Let’s be honest: Layover wellness usually means finding a chair that reclines slightly. But what if you could float in a heated infinity pool watching A380S take off instead?
A recent study confirmed what we already knew: swimming boosts brain health and tones muscles. But more importantly, it washes away the stress of security lines and middle seats.
Here are 22 airport swimming pools where you can trade your boarding pass for a bathing suit—divided by those inside the terminal (Airside) and those connected to the airport (Landside).
22 Airports Where You Can Take the Plunge (2026 Guide)
Category 1: Airside Pools (No Immigration Needed)
The Holy Grail. These are located past security. You can swim, shower, and nap without ever clearing customs or leaving the secure zone.
1. Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) – The Infinity Pool
Hidden inside the VIP Lounge in Terminal B, this is arguably the world’s most Instagrammable airport pool. It is an outdoor infinity pool that overlooks the tarmac. Yes, you can sip a cocktail in the water while watching your plane pull up to the gate.
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How to Get There: After security in Terminal B, look for the VIP Lounge on the 3rd Floor, near Gate 24 (next to the Food Court).
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Access: Open to all passengers for an entry fee (approx. $50 USD). Priority Pass members often get discounted access. (Note: Check status on arrival as it occasionally closes for maintenance.
2. Dubai International Hotel (DXB)
Located securely inside Terminal 3, this is the ultimate layover hack. You can swim, sleep, and shower without ever clearing customs.
- The Vibe: The G-Force Health Club features a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. It’s a spa day in the middle of a travel day.
- Pool Hours: Open 24 hours daily.
- How to Get There: Follow signs for “Airport Hotel” in Terminal 3 (Concourse A, B, or C). Take the elevator to the hotel level.
- Access: Free for hotel guests; pay-per-use for transit passengers (~$25 USD).
- 👉 Check availability at Dubai International Hotel
3. Oryx Airport Hotel (Doha – DOH)
Stuck in Qatar? Don’t leave the airport. The Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre (located inside the Oryx Hotel) is accessible to all transit passengers.
- The Vibe: A stunning 25-meter temperature-controlled indoor swimming pool that feels like a private sanctuary. It also features hydrotherapy tubs, a gym, and squash courts.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 6 AM – 2 AM
- How to Get There: Head to the South Node (the center of the terminal with the giant “Lamp Bear” teddy bear). Take the elevator up to the Oryx Airport Hotel/Vitality Spa.
- Access: Free for hotel guests; entrance fee (approx. 175 QAR) for walk-in transit passengers.
- 👉 Check rates for Oryx Airport Hotel
4. Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel (Singapore – SIN)
Located in Terminal 1 (Airside) near Gate D41, this is the only open-air rooftop pool in a transit hotel.
- The Vibe: An outdoor pool with a jacuzzi and poolside bar. Watching planes taxi while you float under the Singapore sun is a core memory unlock.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 10 AM – 10 PM.
- How to Get There: Go to Terminal 1, Departure Transit Lounge. Look for the escalators near Gate D41 that lead up to Level 3.
- 👉 Check rates for Aerotel Singapore
Category 2: Landside Pools (Connected to Terminal)
These are connected to the airport (before security). Perfect for long overnight layovers or arriving a day early.
5. Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport (Dallas – DFW)
Located adjacent to Terminal C, this hotel is directly connected to the airport (Landside) and offers a resort-style experience without leaving the airport grounds.
- The Vibe: A heated outdoor swimming pool open year-round with sun loungers. It is perfect for swimming laps or just soaking up the Texas sun on the deck.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 06:00 – 22:00 (6 AM – 10 PM).
- How to Get There: From Terminal C, walk directly to the hotel via the pedestrian garage walkway (near Gate C19). From other terminals, take the free Terminal Link shuttle (Landside) to Terminal C.
6. TWA Hotel (New York – JFK)
This is the ultimate aviation geek fantasy. Located at the historic TWA Flight Center, it features a rooftop infinity pool that overlooks Runway 4 Left/22 Right.
- The Vibe: The “pool-cuzzi” is heated to 95°F (35°C) year-round. In winter, it turns into a steaming alpine retreat where you can watch JetBlue flights land.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 07:00 – 23:00 (7 AM – 11 PM).
- How to Get There: Take the AirTrain to Terminal 5. Exit toward the parking garage and look for the futuristic TWA Flight Center. Walk through the iconic “flight tubes” to reach the lobby.
