Photo: David Espejo / Moment / Getty Images
You know that moment you land, check the app, and realize your connecting gate is approximately six states away? Yeah, same. Some airports are basically fitness trackers in disguise. So get your sneakers laced up and let’s countdown the Top 5 U.S. Airports with the Longest Walks.
#5 – Denver International Airport (DEN)
Nickname: “Mile High, Mile-Wide”
Welcome to Denver, where the views are stunning and the terminals are sprawling. With 3 concourses connected by trains—and enough square footage to host a small country—you might consider booking a layover just to complete your 10,000 steps.
🎒 Vibe: Mountain fresh with a side of “Wait, this gate doesn’t even exist on the map yet.”
#4 – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Nickname: “Where Terminals Go to Multiply”
This Texas-sized travel hub is no joke. Spanning over 17,000 acres (yes, really), it can feel like you’re walking to the next time zone. Add in 5 terminals and a SkyLink train system and you’re basically on a cross-city marathon.
🚶 Best tip? If you hear “Gate C37,” start walking now. You’ll make it by boarding time… hopefully.
#3 – O’Hare International Airport (ORD – Chicago)
Nickname: “O’Hurry-Up-And-Walk”
O’Hare: where dreams of quick layovers go to die. Between the endless underground tunnels, multi-level concourses, and the terrifying realization that Gate L is nowhere near Gate E, Chicago’s most famous airport has you hoofin’ it harder than a Chicago-style pizza is deep.
🌆 Bonus: You will question your life choices halfway through the walk.
#2 – Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Nickname: “Dulles: But Make It a Trek”
We’re talking runways for legs here, folks. While Dulles might look sleek and modern, the walk from security to the furthest gates is absolutely not. Sure, there’s a mobile lounge bus thing, but you’ll probably end up hoofing it while wondering how this airport still feels like a space station.
🧭 If you don’t get lost, you weren’t walking far enough.
#1 – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Nickname: “Cardio Central”
And the number one spot goes to… drumroll please… ATL!
Not only is this the busiest airport in the U.S., it’s also one of the longest. With seven concourses (A through F and T) and a ridiculously long underground tunnel system, you’re basically doing a half-marathon if you skip the Plane Train. And hey, who needs SoulCycle when you’ve got Concourse B to F?
🚨 Pro tip: Don’t challenge yourself to “walk it all” unless you’ve packed snacks, water, and a will.