Landing in the right airport can turn a boring layover into a mini-adventure, and when it comes to the US, you’re spoilt for choice. From O'Hare's iconic deep-dish pizza to the rapid rail links of Atlanta’s airport, the United States is home to some of the best airports for travellers looking to make the most of their downtime.
Whether you're sampling local cuisine steps from your gate or hopping quickly into the city to snag a taste of local culture, these top U.S. airports offer you an epic layover regardless of whether you plan to stay in the airport or explore the city.
We also compared the top 8 airports for a layover in Europe, you can read this here!
Getting into it, here are our favourite airports in the US for layovers, and why.
Overview. We have listed below our top 8 picks to showcase the best 8 airports for a layover in the Unites States:
- Chicago O'Hare Airport
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
- Dallas Fort Worth Airport
- Seattle Tacoma Airport
- Denver International Airport
- Boston Logan Airport
- San Diego Airport
1. Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare is our top pick when it comes to the best airports for layovers in the US. That’s all thanks to the many things to do within the airport and the easy access it offers to the Windy City.
Within the terminals, you can sample iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza or try a famous Chicago hot dog at almost every restaurant in the airport! If you’d prefer something more engaging, the Aeroponic Airport in Terminal 3 is the airport’s very own vegetable garden you’re welcome to check out. Terminal 3 also has a yoga room you can use for free to stretch out your muscles between flights.
Thinking of stepping out? The Blue Line train from O’Hare to downtown takes about 45 minutes. Once downtown, follow one of our Chicago layover itineraries, depending on the amount of time you have. Chicago's must-sees include Millennium Park's famous Bean, the 103rd-floor viewing tower (the Skydeck) at the Willis Tower and the immersive Art Institute of Chicago.
If you have an overnight layover but are travelling on a budget, you’re in luck: Chicago has some of the highest-rated hostels in the US!
2. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
In Detroit's airport, you’ll find modern facilities and all the comforts and conveniences you’ll need for a relaxing layover. If you don’t have time to leave the terminal, you can play a round at the PGA Tour Shop in McNamara Terminal or relax at the Westin Hotel spa directly connected to the terminal.
For a taste of local Detroit favourites without heading into the city, Plum Market is where you’ll find delicious meals and snacks made with local ingredients.
If you choose to head downtown, you can get there via the SMART bus, with the journey taking around one hour. For this reason, it’s best not to leave the airport unless you have a long layover with plenty of time to catch your next flight.
Once you’re in the city centre, The Motown Museum is a quick taxi ride from downtown and offers an unparalleled glimpse into what makes the city most famous: Motown music! If that’s not your thing, the Detroit Institute of Arts is home to some world-class exhibits that are well worth the visit. For those preferring green space, Belle Isle Park in the middle of the Detroit River offers beautiful scenery and leisurely walks, perfect for a wander between flights.
3. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson is the busiest airport in the world and the hub of Delta Airlines, meaning it’s well kitted-out when it comes to layovers. That’s why we think it’s one of the best airports in the USA!
Atlanta airport is unique in that it features a "Flight Paths" installation, which simulates a walk through a Georgia forest, complete with bird sounds - the perfect way to stretch your legs between flights.
For a taste of local comfort food, there are a whole host of great soul food restaurants within the airport where you can find shrimp and grits as well as, of course, Southern fried chicken.
If your layover gives you enough time for a city visit, the MARTA train from the airport to downtown takes about 20 minutes. Once downtown, you can dive into the story of Atlanta’s most famous resident at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, or enjoy the massive collection of marine life at the Georgia Aquarium. Check out our Atlanta layover guide for more things to do!
4. Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW)
DFW is one of the main airports for layovers if you’re connecting flights to travel between North and Central or South America. In-airport, you’ll find a bunch of art to check out, yoga rooms to stretch out in, and showers at the Minute Suites and the DFW Lounge. When it comes to, you can’t say you’ve visited Texas without trying barbecue! Don’t miss the chance to try authentic Texas barbecue at one of the airport’s many BBQ joints.