- Access: Free for hotel guests; non-guests can book a pool reservation at
twahotel.com. - 👉 Check rates at TWA Hotel (Direct booking only)
7. Pullman Paris Roissy CDG Airport (CDG)
Located right at the Roissypôle complex, this is a hidden gem in Paris.
- The Vibe: A massive heated indoor pool (20 meters long), sauna, and hammam. It’s the perfect place to detox after a long-haul flight before heading into the city.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 7 AM – 10 PM).
- How to Get There: Take the free CDGVAL automated train (runs 24/7) from any terminal to the “Roissypôle” station. The hotel is right next to the station exit.
- 👉 Check rates for Pullman Paris CDG
8. Sofitel Athens Airport (Athens – ATH)
Located just 50 meters from the arrival gate, this is the most convenient swim in Greece.
- The Vibe: A heated indoor pool on the 9th floor with panoramic views of the runway and the Mesoghaia Valley. It is pure luxury.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 9 AM – 10 PM
- How to Get There: Walk out of the Arrivals Hall (Exit 1 or 2) and cross the street. It is literally directly opposite the main terminal building.
- 👉 Check rates for Sofitel Athens Airport
9. Clarion Hotel Arlanda Airport (Stockholm – ARN)
Located in SkyCity (between Terminals 4 and 5), this hotel offers one of the most incredible swimming experiences in Europe.
- The Vibe: A heated outdoor rooftop pool open year-round. Floating in warm water while watching planes land in the Swedish snow? Unbeatable.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 07:00 – 21:00 (7 AM – 9 PM).
- How to Get There: Walk to SkyCity, the central shopping area located between Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. The hotel entrance is inside the shopping center.
- 👉 Check rates for Clarion Arlanda Airport
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10. Fairmont Vancouver Airport (YVR)
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is located directly inside the Vancouver International Airport terminal, situated above the US Departures and International Arrivals area.
- The Vibe: Mechanized indoor lap pool with floor-to-ceiling soundproof windows. Watch the Boeings take off in total silence.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 06:30 – 21:00 (6:30 AM – 9 PM).
- How to Get There: Go to the US Departures Level. Take the escalator or elevator located near the check-in counters directly up to the hotel lobby.
- 👉 Check rates for Fairmont Vancouver
11. Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
You can walk straight from your Delta flight into a heated pool without stepping outside. Connected to the McNamara Terminal.
- The Vibe: A quiet, heated indoor pool overlooking the hotel’s massive bamboo atrium. The perfect antidote to a Detroit winter.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 06:00 – 22:00 (6 AM – 10 PM).
- How to Get There: Located inside the McNamara Terminal. If you land at this terminal, look for the hotel entrance near the TSA checkpoint. (If landing at North Terminal, take the free airport shuttle).
- 👉 Check rates for Westin Detroit
13. Hilton Munich Airport (MUC)
Located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A German engineering marvel.
- The Vibe: Heated indoor pool, sauna, and steam bath at the Mountain Hub Spa.
- Pool Hours: Mon-Fri 07:00 – 22:00; Sat-Sun 08:00 – 22:00.
- How to Get There: Follow signs for “Hilton Munich Airport” from either terminal. It is located in the central area (MAC Forum) between T1 and T2. It’s a covered walk from both.
- 👉 Check rates for Hilton Munich
14. Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Located inside the main terminal atrium (you literally look down at TSA from your balcony).
- The Vibe: A massive outdoor heated pool on the 6th-floor roof deck.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 08:00 – 22:00 (8 AM – 10 PM).
- How to Get There: Go to the Main Terminal (A/B side). Take the elevator to the hotel lobby level. It is integrated directly into the airport atrium.
- 👉 Check rates for Hyatt Regency Orlando
15. Aloft Dubai Airport (Dubai – DXB)
The outdoor alternative. Minutes from the terminal via free shuttle.
- The Vibe: A sleek outdoor rooftop pool that turns into a trendy lounge in the evenings (connected to the W XYZ Bar).
- Pool Hours: Open daily, typically 07:00 – 22:00 (Bar stays open until 01:00 AM).
- How to Get There: Head to the Arrivals area of Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. Look for the complimentary Aloft shuttle bus (runs roughly every 20-30 mins).
