World Airport CodesYou can now visit some of the world’s biggest airports without stepping out of your house, and know exactly where the currency exchange point or a cling film luggage wrapping kiosk is situated, and where the shuttle bus would drop you off should you decide to fly from that airport.
As of November 2013 Google maps offer virtual walks past the shops, check-in counters and meeting points at 16 airports worldwide, such as Madrid’s Barajas, London Gatwick and Tokyo International Airport. You can even explore the inside of an Emirates Airbus A380 at Dubai Airport.
This interactive map shows all the new Street View transit locations worldwide, that are not limited to just airports; the tool will let you virtually explore over 50 train and subway stations, as well as a cable car station in Hong Kong.
So if you would like to know how far you’d need to walk from the main entrance to the escalators, or from the lifts to the nearest WC, you can have a quick look around the airport buildings, find where to drop off your oversized luggage, explore the architecture, look at what the locals are wearing or see the range of cafes, restaurants and shops if you still have to grab that last box of chocolates or a souvenir fridge magnet for someone special.
Airports across Spain and Japan are the most featured on Street View. Here’s a few examples of what you can find.
London Gatwick Airport, North Terminal, UK: Google Maps
Mexico International Airport, Mexico: Google Maps
Eindhoven Airport, The Netherlands: Google Maps
The inside of an Emirates Airbus A380, Dubai International Airport: Google Maps
Street View already features some amazing locations for avid aviation enthusiasts, such as the Museum of Flight in Tukwila (WA), and San Diego Air and Space Museum (CA).
Museum of Flight: Google Maps
San Diego Air and Space Museum: Google Maps