15 Of the Best Airports to Visit Around the World
Traveling opens doors to new experiences; believe it or not, some of the most fascinating adventures start at airports. Airports are more than just transit hubs—they can be part of the journey, offering unique attractions, exquisite architecture, and top-notch amenities that rival their destinations. From lush indoor gardens and impressive art installations to luxury shopping and gourmet dining, the world’s best airports transform the travel experience. Here are 15 international airports that are so good you might just want to book a flight with a long layover!
1. Hong Kong International Airport
As the second busiest airport in the world, this hub offers exciting activities to engage travelers during layovers. Located in Terminal 2, the Aviation Discovery Centre features a 4D Extreme Cinema and flight simulators for a thrilling experience. Additionally, passengers can enjoy free PlayStation gaming or golf at the Sky City Nine Eagles Golf Course. The airport also hosts regular exhibitions and live entertainment by magicians, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. With so much to do, travelers can look forward to a restful sleep on their subsequent red-eye flight.
2. Singapore Changi International Airport
Renowned for its excellence, Changi consistently secures its spot as the top airport globally. It is a hub for Singapore Airlines, Silkair, and Tigerair and ranks 16th busiest airport. Visitors often laud its unique design and the seamless service it offers. Its opulent offerings include a variety of eateries and boutiques. Additionally, travelers can indulge in numerous leisure activities such as watching films, enjoying multimedia decks, relaxing in spas, and sliding down an exciting corkscrew slide. Such amenities contribute to its high praise and recognition among international travelers.
3. Seoul Incheon International Airport
Seoul Incheon International Airport is a traveler’s delight, similar to Hong Kong’s airport, with its unique twists. Imagine exploring artifacts from UNESCO World Heritage sites at the Korean Culture Museum right before your flight. Besides that, the airport regularly updates its main halls with new exhibitions and even offers a tranquil pine garden for a bit of peace. All these features combine to make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. It’s not just about waiting for your next flight at Incheon; it’s about making the most of every moment of your journey.
4. Tokyo Haneda International Airport
Haneda Airport stands out as one of Tokyo’s two primary international gateways, just a few miles from the center of the Japanese capital. Its strategic location makes it a favorite entry point for both business travelers and tourists. Renowned for its operational efficiency and immaculate cleanliness, Haneda also offers an impressive shopping experience with many stores. Moreover, the airport is celebrated for its speedy customs processing and has multiple transport links to central Tokyo, making it exceptionally convenient for visitors who want to explore the city.
5. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam distinguishes itself with a branch of the renowned Rijksmuseum, offering travelers a taste of classic Dutch art featuring works by Rembrandt. This cultural oasis makes for an ideal layover experience. Post-art immersion, visitors can relax with a rejuvenating “Back to Life” massage or pedicure at XpresSpa, the first of its kind in a European airport. Additionally, one can enjoy champagne and caviar at Bubbles Bar or cozy up at Cafe Amsterdam. Schiphol also facilitates smooth transitions with its efficient layout, helping travelers easily navigate between luxurious amenities and their next flight.
6. Munich Airport
Munich Airport is consistently ranked among the best due to its exceptional facilities and services. It is luxurious and efficient, with terminals that are easy to navigate and amenities that cater to comfort and convenience. The airport features many dining options, extensive shopping, and relaxation zones, including spa services and quiet lounges. Notably, Munich Airport also hosts seasonal events like a winter market complete with an ice-skating rink, enhancing the travel experience. Its cleanliness, friendly staff, and security checks further elevate its status as a top-tier airport globally.
7. Beijing Capital International Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport, Asia’s busiest hub, improves traveler convenience with its sprawling Terminal 3. This terminal not only provides free Wi-Fi across its vast public areas but also features upscale shopping with a variety of designer brands. The Air China business lounge is highly recommended for its comfortable seating and excellent amenities. The airport’s architectural design impresses with its modern aesthetics and efficient layout. Terminal 3’s extensive dining options cater to international tastes, making it a complete and welcoming gateway for millions of passengers traveling through Asia.
