Picture this: your flight gets delayed, or you’ve got a six-hour layover stretching ahead of you. Instead of sighing and settling in for a long, uncomfortable wait, you’re actually excited about the possibilities. Sound too good to be true? Not at these airports!
We’ve carried out comprehensive research to find the world’s best airports for layovers – those rare gems that transform tedious transit time into genuine travel experiences. Our team analysed 20 of the busiest airports commonly used by UK travellers, scoring each across four key categories to create the ultimate Layover Airport Index.
Long queues, delays and awkward wait times are often the most frustrating parts of modern air travel, but some airports are turning downtime into part of the adventure. Whether you’re planning a multi-centre holiday or simply want to make the most of an unavoidable connection, these airports prove that sometimes the journey really can be just as rewarding as the destination.
Each airport was scored across four essential categories:
1. Singapore Changi (SIN) – 39/40 points
Singapore Changi isn’t just an airport – it’s a destination in its own right. With 15+ world-class lounges spread across four terminals, travellers can relax, enjoying everything from premium dining to spa treatments while waiting for connections.
How Changi scored:
However, the real magic is found in the public areas. Wander through a living butterfly garden surrounded by tropical foliage, catch the latest film at the cinema, or even take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool. The Jewel Mall adds another level of wonder – this shopping paradise has an indoor waterfall!
2. Doha Hamad International (DOH) – 38/40 points
More than 10 premium lounges, including the magnificent Al Mourjan and exclusive Oryx facilities, offer travellers passing through Hamad International a taste of Qatari hospitality at its finest.
How Hamad scored:
The airport’s crown jewel is its indoor tropical garden – a lush oasis with trees and tranquil water features that make you forget you’re in the desert (and in an airport!). Hamad International didn’t just score on beauty – it’s highly efficient, too. The single terminal design means effortless connections, while the Metro Red Line can take passengers to downtown Doha’s glittering skyline in just 15-20 minutes.
3. Seoul Incheon (ICN) – 36/40 points
Beyond its 10+ lounges, travellers at Incheon International can check into capsule hotels and dedicated nap zones when jet lag strikes. The airport celebrates Korean heritage through live traditional performances and serene indoor gardens.
How Incheon scored:
Perhaps most memorable is its ice skating rink – where else can you glide across the ice while waiting for your flight? With a 5-star Skytrax rating and strong passenger approval, Incheon earned a well-deserved third place in the ranking.
4. Dubai International (DXB) – 35/40 points
Dubai International lives up to the emirate’s reputation for luxury. The airport doubles as a shopping destination, featuring everything from high-end fashion boutiques to traditional markets, all climate-controlled and open around the clock.
How Dubai scored:
Indoor gardens provide peace between retail therapy, while the dining options mean you could sample cuisines from around the world without leaving the terminal. The Metro Red Line connection puts you in the heart of Dubai’s metropolis in 25-27 minutes, perfect for squeezing in a quick city visit during longer layovers.
5. Istanbul Airport (IST) – 34/40 points
The flagship Turkish Airlines lounge sets the standard at Istanbul Airport, while YOTELAIR provides both airside and landside accommodation options for extended layovers.
How Istanbul scored:
Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the on-site art gallery and museum exhibits, while the retail and dining scene balances Turkish specialities with international favourites. The Metro M11 line reaches central Istanbul in around 30 minutes, putting historic attractions within easy reach of travellers with time to spare.
While our top five dominated the rankings, several other airports deserve recognition for excelling in specific areas:
Best European connectivity: Amsterdam Schiphol (33/40) Schiphol earned a perfect accessibility score thanks to its 14-18 minute train connection to Amsterdam Central Station and excellent terminal navigation. The airport also features a unique Rijksmuseum annexe, bringing Dutch culture directly to travellers.
Most efficient layout: Munich Airport (34/40, tied 6th) Munich impressed with perfect terminal efficiency scores, featuring two terminals linked by a central plaza and excellent Lufthansa alliance lounges. The airport brewery adds a distinctly Bavarian touch to the layover experience.
