Top 10 Priority Pass Lounges in Europe

Many premium travel cards on the market come with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which means you can access more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world.

Once you’ve visited a few lounges in the Priority Pass program you’ll quickly realize that not all lounges are created equal. From ample seating space to complimentary showers and hot food, each lounge offers different amenities and varying quality of food and drinks. When planning a trip, a little research can help you find the best lounges, ultimately giving you a more enjoyable travel experience.

If you’re a Priority Pass member and have a trip to Europe on the horizon, take note of these top 10 lounges in the region.

Note: Due to COVID-19, some lounges may not be open at this time. Check the Priority Pass website for updated operating hours and closures. Certain normal offerings may be limited or unavailable.

10. La Valette Club

Malta International (MLA), Malta

With an outdoor terrace, La Valette Club lets you soak up the Mediterranean sun while waiting for your departure. You won’t be disappointed with the excellent food options, both hot and cold. The lounge features plenty of seating options, with chic sofas and recliners where you can gaze over the runway.

The major drawback to this lounge is that Priority Pass members need to book at least 24 hours in advance to gain access.

9. Tyrol Lounge

Innsbruck Airport (INN), Austria

Relax and enjoy comfortable seating with awe-inspiring views of the alps over the tarmac in the stylish Tyrol Lounge in Innsbruck. The mountain-modern decor will make you feel like you are in a chalet. Depending on the time of day you visit, the lounge offers a solid choice of food and complimentary beverages, including beer, wine and spirits.

8. Primeclass Riga Business Lounge

Riga International Airport (RIX), Latvia

Two years in a row, Priority Pass has awarded the Primeclass Riga Business Lounge with top honors among European lounges. This spacious two-level lounge offers plenty of comfortable seating with runway views for plane spotting.

Amenities include a premium buffet, conference rooms, children’s area and shower facilities for freshening up along the journey. If you find yourself visiting Riga, take advantage of this lounge to see if it lives up to the hype.

7. Primeclass Lounge

Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland

The Primeclass Lounge in Zurich, which opened its doors in 2018, offers an outdoor terrace where you can take a breath of fresh air as you gaze at views of the alps in the distance. This clean and modern lounge offers everything you would expect, including a solid food and drink selection, showers and dependable Wi-Fi.

» Learn more: The credit cards that offer airport lounge access

6. SkyTeam Lounge

London Heathrow (LHR), United Kingdom

The No1 Lounge at London Heathrow stands out from the standard Priority Pass lounge as it offers an à la carte menu and a cinema for those with a longer layover. If that’s not enough, the lounge also has a spa, as well as a library where you can dive into your favorite book. There’s also a small buffet, a salad bar and complimentary beer and spirits.

Note: Priority Pass members are encouraged to prebook (at a small cost) due to capacity limits.

5. The Grain Store Cafe & Bar

London Gatwick (LGW), United Kingdom

If you are looking for an upgrade from your typical airport lounge food, the Grain Store Cafe & Bar at London Gatwick is exactly that. Priority Pass cardholders will receive a £15 (about $17) credit off their bill, plus an additional £15 credit for each guest. This means you can order food and drinks à la carte and even to go if you are in a rush.

4. Eventyr Lounge

Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH), Denmark

This trendy lounge was launched in 2017 and has received rave reviews since. With 180-degree panoramic views, you can gaze over the tarmac all the way to Sweden. Nature lovers will rejoice at the vertical living wall along with planters throughout the lounge. This modern and spacious setting provides a quiet, comfortable atmosphere to relax before departing from Copenhagen.

3. Plaza Premium Lounge

London Heathrow (LHR), United Kingdom

If you are transiting through London Heathrow, you don’t want to miss this gem of a Priority Pass lounge. The Plaza Premium Lounge for arrivals in Terminal 2 offers the amenities you would expect including showers, comfortable seating, plenty of outlets for charging devices, and a wide selection of food and drink. Pair that with a fresh and modern design and you have the perfect place to relax at LHR.

» Learn more: Credit card lounge pass showdown: Priority Pass vs. LoungeBuddy

2. Star Alliance Lounge

Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France

With three buffets, spacious seating and complimentary showers, the Star Alliance lounge is our top pick of Priority Pass lounges at Charles de Gaulle in Paris. However, the real gem of this lounge is its open-air terrace — so feel free to pour a glass from the selection of French wines and relax in the fresh air.

1. IGA Lounge

Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey

This standout lounge tops our list of the best Priority Pass lounges in Europe. For starters, the IGA Lounge is absolutely massive. Next, it is full of every amenity a traveler may want, including a cinema and a duty-free store within the lounge. Whether you want to soak up the sun on the outdoor terrace, freshen up with a shower, or enjoy a gourmet meal and drinks, this lounge ticks all the boxes.

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Best of the rest

Here are a few lounges that didn’t make the cut, but are still worth the detour:

• Narbutas Business Lounge, Vilnius International (VNO), Lithuania.

• Northern Lights Executive Lounge at Aberdeen International (ABZ), United Kingdom.

• EuroAirport Skyview Lounge, Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg EuroAirport (BSL), Switzerland.

The bottom line

Whether you are looking to take in some fresh air on an outdoor terrace or refuel with food and drinks, you’re sure to find a comfortable atmosphere to relax at the lounges listed above.

While Priority Pass lounges in Europe may not compete with the best lounges in Asia or the Middle East, there are still plenty of high-quality lounges to enjoy. In general, airport lounges in Europe provide all the essential amenities you would expect, but are rarely something to write home about compared with those in other parts of the world.