If You Fly Through This Airport, Be Prepared to Walk 2+ Miles to Your Gate
Airports are no longer just transit points—they’re miniature cities with miles of corridors, moving walkways, shops, and signage that make you feel like you’re navigating a maze.
Although big airports are appealing to some travelers, others have had trouble keeping up with their baggage in the long corridors.
And so, if you’re planning to fly anytime soon, your journey might begin with a long walk… before you even hit the runway.
The Long Haul Before Takeoff
Imagine this: You arrive early, breeze through check-in, and head toward your gate only to realize you’re in for a 2-mile trek. This isn’t a bad dream, it’s the reality of what’s actually happening at several major airports in the United States. Why?
Well, as not, it is simply because of the size of terminals and their design, therefore, getting to your gate can feel as difficult as exercising early in the day.
Now, let’s take a walk through some of the largest airports in the U.S. and discover where travelers are racking up the steps according to KURU Footwear.
U.S. Airports with the Longest Walks from Check-in to Gate
1. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – 2.16 Miles
At nearly 27 square miles (17,000 acres), DFW is a city in itself. If you have ever flown through here, you understand how important it is to plan your way beforehand. Even with the Skylink train available, you could still end up having to walk as far as 38 football fields to get to your gate. Miss a train, and you might be racing the clock on foot.
2. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 1.62 Miles
Dulles has a certain appeal, but sometimes it’s not easy to get around. The AeroTrain is available to take passengers between terminals, but not all gates can be reached by train. If you’re going to a gate outside the airport, you should expect to walk about 1.6 miles. Add in notoriously long security lines, and it’s easy to see why Dulles demands punctuality.
3. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – 1.52 Miles
The five terminals at Houston’s Intercontinental Airport are linked by a subway and tram system. But if the train is too crowded or there are delays, walking is the only way to go. Since the airport is over 1.5 miles long, it’s wise to factor in walking time if you’re transferring flights.
4. Denver International Airport (DEN) – 1.45 Miles
Denver’s airport is known for its artistic design and mile-high location. Besides that, it is also known for being one of the longest-walking airports.
The good thing is the main terminal at DEN is linked to three concourses by train, but you might have to walk 1.4 miles from your arrival gate. The artwork and mountain-inspired buildings at the airport can be fun to look at, but your legs will still get tired.
5. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 1.38 Miles
Since it is New York’s main international airport, JFK is always changing. During the renovations and heavy traffic, you may need to go through construction areas, crowded places, and detours to reach your gate.
The longest walk you’ll have to take is just under 1.4 miles, so make sure to allow extra time if you’re traveling during busy times.
Airports with the Shortest Walk
While sprawling airports dominate the skies, smaller terminals still offer the charm of efficiency. If you prefer a quick stroll to your gate rather than a cardio workout, these airports deliver.
- Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport (KY) – Just 0.11 miles on walking. Blink and you’re at your gate.
- Westchester County Airport (NY) – A traveler’s dream at only 0.12 miles.
- Harrisburg International Airport (PA) – Compact and calm with a 0.13-mile stretch.
- Lihue Airport (HI) – A scenic Hawaiian welcome with only 0.18 miles to walk.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (CA) – Skip the LAX chaos with a relaxed 0.20-mile journey.
Travel Tips or Side Quest?
Long walks at airports aren’t always a nuisance—some travelers use them as a chance to stretch their legs before a long flight. However, for families, the elderly, or anyone with tight layovers, those distances can make the process even more stressful.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Check your gate early using the airport’s app or information kiosks.
- Wear supportive shoes
- Use trams or people movers where available to save time.
- Allow extra buffer time: especially in large hubs like DFW, IAD, or JFK.
- Travel light or use rolling luggage to ease the journey.
Final Thoughts
Airports are always adjusting to more people traveling by developing new infrastructure. However, with more terminals being built, it’s obvious that walking is becoming more and more of an airport check-in routine.
If you are well-prepared, you might see it as a helpful challenge, but if you are not, it can be quite frustrating.
And so, next time you plan a trip, spend a little time checking the details of your departure and arrival airports. Your gate could be just around the corner, or it could be quite far away. Either way, your real adventure starts before you get on the plane.