Hidden gem for rest: Frankfurt Airport (32/40) Despite ranking 8th overall, Frankfurt excelled in comfort with perfect scores for both lounges and nap facilities, including the MY CLOUD hotel and NapCabs for tired travellers.
Best value city access: Copenhagen Airport (32/40) Copenhagen’s compact layout earned perfect accessibility marks within terminals, while the 13-15 minute Metro/train connection to the city centre makes it incredibly easy to explore Danish culture during layovers.
Long layovers can often feel like lost time, but airports like these are changing the experience completely. With everything from capsule hotels to art galleries and tropical gardens, they’re becoming destinations in themselves. Singapore Changi’s near-perfect score shows how world-class facilities can genuinely enhance a holiday experience, whether you’re exploring their butterfly garden or taking a dip in the rooftop pool.
For travellers planning multi-centre holidays, a strategic stopover at one of these top-scoring hubs can add an extra dimension to the trip. Instead of viewing connections as necessary inconveniences, these airports offer genuine opportunities to sample local culture, cuisine, and hospitality – sometimes without even leaving the terminal.
Whether you’re connecting through Doha’s artistic oasis, Seoul’s cultural showcase, or Dubai’s retail paradise, these airports prove that sometimes the most memorable parts of a journey happen between destinations.
Planning a multi-centre holiday and want to make the most of your connections? Our experienced travel consultants can help you build strategic layovers into your itinerary, turning necessary stops into exciting mini-adventures.
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
Brilliant service - did what I wanted without being pushy. Used before and will use again
Great service always willing to find the best accommodation to suit your needs at the best price to suit your budget. I've been booking holidays with eshores now for 10 years and never been disappointed and will continue to do so.
Anna has arranged two holidays for us now and she has been amazing with all her attention to detail.
Excellent service throughout. Andy was great help the whole time . Answered all our emails quickly. We couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you eshores. We can’t wait for our tailor made holiday next year. Will be telling all our friends about the company
Gresg prompt communication. All explained lovely do far. Really well tailored itenararies with flexibility and a grest price. So far very impressive.
Kelly has organised me a couple of really nice twin holidays. She listens to all my requirements and acts on them, finding me fantastic holidays. Highly recommend,
This is my third holiday booked with Emma and my fourth with Eshores in total can’t fault the service and know we’re in good hands with Emma ,courteous ,respectful and professional in all my dealings with here ,would definitely recommend 💯 percent 😊
This is the second holiday we've booked through eShores. They are a top travel agent as far as we are concerned, we've booked two completely bespoke holidays through them and are in the process of booking a third. Both Michelle and Nadine have been more than helpful with meeting our requirements, nothing has been too…
Really easy and pleasant booking experience So far so good due to fly out in January.
First class service from Michelle for the second holiday she has planned for us .. brilliant communication, excellent skills and good knowledge along with great professionalism..
We sent our desired itinerary for a trip to Singapore and Australia and Rachel created a package for us including flights, hotels, transfers to meet our budget, discussing various options with us as required. Couldn’t have asked for a smoother booking experience, looking forward to the trip next year.
I have booked with Nick at EShores several times now and nothing is too much trouble. His prices are extremely competitive and we have never had any problems with flights & private transfers. Booked with him again this week to South America and he managed to upgrade us to ocean view room in one place…
We have used eShores to manage our holidays for the last few years. Hannah is our consultant and she provides a first class service. Would highly recommend.
So far so good,just booked and Kadie seems to know her stuff. Prompt in replies.
Fantastic service, very knowledgeable, find great value holidays without any pressure to buy
Andy and Claire was very helpful and Helped sorting my trip for 2026 Thanks to both
Great service and costs. The staff are excellent they are knowledgeable and very very helpful. I have used them many times and have recommended them to my friends I will continue to use them in the future
Just booked a holiday for two to Argentina and Brazil. Absolutely brilliant service. Kadie [rovided lots of help and support whilst making choices. Cannot wait for the holiday.
Michelle, is as always so helpful and friendly.
I have been using this company for nearly 20 years now and I have always received amazing service , all the staff are great and very reactionary to any issues and prompt whilst dealing with enquiries and bookings !i look forward to my continued rely with them ! Rick
Go back