How we rate — the AirportScore
Two airports the same size can feel completely different to pass through — one has a train downtown from inside the terminal, the other a $60 taxi and a re-clear-security transfer. The AirportScore is our own 1–5 rating of that traveler experience across the 53+ airports we cover, scored on the three things that actually shape your trip. We are independent and not affiliated with any airport.
City transit ease
1–5How easy it is to get to and from the city. A 5 is a direct train from inside the terminal, cheap and fast; a 1 leaves you with an expensive taxi, a long ride, or an awkward transfer to reach any public transport.
Layover comfort
1–5How well the airport handles a long connection or overnight. A 5 links every terminal airside with good lounges, Wi-Fi, and places to rest; a 1 forces landside transfers and re-screening with thin amenities and nowhere to wait.
Value for money
1–5How reasonable the prices are. A 5 has fair parking, transit, and on-airport food; a 1 gouges you on close-in parking, overpriced food, and every convenience.
How we assign the scores
Each score is an editorial judgment, made consistently across every airport from the airport's own published information and transit operators — not scraped numbers and not AI guesses. We look at how you actually reach the city, how the terminals connect for a connection, parking and transit prices, and the amenities that matter on a long wait, then score all three axes on the same scale so a 4 means the same thing from one airport to the next.
They are a starting point, not a promise. Parking rates, transit fares, and terminal layouts change often, so we date every guide and link the official sources. Use the AirportScore to compare airports at a glance — then read the full guide on each one before you travel.
Why we built our own system
Most airport pages just list the parking lots and train lines. That is useful, but it does not help you compare a layover here versus there, or pick the smoother connection. By scoring every airport the same way, we can rank the best for layovers, the easiest city access, and the best value — and flag the traps most travelers fall for.
Passed through recently and the experience didn't match our score? Tell us — we update these as airports change.