Sleeping in Airports

Dublin Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Dublin Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I was just settling down for a cozy nap when the snoring began 2 booths over. The snoring became so loud that it was vibrating our booth. -a traveller

DUB Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Dublin International Airport.

What to Expect

Dublin Airport (Code: DUB) consists of two interconnected and walkable terminals, with the older Terminal 1 servicing mainly short-haul regional flights, while the much newer Terminal 2 handles most of the longer-haul international flights. There are plenty of airside shopping options in both terminals, while eateries can be found on both sides of security. However, the only 24-hour eateries are located in both terminals. While you wait, things are limited, but the airport’s free WiFi helps pass the time. Economy class passengers can enjoy additional comforts via fee-based entry into one of the airport lounges. See locations and rates in the Airport Lounges section below.

Dublin Airport guide
(Photo by SleepingInAirports / November 2019)

Sleeping in Dublin Airport

Staff and security generally tolerate airport sleepers, though security sometimes objects to people sleeping in the multi-faith prayer room. Things have changed post-COVID, as the Terminal 1 public zone no longer has the McDonalds or comfy seats near the food court. Be prepared to sleep on the floor. Passengers are allowed airside only a few hours before their flight. The airport gets cold at night, so a sweater or travel blanket is recommended. Explore our guide to sleeping in Dublin Airport or read traveller airport reviews for more tips. For uninterrupted sleep, some nearby airport hotels can easily be reached by foot or shuttle. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Good to Know

US-bound passengers are pre-processed through U.S. Customs and Immigration at the airport’s Terminal 2, so you won’t have to do it upon your arrival in the States.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Dublin Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

airport hotelsAirport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Dublin Airport that provide airport shuttles:

  • Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport – 10-minute walk to the airport. A free 24-hour airport shuttle is available.   » Check Rates
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport – A free 24-hour airport shuttle is available.  » Check Rates
  • Carlton Hotel – A free 24-hour airport shuttle is available.  » Check Rates
  • Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport – A free airport shuttle bus is available from 4:00 AM – 11:30 PM. Scheduled departures leave the hotel every half an hour at the :00 and from the airport at the :15.  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Dublin Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

Terminal 1
  • T1 Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, adjacent to the security area and The Loop. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes  •  Lounge membership programs.
  • The East Lounge – Location: Corridor connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Airline First/Business Class Ticket.
Terminal 2
  • 51st & Green Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, after US Pre-Clearance, past US Departure Gates 405 and 406. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
  • T2 Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Departures Level, near 400 gates. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller you may have access to the lounge listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

  • Terminal 2, Airside: Aer Lingus Lounge.

Related Pages: Dublin Airport Lounges

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

Thirsty? Water bottle refill stations are available free of charge throughout both terminals.

foodFood & Drinks

When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, 24-hour food concessions are available. Locations:

  • Terminal 1: Marqette Café (Airside) • Wrights Food Fayre (Car Park Atrium)
  • Terminal 2: Coffee Daily  (Arrivals).

If you’re heading home to Dublin and need to pick up some groceries, Spar has fresh food, household goods, and coffee and food to go. Location: T2, landside, Arrivals (Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM).

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

Smarte Carte provides storage service. Rates are applied per item: €9.00 up to 4 hours • €15.00 up to 24 hours • €22.00 up to 48 hours • €28.00 up to 72 hours and then €6.00 for every subsequent day. Location: T1, Arrivals, Main Concourse. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

Electrical outlets are available. Most charging points are integrated into workstations located throughout both terminals.

rest zonesRest & Relaxation Zones

In Terminal 1, once you pass through security, pass through the duty-free shopping, then pass a restaurant on your left. You’ll come to a Starbucks with an escalator up to more restaurants. On the right is a rest zone with soft chairs and pods for sleeping.

Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.

showersShowers

Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Freshen up before your flight with a shower at one of these locations:

  • Terminal 1: T1 Lounge • The East Lounge ($)
  • Terminal 2: 51st & Green Lounge ($)

wifiAirport WiFi/Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available at Dublin Airport. Connect to the ‘Dublin Airport Free WiFi’ or ‘eircom’ networks. No registration required!

airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Baby changing rooms are located throughout both terminals next to the toilet facilities. For your convenience, car seats, cradles, prams, and strollers can be rented from The Stork Exchange, located on airport grounds. Rental items can be picked up from The Stork Exchange or delivered to T1, T2, or on-airport car rental agencies.
  • Children’s Area – At one point, there was a children’s play area featuring a kid gym with colourfully designed seating and tables. We could not confirm this at the time of our September 2023 update. If you know whether this service is still there, click here to update our guide.