8. Central Japan International Airport
Central Japan International Airport, affectionately known as Centrair, is a standout facility built on an artificial island in Ise Bay near Nagoya. It’s a key hub for Japan Airlines and ANA and is renowned as the best regional airport globally. What makes Centrair unique? Well, it has this amazing 1,000-foot sky deck where you can watch ships glide into the Port of Nagoya. Plus, there’s a traditional Japanese bathhouse where you can soak in warm waters while the sun sets over the bay—it’s just the perfect way to unwind before or after a flight.
9. Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport, situated just eight miles from the bustling center of Zurich, serves as the primary home base for Swiss International Air Lines and acts as a vital hub connecting Switzerland’s largest city with the rest of the country and beyond. Ideal for travelers with time to spare, the airport provides unique opportunities to explore the local area through bicycle and inline-skate rentals. Additionally, passengers can embark on excursions to the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, offering a deeper dive into Switzerland’s rich history of transport innovation. These activities not only cater to those looking to stretch their legs after a flight but also improve their layover experience by offering a glimpse into Swiss culture and leisure.
10. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport impresses with its modern, expansive design and features like a sleek 600-room Novotel, complete with an inviting pool. A convenient 15-minute rail link to the city is also on the verge of launching. Additionally, travelers can relax in a stylish, tranquil business lounge. However, visitors should be mindful of a few challenges: the airport’s signage can be perplexing, immigration processes might be protracted, and the distance between gates for connecting flights can be extensive. These factors could require extra time and patience to guide the otherwise impressive airport efficiently.
11. London Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport, ranked as the world’s seventh busiest, is the largest among London’s five main airports. As the central hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, Heathrow is a critical gateway for international and domestic flights, connecting millions of travelers to worldwide destinations. These enhancements and accolades highlight Heathrow’s commitment to maintaining its top-notch global travel hub status.
12. Kansai International Airport
Kansai International Airport, a key player among Japan’s airports, operates around the clock, handling both international and domestic flights. An attraction for visitors is the Sky Deck, which provides stunning 360-degree views of the region and a close-up look at airplanes during takeoff and landing. The airport comes alive at night with its dazzling, jewel-toned lighting, creating a romantic ambiance. Additionally, it houses one of the largest airline merchandise shops in Japan, offering an extensive range of aviation-themed products. This makes Kansai not just a transit point but a destination filled with unique attractions and shopping experiences.
13. Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport (YVR), positioned on Sea Island in Richmond, just south of Vancouver, is the primary airport for the city and Canada’s second busiest. In 2019, it accommodated over 26 million passengers. YVR connects a range of destinations, offering flights to numerous towns along Canada’s west coast and key cities in the east. It plays a crucial role in international travel as well, with several daily flights from Asia. Thanks to its advantageous western location, the airport also handles flights from Oceania and maintains strong connections with Europe, making it a significant hub in North America for global travelers.
14. Taiwan Taoyuan Airport
Also known as Taoyuan International Airport, located about 40 km west of Taipei in Taoyuan City, is the busiest and largest airport in Taiwan. Recognized as the best airport for its size in the Asia-Pacific region back in 2016, it features two parallel runways equipped for Category II Precision Approaches, allowing landings with minimal visibility. The airport facilitates over 60 aircraft movements per hour and includes a mix of 41 frontal, 15 remote, and 25 cargo stands. With high rankings in both passenger and freight traffic internationally, Taoyuan is expanding and considering proposals for a third runway and terminal to enhance capacity and service.
15. Tokyo Narita International Airport
Narita Airport, positioned 35 miles from Tokyo, is a crucial gateway for the city’s international traffic. As the first of Tokyo’s two airports to feature on the list, Narita is an essential hub for major airlines, including ANA, Japan Airlines, Delta, and United. It’s highly regarded for its operational efficiency, courtesy of its proficient and amiable staff. Cleanliness is a standout feature, ensuring a pleasant environment for travelers. Additionally, Narita offers various dining options catering to diverse tastes and preferences. This combination of efficiency, cleanliness, and amenities contributes to Narita’s reputation as a top choice for international travelers visiting Tokyo.
Explore Some of the Best Airports in the World
Exploring the world’s best airports reveals more than just travel hubs; they are destinations in themselves. Offering exceptional amenities, cultural experiences, and efficient services, these airports enhance the journey, allowing every layover to discover new pleasures and conveniences.
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