Airports are brimming with enthusiasm, promise, anticipation, urgency, and a multitude of other mixed emotions. Every seasoned traveler must endure countless hours at airports awaiting their desired destinations. All major international airports in Europe provide a variety of experiences for those passing through on a layover – some are ideal for a quick nap, others boast incredible shopping arcades, and others still are incredibly convenient for changing flights.
Here is a compilation of international airports in Europe that will leave you feeling satisfied and content with their facilities, convenience, and atmosphere.
10 Airports In Europe
From the renowned Heathrow to the contemporary Munich and a cozy one in Switzerland, these airports in Europe offer the epitome of comfort and convenience for a flawless start to your vacation.
1. Munich International Airport, Germany (MUC)
One of the most exquisite and luxurious airports in Europe, it rightfully claims the top spot in a majority of travel surveys. This upscale airport consistently maintains impeccable cleanliness, boasts exceptional facilities, and employs the friendliest and most accommodating staff. Navigating through the airport is extremely easy, and layover times are typically minimal. It is conveniently located just a 40-minute train ride away from Munich, with frequent train departures. The airport is well-equipped with excellent shopping outlets, restaurants, and bakeries.
What distinguishes it: The visitor park includes a playground and a mini golf course, a heritage aircraft for aviation enthusiasts, complimentary wifi, its own brewery, and top-of-the-line sleeping cabins called NapCabs!
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2. Zurich Kloten International Airport, Switzerland (ZRH)
Only a mere 10-minute distance from the heart of Zurich, this modern, serene, and comfortable airport is an excellent place to be before or after your flight. With extensive chocolate stores, cozy lounges, minimal delays, and cooperative staff, it stands among the best on this list of airports in Europe. The “Family Services” rooms, where kids can play, relax, or sleep with ease, are particularly fantastic for families traveling with children. Additionally, passengers get a glimpse of the Swiss mountains while landing.
What distinguishes it: Swift customs procedures for connecting flights. The airport also offers bicycle and inline skate rentals, as well as excursions for passengers with lengthy layovers.
3. London Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom (LHR)
Without a doubt the largest airport in Europe 2017 with nearly 7.8 million passengers utilizing it every year, London Heathrow is also one of the finest in the continent. With speedy baggage drop, effective security check and accommodating staff, it is a convenient airport for both terminal and transit passengers. Numerous shops including Harrods and excellent dining options are other highlights.
What makes it stand out: The breathtaking Terminal 5(repeatedly voted as the best terminal in the world!) offers stunning views of the countryside and Windsor Castle. The airport also has its own chapel, St George’s Chapel.
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4. Frankfurt Airport, Germany (FRA)
This contemporary world-class airport is a significant airport in Europe’s map, serving as one of the busiest transit hubs globally. It is an exemplar of efficiency and cleanliness, with helpful staff and seamless transit between terminals. There are plenty of retail outlets and excellent dining options for those spending time here.
What makes it stand out: Regular trains to Frankfurt central station at just Euro 5/person. A highly technologically advanced airport throughout the entire journey.
5. Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, Netherlands (AMH)
Despite being one of the busiest airports in Europe spread over an expansive area with numerous boarding gates, it is exceptionally efficient and easy to navigate. With a range of sleeping options from comfortable chairs, sofas, and even makeshift beds, it is one of the top airports in Europe for extended layovers. Additionally, there are plenty of check-in stations, informative signage everywhere, superb stores, and dining establishments.
What makes it stand out: There is a museum and a rooftop shopping arcade to happily pass the time here. A library with comfortable chairs and charging points is a lovely addition.
6. Copenhagen Kastrup International Airport, Denmark (CPH)
The bright and breezy terminal with plenty of indoor trees and cushioned seating arrangements creates a sense of comfort for passengers. The trendy contemporary architecture, well-organized layout, swift security check, and helpful staff ensure it is one of the finest airports in Europe. There is a good variety of shops, numerous restaurants, snack bars, and even an Irish pub present here. When you step outside, some of the most fantastic places to explore in Copenhagen are easily accessible from the airport.
What makes it unique: A statue of the famous little mermaid just beyond the Customs area. Fast and affordable metro service from Terminal 3 to downtown Copenhagen.
7. Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Finland (HEL)
This sanitary airport, which is designed to cater to travelers’ needs, is very well-managed, with an instinctive design to ensure the shortest time to reach your boarding gates. The staff is extremely cordial and there are plenty of comfortable chairs as well as exceptional lounges (the sleeping booths in the Finnair lounge are worth mentioning). It also offers a wide selection of shopping options and a great variety of food, ranging from high-end to budget-friendly.
What makes it unique: How many airports in Europe would house an art gallery?! Well, Helsinki offers that and numerous other options to pass your time: an aviation museum, a book swap opportunity, and a picturesque terrace.
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8. Vienna International Airport, Austria (VIE)
A charming airport with magnificent views, this is one of the top airports in Europe designed with passenger comfort in mind. The cozy sofas and chairs, along with splendid lounges, allow you to rest and unwind during long layovers. The airport is compact, easy to navigate with excellent graphic signage, and offers plenty of dining options.
What makes it different: A restaurant owned by Jamie Oliver and a wide selection of chocolates and perfumes at the shopping area. The trains to the city center are conveniently available right at the terminal.
9. Hamburg Airport, Germany (HAM)
This uncomplicated, efficient no-frills airport in Germany has now become a major hub for budget airlines in Europe (like EasyJet, Ryan Air, and Eurowings). Its sophisticated architecture with ample windows is perfectly complemented by its prompt security procedures and helpful personnel. The food court offers a good variety of meals and the shopping area boasts a pleasant selection of stores for you to browse.
What sets it apart: Lovely observation terrace for aviation enthusiasts. The new personal scanners are incredibly fast and efficient.
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10. Tallinn International Airport, Estonia (TLL)
Catching a flight or awaiting one at this cozy airport feels more like spending time in the comfort of your own living room. It’s no wonder that Tallinn Airport is one of the most relaxed and smallest airports in Europe, which is a must-visit for its innovative methods to keep passengers happy. There are gates with local themes, a superb free library, gym facilities, and circular sleeping beds with chargers. The incredibly friendly staff, ping pong table, and various play areas add more charm to the airport.
What sets it apart: It allows children to announce airport announcements. When the cafeteria is closed, you can make a donation and create your own sandwich! The city is only a 10-minute taxi or tram ride away.
Visiting a new airport is almost as thrilling as visiting a new city with its distinct and intriguing places to explore and enjoy. The next time you book a Europe Trip, be sure to stop by one of these charming major airports in Europe for a memorable experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Airports In Europe
- What are the major airports in Europe?
- The major airports in Europe are London Heathrow Airport, Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport, Amsterdam Schipol Airport, and Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
- How many airports are in Europe?
- There are approximately 347 airports in Europe that have excellent connectivity with countries around the globe.
- What are the three busiest airports in Europe?
- London Heathrow Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Amsterdam Schipol Airport are the three busiest airports in Europe.
- What is the best airport in Germany?
- Frankfurt Airport is considered the best airport in Germany and is also renowned for being one of the busiest in the country.
- Which is the largest airport in Europe?
- Located 25km from Paris, France, Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest airport in Europe, encompassing an area of 32.37km.
- Which is the largest airport in Europe by passenger number?
- Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Bajaras Airport holds the distinction of being the largest airport in Europe based on passenger numbers, making Spain the country with the highest capital city.
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