As the holiday season approaches, with Thanksgiving just days away, you know that airports will soon be bustling with travelers eager to visit loved ones. Holiday travel can be a mix of excitement and stress, with large crowds and tighter schedules making your journey feel longer. Whether you’re navigating the sprawling terminals of major airports or breezing through smaller ones, knowing what to expect can help you better plan your trip. Being aware of the longest and shortest walks at various U.S. airports is especially helpful during the holiday travel rush, where every minute counts. This guide will give you an in-depth look at what it’s like to traverse airport
What U.S. Airports have the Longest Walks?
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
During the holiday season, DFW can be especially busy, and its sheer size can make your journey more challenging. Navigating between terminals, like moving from Terminal A to Terminal D, can take 25-30 minutes without the Skylink train, making it crucial to plan ahead during peak holiday travel. Despite the long distances, DFW offers moving walkways and plenty of dining and shopping options to make your walk more enjoyable. If you’re sticking to one terminal, the walk from security to your gate is more manageable, around 5-10 minutes. Be prepared for holiday season crowds that may add a few extra minutes to your walk. After all, DFW has America’s longest airport walk at over 2 miles.
Related: Best Public Transportation At U.S. Airports
Denver International Airport (DEN)
The holiday season at DEN means an influx of travelers, so knowing the walking distances is key to navigating the airport smoothly. Walking from the far end of Concourse A to Concourse C could take over 30 minutes, especially during holiday travel rushes. DEN’s underground train system can help you reduce transit time, but walking remains an option if you prefer the scenic route. The concourses are lined with shops and art displays to make your walk enjoyable. Shorter routes, like from security checkpoints to the gates in Concourse A, are typically 5-7 minutes.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
ATL sees heavy traffic year-round, but the holiday season amplifies the rush, making your walking time more significant. Moving from Concourse A to Concourse F can take up to 45 minutes if you skip the Plane Train. The airport is well-signed and bustling with holiday season travelers, so expect some delays. A short walk within a single concourse is more manageable, at 5-10 minutes from security to the nearest gate. ATL’s busy atmosphere requires extra planning during the holiday season to ensure you reach your gate on time.
Related: Popular Thanksgiving Traditions Across America
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
ORD’s large layout can make the holiday season travel hectic, particularly when you need to walk between terminals. For example, a walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 5 could take 30-35 minutes without using shuttles, which is essential to keep in mind during holiday rushes. On the other hand, within a single terminal, you might be able to get from your security checkpoint to your gate in under 5 minutes. The moving walkways help ease the distance, yet be prepared for holiday crowds that could slow your pace. ORD’s iconic art installations can make the walk more engaging, even during the busiest times.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is already known for its complexity, and the holiday season adds another layer of challenge. If you’re walking from Terminal 1 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal, expect a 25-30 minute walk, with holiday crowds potentially adding time. The outdoor connections between terminals can be cumbersome, especially with holiday season weather and increased traveler numbers. Shorter walks, like from the security checkpoint to a nearby gate, generally take 5-7 minutes. Either way, plan for extra time, as LAX’s holiday traffic can make getting around feel even longer. With this in mind, make sure to allow extra time, whether you’re driving, ridesharing or using the LA Metro C Line.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SFO’s loop design can be tricky to navigate during the holiday season when terminals are packed with travelers. Walking from Terminal 1 to the far end of the International Terminal can take 25-30 minutes, which might be more with holiday crowds. The AirTrain is available to make connections easier, but for those walking, the journey can feel long. However, the terminals’ unique art and shops can make the holiday season experience more enjoyable. A quick walk within a single terminal, like from the security checkpoint to your gate, usually takes around 5 minutes. Unfortunately, those bouncy moving walkways in Terminal 3 have been removed as part of a renovation project.
Related: San Francisco’s Best Holiday Attractions
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
During the holiday season, SEA’s concourses are busier, making walking distances feel longer. A walk from Concourse A to the South Satellite can take 20-25 minutes. The underground train system helps, but for those who prefer walking, be prepared for crowds. The airport has updated features to make navigation easier, which can be helpful during holiday travel. Shorter walks, such as from security to nearby gates, typically take about 5 minutes.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
EWR’s holiday season crowds can make walking between terminals feel longer, especially if you’re moving from Terminal A to Terminal C, a journey that could take 25-30 minutes outside security. Shuttles are available, but walking is an option if you want to stretch your legs. Within Terminal C, getting from security to a gate takes only 5-7 minutes, but the holiday season can add time due to crowded paths. The airport’s updated navigation tools can help you get around more efficiently. Plan extra time if your route involves crossing terminals during peak holiday travel times. That’s not to mention other New York area airports like JFK, which also ranks among America’s longest airport walks.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
MIA’s concourses spread out from a central hub, creating long walking distances that can feel even more taxing during the holiday season. If you’re walking from Concourse D to Concourse J, expect a 30-35 minute walk without the Skytrain. The concourses are filled with shops and dining options that can make the walk more pleasant, but holiday season travelers can create bottlenecks. Shorter walks, like from security to a gate within the same concourse, are around 5-8 minutes. Be mindful that holiday travel can add extra time, especially during peak hours.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
PHL’s linear terminal layout can mean long walks if you’re moving from Terminal A-West to Terminal F, which could take 25-30 minutes during the holiday season. Shuttles are available, but if you’re walking, give yourself extra time. Walking from security to a gate is typically only 5-6 minutes within a single terminal. The holiday season crowds can slow down your pace, so plan ahead. Clear signage and interconnected terminals help you navigate more smoothly during holiday travel.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
IAD’s iconic design, featuring the main terminal with satellite concourses, creates a unique challenge during the holiday season when holiday travel peaks. If you’re walking from the main terminal to Concourse D, it can take up to 30-35 minutes without using the AeroTrain or shuttles. In other words, IAD has among the longest walks in a U.S. airport. During the holiday season, these long walks might feel even more time-consuming with the increased foot traffic. From security to gates in Concourse A, expect a shorter 5-7 minute walk. The architecture of the main terminal is impressive, but navigating IAD requires planning to avoid delays during the holiday rush. Be prepared to add extra time for your journey, especially when crossing between concourses.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
IAH is one of the largest airports in the U.S., which can mean substantial walking distances, especially during the holiday season when holiday travel crowds swell. Moving between Terminals A and D could take 30-35 minutes if you choose to walk without the Skyway or subway system. The airport has clearly marked pathways, but the distances can be significant, particularly when navigating busy holiday season conditions. Shorter walks, such as from security to a gate within the same terminal, typically take 5-8 minutes. IAH’s extensive selection of dining and shopping options can help break up longer walks, making holiday travel more pleasant. Planning ahead is key to a smooth experience, especially when your itinerary includes inter-terminal connections during the holidays.
