best places in the world to have a layover. In addition to its luxurious shopping and dining options, the airport has interesting features like observation decks and an aviation museum.
3. Seoul Incheon International Airport
Seoul Incheon International Airport is one of the best airports to kill a few hours in because of its wide range of amenities, including relaxation areas, spas, and even an ice skating rink. It also boasts an aesthetically pleasing design, cleanliness, efficiency, and gourmet dining.
4. Doha Hamad International Airport
Doha Hamad International Airport has been named the best airport in the Middle East for 11 years running, known for its world-class shopping, restaurants, cleanliness, and organization. It's also known for its beautiful modern design and artistic features.
5. Zurich Airport
As one of the most expensive cities in the world, it's only expected that Zurich's airport would be luxurious, and it is. It features a park with natural elements like a walking trail, immaculate dining and shopping options, and in the winter, a Christmas market.
6. Munich International Airport
Munich International Airport is known for its modern design and sensible layout. Additionally, it includes neat features that'll make your layover more pleasant, like an observation deck, a park, and, in classic Bavarian fashion, a beer garden.
7. Kansai International Airport
Osaka, Japan's primary airport, Kansai International Airport, has been recognized as one of the best in terms of organization and staff service. It's well-designed, featuring excellent shopping, dining, and easy links to Osaka's transportation lines.
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8. Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport has been named the best in North America and one of the best in the world for several years. It's known for its world-class amenities, sustainable design, and West Coast architectural aesthetic, incorporating indigenous art and calming aquariums.
9. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is known for its stunning architectural design, particularly Terminal 4's bamboo wave-like ceiling. It consistently ranks among the best in the world for cleanliness, organization, and comfort.
10. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
Prix Versailles 2023 architecture and design competition ranked Helsinki-Vantaa Airport as one of the most beautiful in the world. The design is inspired by Finnish aesthetics and includes features like nature-themed seating areas.
11. Vienna Airport
A city as beautiful as Vienna deserves a stunning airport, and the city got one. Vienna Airport is known for its modern design, utilizing plenty of glass so passengers can see the gorgeous surrounding area of woods and mountains.
12. Istanbul Airport
Istanbul's flight hub has been rated five stars by Skytrax, an airline and airport review company. It's known for its striking, modern architecture, abundant natural light, and high-quality amenities like designer stores and gourmet food options.
13. Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport is the busiest in the world, and also ranked the best when it comes to luxurious shopping and dining. It's also a beautiful airport known for its unique features like the Zen Garden, complete with a fish pond.
14. London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow is one of the world's busiest airports, so the fact that it runs as smoothly as it does is remarkable. What's more, it's certified four stars for its amenities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, service, and food.
15. Copenhagen Airport
Copenhagen Airport has consistently been described by passengers as "relaxing," a rare feat for an airport. It boasts excellent and simple-to-navigate links to public transportation and beautiful modern design features that make it utterly pleasant.
16. Chubu Centrair International Airport
Japan clearly knows how to build a good airport. Chubu Centrair International Airport, located on an artificial island, is an award-winning airport known for its well-designed layout, quality shops, and unique features like the outdoor Sky Deck.
17. Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport has been named the best airport in the Pacific region five years in a row based on retail options, security, and comfort. It's also easy to navigate with friendly staff and operates 24 hours a day.
18. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
The only American airport on our list, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, stands out for its organization, modern amenities, and great retail and restaurant options. It's widely considered the best airport in North America. The airport even frequently plays host to live music events, so you can be entertained while you wait out your layover.
19. Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport
Rome's largest airport isn't named after the artist of the Mona Lisa, but the man who designed the first flying machine in 1480. It's been named the best airport in Europe by Airports Council International several years running.
20. Toronto Billy Bishop Airport
You won't be catching any flights to Europe from Toronto's much smaller airport situated on a man-made island. However, if you have a choice between flying to a place like NYC through this airport or Pearson, you won't regret choosing Billy Bishop. The armchairs, relaxed vibe, central and accessible location, and complimentary snacks and coffee make for a pleasant travel experience reminiscent of the glamorous early days of air travel.
