15 Airports You Might Walk a Marathon To Reach Your Gate

Think you've walked a lot in airports? Wait until you see these staggering distances.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Ellen Cannon

Updated Oct. 1, 2024

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Landing at an airport and having to catch a connecting flight can be stressful, and even more so when the gate for that connecting flight is far away.

The longest distance between two gates at an airport averages about 21 minutes, according to research by FinanceBuzz. But at some airports, the gates are much farther apart. To step up your travel game, it may pay to know how long you can expect to walk.

So, just how long is the walk between gates at major airports? If you’re going to one of these airports, put on your walking shoes.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources

Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.

How to become a member today:

Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

15. San Jose (SJC)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 25 minutes

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) may be more than a half-hour drive from San Jose’s airport, but it may be worth it if you hate walking.

The San Francisco airport on San Francisco Bay didn’t rank in the FinanceBuzz survey of 50 airports with the longest walks, and it’s often called the best airport in the U.S. for its amenities.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

14. Newark Liberty (EWR)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 26 minutes

Newark is one of three airports in the New York City metro area that made the list of longest walks between gates.

Five airports in the metro area fall under the guidance of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Newark attracts fliers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

13. Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 26 minutes

It may be a bit confusing walking the 26 minutes from gate F11 to gate B25 at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor airport.

The airport's gates are spread between Terminals 3 and 4, but Terminals 1 and 2 no longer exist. Those terminals were shut down, and the airport decided not to renumber them.

Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.

If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

12 George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 26 minutes

You may still call it the Houston Airport, but its official name is the George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The airport was renamed in 1997 to honor President George H.W. Bush, who was a resident of Houston.

11. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 27 minutes

Atlanta was the busiest airport in the world in 2023, with more than 104 million passengers moving through its terminals.

So it’s probably no surprise that the airport has one of the longest walks from gate to gate in order to accommodate the high number of travelers.

10. Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 28 minutes

It may be a trek to get from gate H2 to gate C25 in Minneapolis, but the weather could help you out.

The airport saw 9.9% of its flights delayed in 2022 due to weather, making the top 10 for most weather-delayed flights at major airports in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Transportation.

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

9. Washington-Dulles (IAD)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 30 minutes

While you walk from B79 to gate C2, take a glance at the unique architecture of Dulles Airport near Washington, D.C.

The airport’s main terminal was designed by architect Eero Saarinen, who may be better known for designing the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

8. Boston Logan (BOS)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 30 minutes

You may recognize the name Logan Airport when you fly into Boston.

The airport, which originally opened more than 100 years ago, was named for General Edward Lawrence Logan. He was a soldier, politician, and native Bostonian.

7. Philadelphia (PHL)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 31 minutes

Take some time during your long trek from gate E17 to A26 to admire a nod to Philadelphia’s history.

Terminal A is the home of a life-size replica of the Liberty Bell made out of LEGO pieces. You may see it on your walk that may last more than a half hour from gate to gate.

Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)

Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.

No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.

Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.

Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.

Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.

But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).

Apply for the SELECT card today

6. Denver (DEN)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 34 minutes

Denver saw the sixth-highest number of passengers in the world go through its airport in 2023, with almost 78 million fliers.

The good news is that you don’t have to walk that entire distance. Travelers using Gates B and C can only get there using the “people mover” train. If you prefer to walk, flights at Gate A can be reached by foot.

5. Miami (MIA)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 35 minutes

Miami may have one of the longest walks between two gates, but that’s not the only thing the airport is known for.

Miami’s airport also makes the top 10 for metric tons of cargo going through its doors. The airport handled more than 2.5 metric tons of cargo, making it the seventh-busiest airport in the world for cargo.

4. New York JFK (JFK)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 38 minutes

You’ll have to make the long trek between gates if you’re trying to fly out of the country.

New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport tops the list of U.S. airports with the most international connections based on the number of international passengers that pass through the airport.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

3. New York LaGuardia (LGA)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 39 minutes

Both JFK and LaGuardia airports are in the New York City borough of Queens, but LaGuardia airport mostly welcomes domestic flights.

The airport, named for legendary New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, serves as a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

2. Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 49 minutes

Chicago was the ninth-busiest airport in the world in 2023, with almost 74 million passengers wandering the terminals of O’Hare.

The walk from C31 to M40 will take some time, or you can check out the airport’s shuttle bus to save your feet from walking.

1. Los Angeles (LAX)

Longest walking distance between two gates: 53 minutes

A song released in the 1980s declared that “nobody walks in L.A.,” but that’s not the case if you’re at the airport.

The Los Angeles Airport, which is also known as LAX, tops the list with a 53-minute trek from gate 86B to gate 210B.

You may be surprised to find that both gates are not actually in Terminal B, which serves international flights in and out of Los Angeles. Instead, you’ll find 86B down in Terminal 8 at the other end of the airport.

Bottom line

If you’re trying to save money when you travel, you may get a better price on connecting flights rather than a direct flight. But then you’ll have to factor in extra walking time in exchange for getting a cheaper plane ticket.

You can earn points or miles for a free flight by using one of the best travel credit cards. You might land that free flight faster if you also use the card for hotels, restaurants, and other travel-related purchases.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Benefits

Card Details

$0 annual fee
Simple, flat-rate rewards
Flexible redemption options
Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
Apply Now

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card

4.1

Apply Now

on Bank of America’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

Why we like it

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources

15. San Jose (SJC)

14. Newark Liberty (EWR)

13. Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)

Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card

12 George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)

11. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL)

Trending Stories

10. Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP)

9. Washington-Dulles (IAD)

8. Boston Logan (BOS)

7. Philadelphia (PHL)

Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)

6. Denver (DEN)

5. Miami (MIA)

4. New York JFK (JFK)

3. New York LaGuardia (LGA)

2. Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

1. Los Angeles (LAX)

Bottom line

Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?

Must-Read Buzz