What U.S. Airports have the Shortest Walks?
Dallas Love Field (DAL)
DAL’s compact design is a holiday season blessing, as it keeps your walking distances short. For instance, the longest walk, from one end of the concourse to the other, is only 10-15 minutes. With the holiday season rush, you’ll appreciate how quickly you can move from security to your gate, typically in just 2-3 minutes. The airport’s straightforward layout and minimal crowds compared to larger hubs make holiday travel easier. Expect a comfortable experience even when traffic picks up.
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
SAN’s manageable size is ideal for holiday season travel, with two terminals close to one other. The longest walk between Terminals 1 and 2 is around 15 minutes, but moving from security to your gate is just 3-5 minutes. The airport is easy to navigate, and the views of the bay make your experience pleasant. During the holiday season, the airport can get busier, but walking distances remain short. Plan for minimal stress as you move through this traveler-friendly airport.
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
SNA is designed for quick, easy navigation, which is perfect for the holiday season when efficiency matters most. The longest walk, from one end of the terminal to the other, is about 10-12 minutes. From security to your gate, it’s only 2-3 minutes, making holiday travel simpler and faster. The airport’s convenient layout means you can get from point A to B without hassle. Even during holiday crowds, the flow is smooth and well-organized.
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
BNA’s size makes it a good option for holiday season travel. Even at peak times, walking from one end of a concourse to the other is only about 10-15 minutes. The walk from security to your gate is typically 3-5 minutes, which is helpful when holiday season lines are longer. The airport’s lively atmosphere, complete with live music, makes holiday travel feel festive. Navigation is straightforward, so even during busy travel times, you won’t feel lost.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
SMF is ideal for holiday season travelers who want a hassle-free airport experience. The longest walk between Terminals A and B can take up to 12-15 minutes, but most routes are shorter. From security to your gate, you’re looking at only 3-4 minutes, even with holiday season crowds. The airport’s modern layout and clear signage make navigation simple. You’ll enjoy the stress-free vibe that keeps holiday travel from feeling overwhelming.
Portland International Airport (PDX)
PDX is known for being efficient and traveler-friendly, a huge plus during the holiday season. A walk from the far end of Concourse E to Concourse D is around 15-18 minutes. Most walks, like from security to a gate, are only 2-4 minutes. The airport’s local shops and unique design make holiday travel more enjoyable. Short distances and good wayfinding ensure you won’t struggle to find your gate, even during peak holiday travel.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
AUS has a single-terminal layout, perfect for navigating during the holiday season. The longest walk from one end to the other is about 15-20 minutes, but most journeys are much quicker. From security to the nearest gates, expect a 3-5 minute walk. The airport’s relaxed, welcoming vibe makes holiday travel feel less hectic. Even with holiday season traffic, the distances are manageable and easy to cover.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
CLE’s manageable design helps you move efficiently, even during the holiday season. Walking between concourses could take about 15 minutes, but shorter routes from security to gates are 2-4 minutes. The airport is well-organized, so holiday travel won’t feel chaotic. With clear signage and compact concourses, finding your way is simple. Even when holiday crowds pick up, you can navigate confidently.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
MCI’s recent renovations have made it even more straightforward for holiday season travelers. The longest walks take about 12-15 minutes, but security-to-gate walks are just 2-3 minutes. Modern, open spaces help you stay relaxed during holiday travel. Despite the holiday rush, moving around is stress-free thanks to clear paths. The design ensures you won’t be overwhelmed even when crowds are larger.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
BWI offers a medium-sized layout that works well during the holiday season. Walking between the farthest concourses takes about 15-20 minutes, but most trips from security to a gate are 3-5 minutes. Holiday travel can bring bigger crowds, but BWI’s design allows for efficient navigation. Recent updates make pathways even clearer, so you’ll move through with ease. Enjoy the convenience as you travel during the holiday season.
Related: Thanksgiving Airport Travel Tips
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS for eight years. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a media fellowship from Stanford University and is a member of Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW).
