Some airports feel like small cities—places where getting from security to your gate can mean weaving through terminals, hopping on trams, or walking what feels like a full mile. Travelers know the feeling well: you check your boarding pass, see the gate number, and realize you’re in for a hike.
These major U.S. hubs are famous for long concourses, sprawling layouts, and gate changes that can turn into cardio sessions. They’re busy, complex, and often unforgettable for the sheer distance you end up covering.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
At Hartsfield–Jackson, the world’s busiest airport, covering ground is part of the adventure. With more than 200 gates sprawled across five concourses, travelers often embark on a mini-marathon to catch connecting flights.
The Plane Train helps, but prepare for long walks between terminals. Known for efficiency, this airport is a hub of activity where every step counts.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International is not just large in size; it’s vast in experience. The iconic tent roof and sprawling layout mean travelers can expect to clock some serious steps.
Between Concourse A and Jeppesen Terminal, the airport is designed to handle distance. With art installations along the way, the journey here is as memorable as the destination.
Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Navigating DFW feels like navigating a small city. With five terminals connected by the Skylink train, this airport covers more than 17,000 acres.
Moving between gates can take time, so plan accordingly. Renowned for its modern amenities, DFW offers plenty of walking space, allowing travelers to stretch their legs in comfort.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare is synonymous with substantial walking. This hub is vast, with four terminals and numerous concourses.
The airport’s design encourages walking, offering travelers a glimpse of its famous neon-lit walkways. Known for its efficient layout, O’Hare ensures that each journey through its corridors is an exploration.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is not only a gateway to the world but also a place where walking is part of the experience. Spread across nine terminals, each with its unique design, travelers often find themselves traversing significant distances.
Known for its architecture, LAX encourages exploration as much as transit.
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle–Tacoma Airport offers a unique blend of Northwest charm and extensive walking. The airport layout includes concourses A through D and the North and South Satellite.
Walking from one end to another can add miles to your trip, making the airport a spot for unexpected exercise amid travel.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK’s eight terminals encompass a labyrinth where walking is inevitable. As one of New York’s primary airports, moving between gates and terminals ensures a workout.
Famous for its diverse dining options, JFK offers opportunities to explore and enjoy, all while ensuring no corner of the airport goes unwalked.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
In San Francisco, the airport mirrors the city’s flair for uniqueness. With Terminals 1 through 3 and the International Terminal, traversing this airport means delighting in art and design while covering distance.
Known for its eco-friendly initiatives, SFO ensures the journey is both green and grand.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando’s airport is as sprawling as the attractions it serves. With airsides connected by an automated people mover, walking is abundant yet effortless.
The airport’s airy design invites relaxation, even as travelers cover distances to reach their gates. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, MCO offers a warm welcome.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Charlotte Douglas, a major hub for connections, invites travelers to walk its concourses. With five concourses and a central atrium, it’s a bustling space where walking is part of the experience.
Known for its southern hospitality, CLT ensures every step is met with smiles and convenience.
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Houston’s Intercontinental Airport emphasizes space and comfort, with five terminals connected by the Skyway.
Walking between gates can mean a journey that’s both leisurely and long. Renowned for its Texan flair, IAH offers an experience as big as the state itself, with ample room to roam.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Logan’s terminals are as historic as they are expansive. Spanning four terminals, each journey involves a taste of Boston’s efficient yet charming layout.
Walking here is often complemented by views of the Boston skyline, creating a memorable travel experience.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
At Dulles, the iconic mobile lounges hint at the distances covered within. With midfield concourses, walking becomes a necessity in this elegantly designed space.
Offering a mix of historic charm and modern convenience, Dulles ensures every path taken is a journey worth remembering.