Updated on April 14, 2026 / 6 min

2026 Report: U.S. Airports With the Longest and Shortest Walking Distances

Here’s how far you’ll walk from airport entrance to the farthest gate

By: KURU Footwear

Spacious airport terminal interior with check-in counters and high arched ceiling, illustrating long walking distances.

As spring travel picks up, airports are gearing up for the seasonal rush that comes with spring break getaways, warmer weather, and more travelers ready to shake off winter. TSA has said spring break is one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

But this year, that rush is also meeting another challenge: government shutdown disruptions. TSA staffing shortages have contributed to longer security lines, and some travelers have been urged to arrive up to 3 hours early for domestic flights. Officials have also warned that if conditions do not improve, some smaller airports could be forced to shut down.

That means getting to your gate is no longer just about making good time. It is also about preparing for extra standing, walking, and waiting before security. In the biggest airports, those added delays can make an already long trek feel even longer.

So just how far could you be walking from the airport entrance to your gate this spring?

2026 Travel Survey

In April 2026, we ran a survey of 1,000 Americans about their travel habits for the remainder of the year. We wanted to know how long TSA lines, airline delays, and overseas conflict could potentially impact Americans’ travel plans. Here’s what we found:

✈️ Travel Behavior in 2026:

Amidst several months of travel chaos, we asked Americans if their plans for air travel had been impacted in 2026 - and how. Here’s what 1,000 Americans told us:

60% of Americans are planning to travel in 2026, and a further 9% say they are unsure at this point.

Of those, 56% of Americans have already booked air travel.
44% of those plan to travel about the same amount as they did in 2025, 36% actually plan to travel more, and 1 in 5 (20%) plan to travel less than in 2025.
Of those who are planning to travel, 83% already postponed their trips.
The top reasons Americans say they delayed their air travel are:

Rising airfare costs (19%)
Safety concerns (18%)
Long TSA lines (16%)
Rising cost of living and less expendable income (14%)
Airport crowds (12%)
Global conflict (11%)
Airline reliability (7%)
Other -(3%)

Almost 1 in 10 (8%) Americans have cancelled air travel plans for 2026.
48% say they are opting to drive this year when traveling instead of flying.
The top things that concern Americans MOST about flying this year are:

1. Cost of tickets (30%)
2. Global conflict/safety (21%)
3. TSA wait times (20%)
4. None of the above / Not concerned (15%)
5. Flight delays (9%)
6. Lost luggage (5%)

⏱️ TSA Lines, Crowding & Airport Experience

40% say TSA wait times influence which airport they choose.
40% would avoid flying out of a major airport due to long TSA lines.
Top reasons for avoiding small airports:

Worse flight routes (22%)
Staffing shortages / TSA limitations (21%)
Fewer amenities (12%)
27% say they are, however, not avoiding small airports.

💸 Finances & Cost Pressures

It’s no secret that airfares prices have gone up in 2026, and may continue to rise. We asked Americans just how finances are impacting their travel plans, including how they pay for flights and what their concerns are with upcoming travel.

51% say rising airfare costs make them hesitant to travel by air.
23% say rising flight costs have somewhat impacted their travel plans.
38% say rising costs have changed how they pay for flights.

17% have gone into debt to pay for airfare

Of those who are planning to travel in 2026:

Most used debit card or paid up front
The other most common form of payment was a credit card which was immediately paid off
45% have used some form of financing to purchase (e.g. credit card, BNPL, or a payment plan)

🌍 Global Conflict & Safety Concerns

38% say global conflicts like the war in Iran make them hesitant to fly. 18% said somewhat, 10% are unsure, and 34% said not at all.
21% of Americans say global conflict and safety is their biggest concern about traveling in 2026.

Foot Traffic Findings

The team at KURU Footwear analyzed the longest and shortest airport walks in the US, measuring the distance from entrance to gate so travelers know what to expect before takeoff.

Before you book your next flight, see which airports could put your walking stamina to the test and which ones can get you from curb to gate with a little less effort.

At some airports, getting to your gate can feel like a trip of its own.

This year, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) takes the top spot for the longest airport walk in the US. On the other end of the list, Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) ranks as the shortest, offering a much quicker trip from curb to gate.

For major airport hubs, extra walking is often part of the deal. With multiple terminals, busy concourses, and connections happening all day long, travelers can end up covering more ground than expected. Checking airport maps and services in advance can make those long travel days feel a little more manageable.

Infographic showing walking distances between terminals or gates at major airports.

Top 5: Longest Airport Walks in 2026

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - Texas

Walking distance: 1.50 miles
Land Size: Approximately 26.9 square miles
Terminals/Gates: Five terminals with a total of 171 gates
*To make the journey easier, travelers can use Skylink, a free train that connects all five terminals, arrives every two minutes, and runs 24/7.

