If You Fly Through This Airport, Be Prepared to Walk 2+ Miles to Your Gate
Updated: Aug. 14, 2024
Some U.S. airports are so sprawling, they turn your check-in-to-gate connection into a serious workout. Here's where you'll need your walking shoes—and a little extra time.
From the moment you step into the airport to the time you reach your gate, travel can feel like anything from a breeze to a full-on adventure. But what really tests your endurance is the sheer distance you sometimes have to cover in the labyrinthine layouts of some of the world’s busiest airports.
I started thinking about this after Salt Lake City International Airport underwent a major redevelopment. As a seasoned traveler, I’ve ventured through countless airports, each with its own unique charm—or challenge. While SLC’s new terminal is sleek and modern, on my first visit, when I checked in my bag, I overheard the agent tell another customer that the walk to their gate was a mile. I said to him, “Was that a joke?” He said, “No, ma’am, it will take you 20 minutes, but there is a people mover and plans for a tram.” I was shocked because everything had seemed so close in the old terminal. Fortunately, I had time to walk to my gate and made it to my flight on time.
Turns out, the SLC airport doesn’t even crack the top 10 airports with the longest walks, according to a recent survey! To find the biggest offenders, KURU Footwear surveyed 800 people and measured the longest and shortest airport-terminal walking distances from check-in to gates at airports in the United States.
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The airports with the longest walks
1. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Longest distance: 2.16 miles
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the second-largest airport in the United States, sprawls over nearly 17,000 acres. I can personally vouch for how far DFW’s gates can feel. My sister and I once found ourselves sprinting across this massive airport after our flight from Nashville landed late. We took the Skylink tram and then ran through what seemed like endless corridors, our hearts racing as we dodged other travelers. By the time we finally reached our gate for our connection to JFK, we were out of breath and had barely made it in time. It felt like a marathon to us, but DFW’s longest distance from check-in to a gate is a whopping 2.16 miles!
2. Washington-Dulles International Airport
Longest distance: 1.62 miles
Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) uses the AeroTrain, a subterranean system designed to whisk you between terminals. But this train doesn’t cover all gates, so you might still have to rely on your own two feet to make that all-important connection … where you might find yourself covering up to 1.62 miles. You’ll want to arrive extra early for your flight, especially considering IAD has one of the longest security wait times.
3. George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Longest distance: 1.52 miles
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is well-connected by an interterminal train, but much like DFW, there are situations where walking is your only option. IAH offers a variety of dining and shopping options that can make the journey a bit more enjoyable during your 1.52-mile walk to its most distant gates.
4. Denver International Airport
Longest distance: 1.45 miles
Denver International Airport (DEN) is as iconic as they come, with its striking tent-like roof that mirrors the Rocky Mountains. The views and the airport’s collection of public art can keep you entertained for your 1.45-mile journey to its farthest gates.
5. John F. Kennedy International Airport
Longest distance: 1.38 miles
New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) isn’t just one of the busiest airports in the world—it’s also a place where you can really stretch your legs with a distance of up to 1.38 miles to its farthest gates. Given the ongoing construction at JFK, I now always make a point of arriving early—very early. The last thing you want is to be stuck in traffic on your way to the airport or caught up in a construction detour on the way to your gate with a flight to catch. Trust me, planning ahead and arriving early is one of the best travel tips I can offer!
The airports with the shortest walks
Not surprisingly, the airports with the shortest walks are also some of the smaller ones in the United States. In fact, unless you live near one, you may never have heard of these before.
- Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky
• Walking distance: 0.11 miles - Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York
• Walking distance: 0.12 miles - Harrisburg International Airport in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Walking distance: 0.13 miles - Lihue Airport in Kauai, Hawaii
• Walking distance: 0.18 miles - Burbank Airport in Burbank, California
• Walking distance: 0.20
Whether you’re a marathon runner or someone who prefers a leisurely pace, knowing the distances between gates at major airports can make a big difference in your travel experience. Wherever you’re flying from or to, make sure to check the airport map, lace up your most comfortable shoes and get ready to embark on an airport adventure.
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experience where appropriate. For this piece on the U.S. airports with the longest walks, Lisa Niver tapped her expertise as a travel expert and writer who has visited 102 countries on six continents. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies. Â
Source:
- KURU Footwear: “Data Reveals the Longest and Shortest U.S. Airport Walks”
Originally Published: August 14, 2024
