Discover the Least Stressful Airports in Europe

It’s a consensus that holidays begin at the airport. Once you’ve gone through security and offloaded your luggage, it’s the moment your mind officially transitions into holiday mode. No airport is perfect; however, airports that offer decent food options, are close to the city center, and provide affordable parking create a less stressful environment for travelers.

Moreover, many of us are willing to overlook certain chaotic aspects of an airport as long as other factors are prioritized. For example, if an airport is conveniently located near the city center, passengers may be more forgiving about limited dining options. Each year, Condé Nast Traveller asks readers to vote on the world’s best airports, gathering insights on key features that enhance the travel experience.

Recently, holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com compiled data from various airports across Europe to rank those that are the least stressful to visit. The selection criteria included annual passenger statistics, distance from the city center, weekly parking charges, the total number of dining options, and quality ratings based on reviews from passengers. Each factor was given a score, culminating in a total score for each airport.

The results include several surprises, showcasing a mix of UK, Italian, and even a Spanish island airport. Below, we present the 10 least stressful airports in Europe:

10. Cagliari Elmas Airport, Italy

Number of passengers in 2022: 4,396,594
Distance from city center (km): 10.4
One week car park charge (€): 63
Number of restaurants: 11
Rating out of 100%: 71
Total Points: 18

9. Turin Airport, Italy

Number of passengers in 2022: 4,193,881
Distance from city center (km): 18.8
One week car park charge (€): 40
Number of restaurants: 13
Rating out of 100%: 74
Total Points: 20

8. Trondheim Airport, Norway

Number of passengers in 2022: 3,803,933
Distance from city center (km): 32.5
One week car park charge (€): 53.97
Number of restaurants: 7
Rating out of 100%: 78
Total Points: 22

7. Corfu International Airport, Greece

Number of passengers in 2022: 3,749,106
Distance from city center (km): 3.3
One week car park charge (€): 0
Number of restaurants: 12
Rating out of 100%: 68
Total Points: 23

6. Newcastle Airport, UK

Number of passengers in 2022: 4,127,000
Distance from city center (km): 10.3
One week car park charge (€): 102.82
Number of restaurants: 9
Rating out of 100%: 80
Total Points: 25

5. Hannover Airport, Germany

Number of passengers in 2022: 3,955,425
Distance from city center (km): 13.3
One week car park charge (€): 44
Number of restaurants: 6
Rating out of 100%: 76
Total Points: 27

4. Menorca Airport, Spain

Number of passengers in 2022: 3,900,935
Distance from city center (km): 6.8
One week car park charge (€): 36
Number of restaurants: 5
Rating out of 100%: 81
Total Points: 30

3. Vilnius International Airport, Lithuania

Number of passengers in 2022: 3,915,960
Distance from city center (km): 6.4
One week car park charge (€): 45.5
Number of restaurants: 10
Rating out of 100%: 80
Total Points: 33

2. Luxembourg Airport, Luxembourg

Number of passengers in 2022: 4,114,291
Distance from city center (km): 7.6
One week car park charge (€): 91.21
Number of restaurants: 9
Rating out of 100%: 83
Total Points: 34

1. Billund Airport, Denmark

Number of passengers in 2022: 3,712,400
Distance from city center (km): 5.9
One week car park charge (€): 62.41
Number of restaurants: 5
Rating out of 100%: 80
Total Points: 39

5 Ways to Make Your Airport Experience Less Stressful

1. Prepare for Security Before You Get to the Airport

Being ready before you arrive at security can significantly reduce stress. Ensure your liquids are packed in a transparent bag, keep your electronics accessible, and have your documents ready. This way, you help keep the line moving smoothly.

2. Pack for a Delay

To ease potential worries about flight delays, pack essentials like a change of clothing, snacks, and necessary medications in your hand luggage. Being prepared can mitigate stress and avoid panic.

3. Research Your Airline’s Baggage Allowance

Understanding your airline’s baggage policies will help you avoid packing surprises. Check any weight and size restrictions to ensure a smooth check-in process.

4. Arrive Early

While it seems straightforward, many travelers underestimate the amount of time needed to arrive at the airport. Unexpected delays can arise, so it’s wise to factor in extra time to arrive at your terminal relaxed.

5. Wear Suitable Clothes

Comfort is essential while traveling by plane. Opt for easy-to-remove shoes for security and wear layers to adapt to varying temperatures in the airport and aircraft.