Fast Track Service – As a premium service, customers with Fast Track security passes will be given priority service to keep waiting to a minimum. Cost: €7.99 to €12.99 depending on time of flight. Book on-line.

Information Desk – If you have any questions, an Information Desk is located in Terminal 1, Arrivals. You may also see customer care agents posted throughout the airport.

Luggage

  • Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available free of charge.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having your bags wrapped in plastic. Locations: both Terminals, Departures Hall, Landside, Check-in areas. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Terminal 1) • 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Terminal 2). Rates: £16.00 (Basic) • £20.00 (Classic. Includes insurance) • £25.00 (Ultra. Includes insurance and tracking).

Medical Services

  • Medical Services – First aid services are available. Contact an airport police officer or airport staff if you require assistance.
  • Pharmacy – Non-prescription items are available at Boots. Location: Terminal 1, The Loop.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Terminal 1: Departures • Baggage Hall • Arrivals. Terminal 2: Baggage Hall • Airside.
  • Currency Exchange – International Currency Exchange (ICE) has money-changing outlets throughout the airport in these locations:
    • Terminal 1: Arrivals Hall (Hours: 7:15 AM – 11:00 PM) • Departures Hall (Hours: 4:30 AM – 5:30 PM) • Airside (Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM).
    • Terminal 2: Baggage Hall (Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM) • Check-In Hall (Hours: 4:30 AM – 4:00 PM) • Departures (Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM) • Arrivals (Hours: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Prayer

  • Church – Daily mass is held on airport grounds at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church. Mass is held Monday to Friday at 1:00 PM (11:00 AM on Sundays), and confessions are available immediately after. Location: The church is a 1-minute walk from the Arrivals Hall via the Short-Term Car Park Atrium.
  • Multi-Faith Prayer Room – The Multi-Faith prayer room offers a peaceful place for prayer and meditation for passengers of any religion. Chairs and prayer mats are available. Location: T2, Departures Level, before the boarding area. Hours: Open 24 hours.

Sensory Room – Dublin Airport features a sensory room for people with autism, dementia, cognitive impairments, or other special needs. The space has relaxing music, bean bags, mood lighting, digital display panels, comfortable seating, and textured flooring. The room should be booked by calling (+353) 01-704-7783 or emailing prm@ocsireland.com. Location: Terminal 2, Airside, near gates 400.

Shopping – The Loop Duty-Free is located Airside in both Terminals. Hours: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Terminal 1) • 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Terminal 2). There is a good variety of other shops to pass the time.

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Smoking Area – According to a reviewer, smoking was permitted inside the Garden Terrace bar, in the airside area of Terminal 1.  (October 2023

Spa – Not available.

Airlines
Dublin airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Aer Lingus • Air Baltic • Air Canada • Air France • Air Transat • American Airlines • Aurigny • • Blue Islands • British Airways • Croatia Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Egyptair • El Al • Emerland Airlines • Emirates • Etihad Airways • Eurowings • Finnair • Flyone • Hainan Airlines • Hi Sky • Iberia Express • Icelandair Air • KLM • Loganair • Lufthansa • Luxair • Norwegian • Play • Qatar Airways • Ryanair • SAS • Swiss • Sun Express • TAP • Transavia • Tui Holidays • Turkish Airlines • United Airlines • Vueling • West Jet • Widerøe. Note: the airport is served by other airlines on a seasonal-only basis.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Buses and Coaches

Several companies operate daily bus and coach service to and from Dublin Airport. These buses and coaches travel to railway stations and destinations within Dublin City and its surrounding areas, as well as destinations within the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Tickets to all destinations can be bought at the ticket machines outside of the terminals. For details on the bus companies and their pick-up zones, visit the Dublin Airport website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies are available exclusively in Terminal 1: Sixt • Europcar. These car rental agencies have offices located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Carhire • Dollar • Enterprise • Europcar • Flizzr • Hertz • National • NewWay • Payless • Sixt • Thrifty.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport  •   Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport  • Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport  •  Metro Hotel Dublin Airport  •  Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport  •  Premier Inn Dublin Airport hotel  •  Hilton Dublin Airport.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Ride Sharing

Uber operates in several areas in Ireland. A ride from the airport to Dublin city centre will cost you from €25 to $35.

Taxi

Taxis are a safe and reliable way to travel to and from Dublin Airport and destinations within 30km of the airport. Taxis are metered and a receipt will be issued.

layover sightseeingLayover Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by getting out of the airport to do some sightseeing?  Check out our Dublin Airport Layover Sightseeing guide.

Airport Photo Gallery

Related Pages: Dublin Airport Photos

Last updated: 2024-02-21

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.