Sleeping in Airports

Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Alexandria Borg 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.

Airport security is loose by western standards and I was allowed in with a 1,5L bottle of water.  – AnnaOnTheRoad

HBE Airport Overview

alexandria borg airport guideTo help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Alexandria Borg Airport.

What to Expect

Alexandria Borg Airport (code: HBE) has a small, single terminal. Facilities are very limited, with a few eateries and shops. The airport only provides 15 minutes of free WiFi and has a pay-to-use lounge.

Sleeping in Alexandria Borg Airport

We have received conflicting reviews on whether the airport is open all night. Some travellers said they were asked to leave, while others were allowed in during the night. Have a backup plan if you’re planning to spend the night.

Locations & Seating

Several readers reported the existence of a 24/7 café just outside the terminal. Here, people found: “Many aluminium benches without armrests in a sheltered area, where people are lying down for a sleep.” (November, 2021). Another reader who was allowed to sleep within the terminal reported some chairs in the main hall. However, he also stated that he was repeatedly woken up by security asking questions and wanting to see his passport (November, 2022).

Do you have a good sleep location, airport tip or photos to add? Click here for our review form.

For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can write a review to submit airport tips and photos.  For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Alexandria Borg 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 hotelsAirport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Alexandria Airport.  Airport shuttles are not available, but the hotels can make transfer arrangements at extra cost:

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Alexandria 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 is a lounge that you can enter 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!

  • Pearl Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, 2nd Floor.  Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass (£25) • Lounge membership programs.

airport hoursAirport Hours

As of this update, we were unable to confirm airport hours of operation. We recommend that you read a few reviews before deciding to sleep in the airport overnight. If you know the airport hours, click here to update this airport guide.

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

At the time of this update we have no information about drinking water for travellers with refillable water bottles. If you know, click here to update this guide.

foodFood & Drinks

Every shop in the terminal closes down during the night. However, past travellers mentioned a 24/7 café located in front of the terminal. Here you can buy coffee, tea, water, and snacks. Toilets and power plugs are also available, but no wifi.

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

Not available.  If this is not correct, click here to update the guide.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

Power outlets can be found in the 24/7 café located in front of the terminal.

rest zonesRest & Relaxation Zones

Not available.  If this is not correct, click here to update the guide.

showersShowers

Not available.  If this is not correct, click here to update the guide.

wifiAirport WiFi / Internet

One of our readers, jimp85, tells us: “There’s 15 minutes free WiFi. You need to register with your SIM though to get a code. Not as easy depending on your national contract.” (December 2022). Another reader suggests you buy a SIM card upon arrival to circumvent this.

more airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things to do at the Airport

Duty Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available, along with a selection of retail shops.

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

Airlines
Alexandria Borg airport is served by the following airlines: British Airways • Emirates • Etihad Airways.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From the Airport

Hotel Shuttles

See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

For safety reasons, use only the metered taxis available for hire in the ground transportation area. At the time of this update, the approximate fare for a one-way trip between the airport and Alexandria is around 130 – 160 LE. Unfortunately, we do not have the current rate.

sleeping on chairAirport Conditions

If you plan to spend the night at the airport, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Temperature – Arrive prepared, just in case. It’s better to have a blanket than to need one later on. Even a hoodie provides extra warmth if the terminal gets colder.
  • Lighting – Come prepared with eyeshades or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel.
  • Noise – Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones will help if you’re trying to sleep overnight.

alertSafety & Security

We have not had reports of it being unsafe, but if you’re not feeling safe during the day, opt for an extra cup of coffee and sleep on the plane!
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2024-02-07

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.