- 👉 Check rates for Aloft Dubai Airport
16. Sandman Signature London Gatwick (LGW)
A quick shuttle ride away, this is the best swim at Gatwick now that other hotels have closed their pools.
- The Vibe: A large heated indoor pool and steam room. Great for shaking off jet lag.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 07:00 – 22:00 (7 AM – 10 PM).
- How to Get There: Go to the bus stops outside South Terminal or North Terminal. Look for the Metrobus (Fastway 10 or 20) or catch a taxi (approx 5-7 mins ride).
- 👉 Check rates for Sandman Signature Gatwick
17. Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Formerly the Novotel. This is the only hotel situated right on the airport grounds, just a 5-minute walk via the underground walkway.
- The Vibe: A luxurious outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens. It feels like a Thai resort, hidden right in the middle of the airport complex.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 6 AM – 10 PM.
- How to Get There (Fastest): Go to Basement Level (B1) train station. Walk past the Airport Rail Link entrance and follow signs for “Airport Hotel.” The air-conditioned tunnel leads directly to the hotel lobby (approx. 300 meters).
- 👉 Check rates for Hyatt Regency BKK Airport
18. Avalon Airport Hotel Thessaloniki (SKG)
Connecting through Northern Greece? This is your spot.
- The Vibe: A large seasonal outdoor pool with a poolside bar. Relax in the sun just 5 minutes from the airport.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 11AM-7 PM.
- Season: Open from June until the 3rd week of September.
- Access Rules: Free for hotel guests (must show room key). Non-Guests: Free entrance with a minimum consumption of €5.00 per person. No outside food or drink allowed. An adult must accompany minors.
- How to Get There: The hotel offers a free 24-hour shuttle. You must contact them 1 day in advance to arrange pick-up. Otherwise, it is a very short taxi ride.
- 👉 Check rates for Avalon Thessaloniki
19. Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center (SEA)
Not to be confused with the Holiday Inn. This hotel is located directly across the street from the airport and is connected by the pedestrian skybridge.
- The Vibe: A large outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool surrounded by a landscaped courtyard. It’s a rare spot where you can get fresh air and swim laps just steps from the terminal.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 6 AM – 10 PM.
- How to Get There: From the Main Terminal, follow signs for the Link Light Rail. Walk through the station to the pedestrian skybridge. The Hilton is the first hotel you reach on the other side.
- 👉 Check rates for Hilton Seattle Airport
20. Radisson Blu Manchester Airport (MAN)
This is the only hotel at Manchester Airport that is directly connected to the Skylink.
- The Vibe: Experience a serene indoor pool that feels miles away from the chaos. This facility is part of the “PACE Health Club,” which includes a sauna and steam room.
- Pool Hours: Weekdays: 6:00AM – 10:00PM and Weekends: 8:00AM – 10PM
- How to Get There: From Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, simply follow the signs for “Skylink,” the elevated moving walkway. The hotel entrance is located directly on the walkway between the two terminals.
- 👉 Check rates for Radisson Blu Manchester
21. Radisson Blu Arlandia Hotel (Stockholm – ARN)
While its sister hotel (the Clarion) has the outdoor pool, this is the cozy “winter cabin” alternative.
- The Vibe: A spacious indoor swimming pool, measuring 20 meters in length, is surrounded by comfortable loungers, as well as a sauna. It has the ambiance of a genuine Scandinavian health club.
- Pool Hours: The pool is open daily from 5 AM to 11 PM. However, hours may vary, so it’s advisable to confirm directly or check the hotel’s official website for the exact times during your stay.
- How to Get There: The hotel is not located in SkyCity. To reach it, take the free yellow transfer bus (P3 Beta) available outside any terminal. The bus runs every 15 minutes and will drop you at the hotel entrance in about 5 minutes.
- 👉 Check rates for Radisson Blu Arlandia
22. Le Méridien Cairo Airport (Cairo – CAI)
Directly connected to Terminal 3 via a pedestrian bridge, this is the only airport hotel in Cairo with direct terminal access.
- The Vibe: Enjoy a heated outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a spacious sundeck. This serene oasis allows you to escape the chaotic energy of Cairo’s traffic even before stepping outside.
- Pool Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- How to Get There: Simply walk across the air-conditioned pedestrian bridge from Terminal 3. The walk takes about 5 minutes, and you won’t need to step outside.
- 👉 Check rates for Le Méridien Cairo
UPDATED December 22, 2025