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Photo: kozumel
1. Zurich (ZRH)
I put Zurich first because it’s got something none of the others do: hiking trails.
The grounds surrounding the airport and nearby villages comprise a nature preserve. There are 12 miles of paths, wildlife like rabbits and wild boar, and even a park ranger force.
The best part is travelers can rent bikes ($20/4 hours) or inline skates in the airport (upper lever, near Garage 2), store their baggage while they go out for a pedal, and then shower up ($15) before their flight.
Check out this story for more.
KUL / Photo: Plaza Premium Lounge
2. Kuala Lumpur International (KUL)
The most unique facility here is the Plaza Premium Lounge, where a flat rate ($27/2 hours or $40/5 hours) gets you unlimited access to a range of services and entertainment.
The lounge includes a decked-out business center with secretarial assistance and a recreation area with massage chairs, movies, and free beer and coffee. It’s open 24/7.
3. Auckland (AKL)
New Zealand’s busiest airport seems most highly regarded for being an easy sleep spot.
Seats in the upstairs lounge are stretch-out-able, there’s 24-hour snackage available, and announcements are made at minimal volume.
SIN / Photo: gyverchangphotos
4. Singapore Changi (SIN)
A heavy hitter, Changi snagged first place in the 2010 Skytrax World Airport Awards. It mixes smooth accessibility with traveler-friendly amenities like free wifi, Xbox/Playstation consoles, and lounge chairs with built-in alarm clocks.
That last one helped earn it the 2010 Golden Pillow Award from sleepinginairports.com.
What does it for me, though, is the swimming pool and jacuzzi at the Ambassador Transit Hotel in Terminal 1. Non-guests get in for S$14 (~US$10).
5. Incheon International (ICN)
Seoul’s international hub was dethroned by Changi this year after taking top prize in 2009.
It’s easy to get around, clean, architecturally attractive, and equipped with in-transit loungers and play areas for kids. On top of that, rotating exhibits of cultural artifacts are presented by the Incheon International Airport Korean Culture Museum.
Photo: James Cridland
6. London Heathrow (LHR)
Wait, don’t scroll down to leave an angry comment just yet!
I realize much of Heathrow is a dump. I mean, it was voted world’s worst in 2009 by the Priority Pass program.
What we’re talking about here is specifically Terminal 5, where those with large amounts of time and money to burn can do so with what Skytrax has voted best airport shopping.
7. Athens International (ATH)
Built in 2001, Athens still has that new-airport smell. Special features include green space next to the control tower and the latest in robotic security technology.
But what caught my attention is it’s a “silent airport.” Flight announcements aren’t made over the PA, which means this might just be the best airport for a full night’s sleep.
MVD / Photo: Wikimedia Commons
8. Carrasco International, Montevideo (MVD)
Carrasco’s new terminal, opened this summer, is all glass and sleekness. Its design alone earns it a spot on this list.
Plus, with Argentina’s reciprocity fee in force, Montevideo is set to become a more popular gateway to Buenos Aires, just across the river.
9. Kansai International (KIX)
Located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, Kansai is just one terminal, but it’s the longest terminal in the world (over a mile).
That makes for some nice, long, time-killing walks.
AMS / Photo: mindspillage
10. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
The Rijksmuseum operates a branch in Schiphol, featuring Rembrandts and other iconic examples of Dutch art, and an airport library opened just a few months ago.
For something less cultural, try the casino.
Or, for those stuck here for a really long time, meet someone special, fall in love, and get married. The airport wedding planner is happy to assist.
Sorry, no coffeeshops at Schiphol.
Hal Amen
Hal Amen is managing editor at Matador. His personal travel blog is WayWorded.
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I think Hong Kong Airport should be ranked a lot higher than 15. It’s consistently placed in the top 3 airports in the world. Kuala Lumpur is number 2 on your list, mainly due to the Plaza Premium Lounge facility that is there. But Hong Kong has Plaza Premium Lounge as well, which should surely justify Hong Kong having a higher place on your list.
Hi Justin, this wasn’t meant to be a “#1, #2, #3″ kind of ranking, just 20 of the best. Sorry for the confusion.
chicago o’hare totally trumps london heathrow.
LIGHT SHOW!
I am not a fan of Heathrow!!! I’ve been stuck there plenty of times frustrated by London fog, uncomfortable seats, and the fact you have no idea where your gate is until 50 minutes before your plane leaves. However, you do bring up a good point when it comes to shopping. I was able to knock out a lot of Christmas shopping one year, and then ended it with a meal from Chef Ramsey’s Plane Food Restaurant!
I agree with Singapore and would have to add Dubai to the list. Schiphol in Amsterdam is also a nice one, has a casino and a couple of good pubs.
Aren’t you forgetting Singapore ?
they have coffee shops in Schipohl…..several in fact. Heathrow is so awful that good shopping doesn’t help (nice shop handing out free shots of scotch though)…..but Schipohl is great….oslo’s Gardemoron is excellent as well. Quiet, comfortable. Vienna’s airport is quite nice too actually….smaller. I like Miami…though many don’t. Great coffee! And absolute worst is a tie between JFK and Santa Cruz in Bombay (Mumbai).