KURU Footwear product image featured in article.

2. Denver International Airport (DEN) - Colorado

Walking distance: 1.14 miles
Land Size: Approximately 52.4 square miles
Terminals/Gates: One main terminal with three concourses, totaling 143 gates

3. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) - Virginia

Walking distance: 0.97 miles
Land Size: Approximately 20.3 square miles
Terminals/Gates: One main terminal with two concourses and a total of 123 gates

4. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) - Pennsylvania

Walking distance: 0.86 miles
Land Size: Approximately 15.6 square miles
Terminals/Gates: A single terminal with four concourses and 75 gates

5. Orlando International Airport (MCO) - Florida

Walking distance: 0.70 miles
Land Size: Approximately 18.1 square miles
Terminals/Gates: Two main terminals with a combined total of 129 gates

Top 5: Shortest Airport Walks in 2026

1. Trenton–Mercer Airport (TTN) - New Jersey

Walking distance: 0.03 miles
Land Size: Approximately 2.1 square miles
Terminals/Gates: One terminal with four gates

2. Paine Field (PAE) - Washington

Walking distance: 0.04 miles
Land Size: Approximately 2.05 square miles
Terminals/Gates: One terminal with two gates

3. Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) - Connecticut

Walking distance: 0.05 miles
Land Size: Approximately 0.62 square miles
Terminals/Gates: One terminal with two gates

4. Lihue Airport (LIH) - Hawaii

Walking distance: 0.06 miles
Land Size: Approximately 1.43 square miles
Terminals/Gates: One terminal with 10 gates

5. Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) - Pennsylvania

Walking distance: 0.12 miles
Land Size: Approximately 1.06 square miles
Terminals/Gates: One terminal with 12 gates

Airport Navigation Tips

Before you head to your gate, keep these simple tips in mind to make airport walking a little easier:

Skip the busiest restroom. The restroom closest to your gate is usually the one everyone else rushes to. If you have a few extra minutes, walking a bit farther down the concourse can often mean a shorter line and a quicker stop.
Set up assistance early. If you or someone you’re traveling with needs a wheelchair, terminal escort, or other accessibility support, try to arrange it in advance. Many airports offer helpful services, but availability can be limited during busy travel periods.
Make security screening easier. A little prep goes a long way in the TSA line. Keep your ID and boarding pass handy, place 3.4 oz. liquids inside a clear quart-sized bag, and make sure electronics are easy to grab if needed. Wearing socks is also a smart move, since you may have to remove your shoes at screening.
Use signs and screens to stay on track. Large airports can be a lot to take in, especially when you are short on time. Check overhead signs for terminal, gate, and baggage claim directions, and keep an eye on departure boards for updates so you do not end up doubling back.
Keep your must-haves within reach. Store essentials like your phone, wallet, ID, medications, snacks, and headphones in your personal item instead of burying them in your larger carry-on. It makes the trip through the airport smoother and keeps what you need close by.
Help your feet go the distance. Between long terminals, gate changes, layovers, and security lines, airport travel can mean more time on your feet than expected. Supportive shoes can help make all that walking, standing, and waiting feel a lot more manageable.

Methodology and Sources

Methodology

To put this ranking together, the team at KURU Footwear started by identifying the 10 largest and 10 smallest airports in the US based on land area. From there, we measured the walking distance from each airport’s main entrance to its farthest gate using Google Maps. When available, we also referenced interactive maps provided on official airport websites to help verify routes.

To keep the results focused on airports that serve a broad range of travelers, we narrowed the list down to the five longest and five shortest airport walks. We only included airports located within 60 miles of a major metropolitan area, which means smaller regional and rural airports were left out of the final rankings.

We surveyed 1,000 adults (ages 18 and older) across the United States on April 3, 2026, to gather insights into their travel habits and perceptions.

Sources

Government Shutdown May Lead to Airport Closures, Trump Official Says. USA Today (March 2026)
TSA Ready for Busy Spring Break Travel Season: Essential Tips for Passengers. Transportation Security Administration (March 2025)
TSA Wait Times Are Easing, but Travelers Still Face Long Lines at Some Airports. Business Insider (March 2026)

About Us

At KURU, we’re on a mission to help you Heel Better™ with footwear technology designed to relieve foot pain, so you can live a life you love. Since launching our innovative technology in 2008, we’ve sold over 3 million pairs and received more than 42,000 five-star reviews from thousands of customers who tell us their KURU shoes helped them with foot pain conditions (such as plantar fasciitis) and got them back to doing what they love.

For all media inquiries, please contact us at pr@kurufootwear.com.