Airport Gyms: All You Need to Know to Work Out Airside
Updated: January 23, 2026
Long layover? You know the drill: You’ll find at least one lounge in all major airports, and plenty of options for duty-free shopping, too. But for travelers who want to get active, airport gyms are a lifesaver.
If the idea of sweating it out while waiting for your flight seems strange, you’re not alone. Airports with gyms are actually a recent trend responding to the growing number of frequent flyers looking to fit in a workout as they wait for their boarding call.
Most airport gyms cater to travelers looking for the ultimate in-transit convenience, with airside fitness centers parked alongside spas and relaxation facilities. They’re designed to ensure you arrive at your destination well-rested and ready for your next adventure.
Here’s what you need to know if you want to try an in-transit workout yourself.
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Why don’t airports have gyms?
While some travelers are keen to fit in a workout between their connecting flights, there are good reasons why more airports don’t have gyms. To start, airside real estate is limited. Shopping and dining typically generate higher revenue, meaning that it’s more profitable for airport operators to allocate this space to restaurants, bars, and duty-free stores.
The low demand for airport activities in the past is also a historic problem. Some guests associate air travel with discomfort, from tight seats to endless terminals. For years, these flyers spent as little time between clearing security and boarding their flight as possible. Amenities like airport lounges and showers weren’t on their itinerary.
However, this is changing. As ticket prices rise and queues grow longer, many people refuse to cut it close, and they carefully avoid tight layovers or long lines to check baggage. In fact, both frequent flyers and savvy casual travelers plan to arrive at the airport early to relax, avoid crowds at security, and enjoy the perks of credit cards with airport lounge access. Airport gyms are just one of the new services designed for travelers looking to make the most of their wait for departure.
How do I use an airport gym?
If you want to try an airport gym for yourself, you can usually book a day pass for easy access. While the specific rules and requirements vary from airport to airport, airport gym passes typically allow you to enter the areas and use the gym, the showers, and related facilities. Some include rentals for common equipment like towels and shoes, so you don’t have to dig through your luggage in the locker room.
It’s worth checking the rules and services for each airport gym ahead of time to ensure you have what you need to make the most of your stay, and to confirm that you have enough time to make use of the facilities. Additionally, some airport gyms allow you to prebook your visit, and some are included in programs like ClassPass, TrainAway, and Priority Pass for the ultimate convenience in transit.
Airport gyms around the world
Is there an airport gym in Singapore airport?
Changi Airport (SIN) in Singapore has a gym for travellers to use. For flyers in transit, you can visit the Ambassador Transit Lounge in the T3 Transit Area, which is well-stocked with both cardio and weight-training equipment. You can opt to rent clothes at the lounge if your kit is in your checked luggage, but please note that you may need to pay extra to shower during your gym visit.
There is also a bookable Gym Pod in T2 of Changi Airport. Here, you’ll find exercise equipment, disposable towels, and showers in a compact private unit. You’ll need the Gym Pod app to check into the gym, and there is currently no option to rent workout clothes from the Gym Pod.
For longer stays, you’ll find a second Gym Pod landside at the T2 Connector, as well as a full gym at the Crowne Plaza Fitness Center at T3, but you will need to reenter through security after your workout.
Dubai Airport’s gym even has a pool. Credit: @dubaiairports
Is there a gym in Dubai Airport?
Visitors to Dubai Airport (DXB) will find everything they need for an enjoyable longer stay: the airport is well-known for its shopping, restaurants, and various lounges. But if you’re passing through DXB, you might want to stop by the DXB Health Club in Terminal 3. The fitness center has it all, including a pool, a gym, a sauna, a steam room, and a jacuzzi. You’ll find the center by the C departures gate.
To access the G-Force Health Club, you can buy a pass by the hour with a flexible package.
Please note that while G-Force Health Club does provide toiletries and towels, you are responsible for your own workout clothes and swimwear. If you’ve left yours at home, there’s a dedicated sportswear section at Duty Free.
If you have a longer layover, there are plenty of gym options in central Dubai to explore including 51 Gym, Fitnglam (women-only), Studio Republik, and Roar Fitness. For extra ease, prebook your airport transfer from DXB.
Is there a gym in Istanbul Airport?
There isn’t an airport gym in Istanbul as of 2026, regardless of which airport you use.
However, at Istanbul International Airport (IGA), there is a 24-hour fitness center at the landside YOTELAIR hotel. However, the airside YOTELAIR hotel in IGA does not have an airport gym or fitness center. If you’re looking to stay active, the airside hotel offers resistance bands as part of the Power Up Slayover Kit. You can find more information on the YOTELAIR website.
At Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), you won’t find an airside airport gym. If you have time to spare, there is a fitness center at ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel, but you cannot access it without leaving the airport.
If you have a longer layover, you can also book a ride from the airport to central Istanbul, where you’ll find more options for fitness facilities, and plenty of things to do.
Is there a gym in Frankfurt Airport?
There is not currently an airport gym in Frankfurt Airport (FRA), unfortunately. But don’t fret: For passengers passing through FRA, there are plenty of things to do while you wait.
There is a landside gym at FRA as part of the nearby Squaire complex, where you will also find high-end hotels, restaurants, and offices for the savvy traveler. The Squaire branch of Fit Seven Eleven Club is well-stocked with exercise equipment, though you will need to bring your own exercise clothing for your workout. The club offers a day pass starting at 20€, as well as memberships if you travel through Frankfurt frequently.
Are there airport gyms in the US?
If you’re a frequent flyer within the States, you’re in luck. Airport gyms are becoming more common and more popular at airports in the US, with ROAM Fitness leading the way. The gym operator offers two airside locations, and you can fit in a workout at Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) at Gate D1 or Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) near Terminal F with a day pass that typically covers rental equipment, showers, and towels.
If you’re hoping to stretch your legs between flights, both San Francisco Airport (SFO) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) have designated yoga areas where you can relax.
You’ll find free-to-use yoga rooms in SFO in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 near Gate C, Terminal 2 between Gates C and D, and Terminal 3 by Gate E.
At DFW, you can settle into a deep stretch with free-to-use mats and equipment in Terminal B near gate B40 and in Terminal E near gate E31.
The stunning gym at Vitality Fitness Centre in Doha. Credit: OryxAirportHotel
Where is the best airport gym?
Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar is hard to beat. The airside hotel is known for its convenient luxury, and the on-site gym is no exception.
For a fee, you can access the gym, pool, and hydrotherapy tubs, and enjoy the ultimate rest and relaxation stop on the way to your final destination. If you’re booked in for a longer stay, consider renting a room: Hotel guests can use the facilities freely, though there may be additional charges to use the golf simulator, beauty treatments, or the squash courts.
There are a few landside airport gyms around the world that are worth a visit as well. If you’re passing through Munich, be sure to check out the Mountain Hub Spa at Munich Airport (MUC). Located in the Munich Hilton Airport Hotel, the spa is just a short walk from Terminals 1 and 2. You’ll be able to unwind here, and enjoy the fully-stocked gym, 17-meter indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. You can book a room at the hotel for full access to the facilities, or a day pass for the spa.
The Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is worth a visit as well. The hotel is perfect for travelers looking to stay active while on the move. In addition to the on-site fitness center and pool, the Fit on the Fly Suite is equipped with luxury workout gear including a Peloton, a FITBENCH, and more. When you’re done, head to the spa to recover.
Arrive refreshed at the airport
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Ready for your next adventure? Be sure to book your airport transfer with Blacklane to arrive in comfort.