Exploring Dallas on a layover is feasible with a bus connecting the airport to the city in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. In Dallas, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a must-visit, offering a deep dive into the history of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. For a lighter layover, the massive Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, offering stunning lake views.
Dallas is one of the best places that stay warm in winter to have a layover, so if you’re travelling during the cooler months this should be your go-to!
5. Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA)
Seattle Tacoma Airport, or SeaTac, has plenty to do to keep you busy during a layover. Starbucks first started right here in Seattle, so stopping to pick up a brew at one of their airport coffee shops is a must. For something slightly more unique, Seattle Airport has run the Experience the City of Music Programme since 2012, hosting many live musicians every day of the week in the terminal.
Getting to downtown Seattle from SeaTac is easy with the Link Light Rail, which takes about 35 minutes. In Seattle, you can explore Pike Place Market, the real starting point for Starbucks, experience the iconic Space Needle, or dive into music history at the Museum of Pop Culture.
6. Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International Airport is famous for its unique tent-like roof structure, designed to mimic the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Oh, and it’s also famous for all of the crazy Denver Airport theories, including why it’s located in such a strange spot, why it has underground tunnels, and why it has so much terrifying art!
Inside the airport, though, there’s nothing to be worried about. You can enjoy one of the airport's several relaxation zones or check out the extensive collection of public art that has gotten so many people talking.
Accessing downtown Denver from the airport is straightforward with the train, which takes around 40 minutes to reach Union Station. From there, explore the Denver Art Museum, check out the house of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, who famously survived the sinking of the Titanic, or catch a baseball game at Coors Field.
7. Boston Logan Airport (BOS)
Boston Logan International Airport doesn’t have a whole lot of things to do inside the airport itself, but the good news is, there’s always that famous New England food to sample here to kill time! Head to one of the airport’s many restaurants and order a hot buttered lobster roll or a steaming bowl of clam chowder.
The reason Boston Logan made it on this list is because it’s where many of the US’ top budget airlines fly. You’ll also find cheap flights to Europe, usually via Dublin or London, from Boston. The city centre is also remarkably close to the airport, with the Blue Line of the T train whisking you into the city centre in just 30 minutes.
In Boston, history buffs will love walking the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route that passes 16 locations super significant to the history of the United States. If you don’t have time for that, simply enjoy the greenery of the Boston Common or stroll along the Charles River for some fresh air before you return to the airport.
Boston is one of the most iconic cities in the world, so if you’re able to have a layover here you won’t regret it!
8. San Diego Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport, just a stone's throw from the downtown area, is home to a tonne of brilliant restaurants and, more importantly, craft beer bars like Stone Brewing in Terminal 2, where you can sample some of San Diego’s beloved craft beers. The airport also emphasises sustainability, with several solar panels and water conservation measures in place.
Getting into San Diego’s city centre from the airport is super quick, taking just 15 minutes in a taxi or 20 minutes with the bus. Once in the city, you can visit the historic USS Midway Museum, wander through the cool Gaslamp Quarter, or relax at Balboa Park, the country’s largest urban cultural park. San Diego’s eternally sunny weather and laid-back vibes make its airport one of the best US airports for layovers.
FAQs About Best Airports for Layovers in US
Can I leave the airport during a layover in the US?
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in the US, provided you have enough time to return, go through security again, and catch your next flight. Keep in mind factors like the length of your layover, the distance from the airport to the city centre, and the traffic conditions at the time of your layover.
What is the best US city to explore on a layover?
Chicago is a great city to explore on a layover, thanks to O'Hare International Airport's easy connection and quick travel time to the city's downtown. With iconic sights such as the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and an array of world-class museums to explore, we certainly think it’s the best US city to explore on a layover!
What is the busiest airport in the US?
The busiest airport in the United States is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Known for its extensive flight operations, it handles more passengers annually (over 100 million in 2023) than any other airport in the country.
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