Did you know that the right airport can turn a tedious layover into an adventure? Some airports go above and beyond, offering cool and unique experiences that make waiting for your next flight actually enjoyable.
We’ve gone in-depth here on the Moonsand Blog to provide layover guides for a range of major airports all over the world, but, if we had to choose, which ones would we pick as the best?
From airports that brew their own beer, to airports with stunning indoor rainforests, to airports with their very own swimming pools (yes, really!) the competition was tough, but, after much deliberation, here are our recommendations of the best airports for layovers.
1. Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare Airport is, in our opinion, one of the best airports for layovers in the US, with plenty to keep you entertained. If you opt to stay inside the airport, you can check out the Aeroponic Garden in Terminal 3, relax in the yoga room, or grab some iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza and hot dogs at the many airport restaurants.
If you have time to leave the airport (we recommend a layover of 5 hours as an` absolute minimum!) the Blue Line train gets you to downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes. Once there, you can explore Millennium Park and Chicago’s iconic Bean sculpture, or visit the Art Institute of Chicago before heading back for your flight.
Considering a layover in Chicago? Then you’ll love our full-length Chicago layover guide!
2. Doha Hamad Airport (DOH)
Doha Hamad International Airport is often rated as the best in the world (every year it’s neck and neck between Doha and Singapore). As you might expect from the best airport in the world, Doha Hamad has everything you need for a comfortable layover: lounges, luxury shopping, great dining options, and even a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, and spa.
The airport also has cool art installations inside, like the iconic giant teddy bear sculpture, but of course, Doha is famous for its luxury shopping, and there is no shortage of shops inside the airport if you’re looking to splash the cash.
With a long layover in Qatar, it’s easy to leave the airport to explore. The city centre is just a 15-minute taxi ride away, so you can easily visit the famous Museum of Islamic Art or Souq Waqif, Doha’s traditional market, if you have some extra time.
3. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a top choice for European layovers because it's so close to the city! It also offers a tonne of connecting flights, since it’s the home base of KLM Airlines, and also has a bunch of fun and unique things to do. Inside the terminal, you can visit the mini Rijksmuseum to see some Dutch art, relax on the rooftop panorama terrace, or peruse the books at the airport library.
If you feel like exploring, you’re in luck: the city centre is only a 15-minute train ride away, and the trains are frequent and reliable. Once you’re in Amsterdam, you can visit the Anne Frank House, walk along the canals, devour a gooey stroopwafel, or check out the real Rijksmuseum before heading back to the airport. Amsterdam layovers are the best!
We wrote a full Amsterdam Layover guide, why not give it a read.
4. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Singapore Changi Airport is regularly voted the best airport in the world, and for good reason. It's super photogenic, a major hub for long-haul flights, and packed with unique attractions and amenities to keep you entertained during a layover.
You can relax in the rooftop pool and watch planes as they take off on the runway, stroll through the butterfly garden, or catch a movie at the 24-hour cinema. The Jewel, a massive indoor garden with the world's tallest indoor waterfall, is a must-see and the most photographed part of the airport.
If you have time to leave the airport, the city centre of Singapore is about a 30-minute taxi ride away. Once there, you can explore the iconic Marina Bay Sands, check out Gardens by the Bay, or just enjoy some local hawker food before heading back for your flight.
5. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport is the biggest airport in Europe, with plenty to keep you busy during a layover. Inside the airport, you can relax in one of the many lounges, chill out at the in-airport spa, or check out the Terminal 5 Heathrow Art Gallery.
If you have a longer layover and want to see the city, the Heathrow Express train gets you to Paddington Station in just 15 minutes. From there, you can explore Hyde Park, visit the British Museum, or take a walk to Buckingham Palace to watch the famous changing of the guard ceremony.
Want more suggestions of how to make the most of your London layover? Then check out our Heathrow layover guide here!
6. Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a fantastic layover spot thanks to its unique indoor rainforest, which offers a refreshing escape right inside the terminal. This lush green space features a waterfall, walking paths, and a variety of tropical plants, providing a serene break from the usual airport hustle and bustle. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also an impressive observation deck where you can watch planes take off and land.
If you have time to explore the city, the KLIA Ekspres train can get you to the city centre in about 30 minutes. Once downtown, you can visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, explore the Batu Caves, or shop ‘til you drop at the city markets before heading back to the airport.
7. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson is the busiest airport in the world and the hub for Delta Airlines, so it’s safe to say that this is a common stopover destination for both domestic and international travellers.
The airport stands out for its unique "Flight Paths" installation, which simulates a walk through a Georgia forest, complete with bird sounds, offering a calming and refreshing break from the usual airport chaos. You can’t visit Atlanta on a layover without trying good old Southern comfort food, and luckily there are many soul food restaurants within the airport serving up favourites like fried chicken or chicken and waffles.
If your layover is long enough, the MARTA train from the airport to downtown Atlanta takes about 20 minutes. From there, you can visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park or the Georgia Aquarium before heading back to the airport for your flight.
8. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai International Airport is another Middle Eastern airport making this list, and that’s all thanks to its many amenities which make it one of the best airports for long layovers. The features that makes Dubai airport stand out from the rest is the Zen Garden, an in-airport chill-out zone where you can relax surrounded by plants and fish ponds. If you’d prefer something more active, there’s also a swimming pool and health club in Terminal 3.
If you have time to leave the airport, a quick 15-minute taxi ride will take you to the city centre. Once there, you can visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, or explore the world-renowned Dubai Mall before heading back to the airport.
9. Munich International Airport (MUC)
Munich International Airport is one of the best airports for layovers in Europe, offering a taste of German culture even if you don’t have long enough to leave the airport. One of our favourite ways to pass the time on a Munich airport layover is at the Visitor’s Park, where you can view historic aircraft and even go inside a retired plane.
The airport also has an on-site brewery, Airbräu, where you can sip on freshly brewed Bavarian beer and enjoy traditional German food. Bratwust, anyone?
If you have a longer layover, you can take the S-Bahn train from the airport to Munich’s city centre in about 40 minutes. Once downtown, explore Marienplatz (Munich’s most iconic square), visit the famous Hofbräuhaus for epic German beer, or wander through the picturesque English Garden before catching your next flight.
FAQs About Best Airports for Layovers
What are the easiest airports for connecting flights?
Some of the easiest airports for connecting flights include Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Munich International Airport (MUC), and Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Do you need a visa for a layover?
You may need a visa for a layover depending on the country of the layover and your nationality. The best way to be sure is to check the specific visa requirements of the country you are transiting through before you travel. Some countries require specific “transit” visas for layover travellers.
Can you leave the airport during an overnight layover?
Yes, you can leave the airport during an overnight layover if you have the necessary visa and enough time to get through security and customs before your next flight. Although many major airports have in-terminal hotels, if you have enough time there’s no issue in leaving the airport to check-in to a city centre hotel for the night.
Related free layover resources by Moonsand:
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