Best 10 Airports to Have a Layover

Oh, the dreaded layover. The moment we’re faced with one, visions of being slumped in a corner for hours on end spring to mind. But that’s not always the case. Imagine an airport with sushi-making classes, capsule hotels, rooftop pools, or indoor ice skating rings. Sounds like a fairy tale, right? 

Below, we have ten airports that should put a smile on your face if you’re faced with a layover. The hours spent at any of these will pass by smoothly, getting you to your final destination with a minimal amount of stress or drama. 

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Atlanta, GA

While ATL is known to be one of the busiest airports in the U.S., it’s also one of the most traveler-friendly. Packed to the gills with stores and restaurants, there are plenty of ways to kill time without being bored out of your mind. There’s also free WiFi throughout the airport to do a little work or cozy into a Netflix marathon. 

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – Canada

YVR was beautifully designed – almost as if it wasn’t designed to be an airport. While you’re killing time, see if you can find the giant aquarium. It’s filled with marine life native to British Columbia. Along the way to the aquarium, you can also dip in and out of craft shops filled with locally sourced goods as you enjoy the art installations throughout. 

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – San Francisco, CA

Speaking of artistic flair, SFO also has it in spades. While you’re here, you can stroll through various art galleries filled with work from local talent. After you’ve filled your art appetite, you can sit down to a nice meal – and we’re not talking airport fast food. We’re talking gourmet meals, gourmet coffee, and fresh sushi. There’s even a local brewery on tap for a post-meal sip. 

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) – Netherlands

Amsterdam’s a great stopping point if you’re making your way further north to other beautiful cities like Copenhagen or Bergen. Here, too, art is the centerpiece because there’s actually a branch of the famous museum, Rijksmuseum, here. After you’ve toured that, you can move over to an actual library stocked with international titles and cozy corners to get lost in. You don’t have to go far to enjoy a real meal here or even an onsite spa service.