These 15 International Airports Have the Longest and Most Exhausting Walks to the Gate
Airports are often designed for efficiency, but some can feel like you’re embarking on a full-on trek just to reach your gate. From sprawling terminals to distant concourses, certain international airports require serious stamina.
Whether you’re rushing to catch a flight or just navigating a layover, these long walks can be exhausting. If you’re planning a trip and want to avoid the marathon to your gate, here are 15 international airports where getting to your gate might take longer than you expect.
Pack your walking shoes—you’ll need them!
1. Dubai International Airport (DXB), UAE
Dubai International Airport is massive, with sprawling terminals connected by long hallways. The walk from security to your gate can feel like a marathon, especially in Terminal 3. Even with moving walkways, you’ll likely clock up some serious steps.
Prepare to trek if you’re flying through DXB.
2. London Heathrow Airport (LHR), UK
London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, and its terminals are spread out. The walks to gates, especially in Terminal 5, can take 15-20 minutes.
With long corridors and multiple levels, it’s a workout to get from check-in to your gate. Be sure to allow extra time.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
3. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris, France
Paris Charles de Gaulle is notorious for its confusing layout and long walks. With terminals spread out over large distances, walking from one gate to another can take 20-30 minutes.
The design means you often need to navigate multiple escalators and hallways. It’s one of the most exhausting airports to traverse.
4. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), USA
LAX is notorious for long walks, especially when transferring between terminals. The airport’s size means you could be walking for a significant distance to reach your gate.
Even within terminals, the gate locations can feel distant. Prepare for a long journey through LAX.
5. Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany
Frankfurt is one of Europe’s largest airports, with long walks between terminals and gates. Terminal 1, in particular, is massive, and walking from one end to the other can take over 20 minutes. Despite its efficiency, the airport requires a lot of walking.
It’s a place where comfortable shoes are a must.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
6. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Netherlands
Amsterdam Schiphol is known for its long walking distances between gates and security. The layout is simple, but the size means you’ll be walking for a while to reach your gate.
Even with moving walkways, it’s easy to clock up a few miles here. Layovers can feel like mini marathons.
7. O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago, USA
Chicago O’Hare is one of the largest airports in the U.S., with sprawling terminals and distant gates. Walking from security to your gate can take upwards of 20 minutes in some terminals.
It’s easy to feel like you’re on a never-ending journey through the terminal halls. O’Hare requires stamina and patience.
8. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), China
Hong Kong’s airport is sleek and modern, but the walking distances are substantial. The terminals are vast, and getting from security to the gate can take a significant amount of time.
Even with efficient design, the long walks are unavoidable. Prepare for a long trek in this hub.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
9. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada
Toronto Pearson has long, linear terminals that can take a while to navigate. Walking from one end of the terminal to the other can feel like a journey, especially in Terminal 1.
Despite moving walkways, the distances are long and can take 15-20 minutes to cover. Get ready to stretch those legs.
10. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), China
Beijing’s airport is enormous, and walking from security to your gate can feel endless. Terminal 3, in particular, is known for its vast distances between check-in and boarding areas.
Even with shuttles, you’ll still find yourself walking a lot. This airport is not for those in a rush.
11. Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), Spain
Madrid-Barajas has long, winding terminals that make getting to your gate a journey. Terminal 4, with its massive size and extended corridors, is especially challenging.
Walking from check-in to the gate can take up to 20 minutes or more.
It’s a beautiful airport but not the easiest to navigate quickly.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
12. Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar
Hamad International is spacious and beautifully designed, but it requires significant walking. The terminals are expansive, and it can take a long time to get from check-in to your gate.
With stunning architecture but long walks, you’ll feel the distance, especially in Terminal 1. Be sure to budget extra time.
13. Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), Australia
Sydney Airport can be a challenge for those looking to avoid long walks. Terminals are spread out, and even within the international terminal, the gates can be far from security.
It’s a large airport where walking feels like part of the travel experience. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get to your gate.
14. Orlando International Airport (MCO), USA
Orlando International has long walks, especially in the main terminal and the gates beyond security. The airport’s layout requires you to traverse large distances to reach your boarding gate.
For those with children or heavy bags, the walk can feel even longer. Prepare for a journey through MCO’s halls.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
15. Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey
Istanbul’s new airport is one of the largest in the world, and it shows in the walking distances. Walking from one gate to another can take over 30 minutes in some cases, depending on the terminal.
Even with sleek design and efficient facilities, the long walks are a challenge for travelers. Pack patience and comfortable shoes.
More from The Modern Day Adventurer
- Global Coffee Capitals: 16 Cities Every Coffee Enthusiast Needs to Explore
- Explore These 19 Iconic Religious Sites for a Spiritual Journey
- 17 Must-Visit Cities for Anyone Obsessed with Movies
- 18 Best Cities to Explore in South America for an Unforgettable Trip
- Top 18 Relaxing Weekend Destinations Just Hours from New York City
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
