Sleeping in Airports

NORTH AMERICA: Most Popular Airports for Sleeping 2024

With crowds of anxious passengers, bright lights, uncomfortable seating, and excessive noise, airports pose a significant challenge for travellers who want to catch some Zs while enduring unexpected delays, long layovers, or early morning flights. Airports are not generally designed with sleeping in mind, but determined travellers looking for shut-eye diligently scout them for armrest-free seating, lounge chairs, hidden nooks, quiet areas, and other suitable snoozing spots. The following 20 North American airports garnered the most reviews in 2024 from weary travellers. And while few managed to secure a prolonged deep slumber, they did uncover some prime airport sleeping real estate that you might want to check out if you need to sleep in one of these airports.

Denver Airport (DEN)

sleeping in denver airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“It appears that Denver Airport has upgraded their seating throughout Concourse B since I last passed through (about six months ago). There are various types of seating, including loveseats, at every gate.” – a traveller

Travellers suggest Concourse B offers the most options for catching a decent night’s sleep in the Denver Airport. The concourse has a variety of armrest-free, padded seating choices and quieter areas, especially near gates 15 and 60 and higher. Near gate B28, there is reportedly a dimly lit upstairs area with cots. While concourses A and C did not garner as many positive reviews, travellers did find comfortable sleeping spots. There is reportedly a designated rest area with recliners at the end of Concourse A and a large, carpeted balcony near gate A18 suitable for floor sleeping. In Concourse C, gates above 50 reportedly have plentiful couches and lots of room to stretch out and sleep.

Facilities/Amenities: Hotels Connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-Use Lounges • Rest & Relaxation Zones • 24-Hour Food Options • Mobile charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Vancouver Airport (YVR)

sleeping in vancouver airport
(photo credit: SleepingInAirports)

“No one bothered me; most seating had armrests that blocked proper sleeping. Used inflatable Thermarest pad+pillow and slept pretty well.” – a traveller

Vancouver Airport gets high praise for its cleanliness and relative quiet, but travellers provided mixed reviews on the comforts of sleeping there. There is plenty of comfortable, armrest-free seating on the airside and a designated “Quiet Area” in the International Terminal near gate D67 (though access is restricted to international passengers). Much of the seating on the landside has armrests, limiting options for stretching out and getting comfortable. Bring an inflatable Thermarest pad and pillow to support floor sleeping if possible. To optimize your sleep, there are a few fee-based lounges, and a pre-security hotel connects to the airport.

Facilities/Amenities: Hotels Connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-Use Lounges • Rest & Relaxation Zones • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

San Francisco Airport (SFO)

(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“SFO is a quiet airport. The hallway between Terminal 1 and the international terminal has lots of couches to nap on, as well as reclined chairs. Had a five-hour layover and was able to nap.” – a traveller

For a decent sleep at San Francisco Airport, travellers suggest the hallway between Terminal 1 and the International Terminal, where you can find numerous couches and reclining chairs suitable for napping. They also highlighted the Marketplace G area in the International Terminal as being conducive to sleep after the eateries close, with colourful, soft, armrest-free couches under subdued lighting and no public service announcements. While the photography exhibition area has comfortable seating, rest may be difficult due to heavy passenger traffic and cold temperatures. For the best sleeping options, there are fee-based nap rooms at FreshenUp, located in the International Terminal, and a hotel connected to the airport via AirTrain.

Facilities/Amenities: Sleep Pods or Cabins • Pay-per-Use Lounges • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Tampa Airport (TPA)

sleeping in tampa airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“There’s a small side hallway when the escalator to gate A1; turn right, and you’ll see it. There is no seating or benches, but it’s a large side space that doesn’t have any passenger foot traffic since the gate is currently closed. Plenty of room to stretch out on the ground, away from the noise of the main A gates.” – a traveller

While much of Tampa Airport’s seating has comfort-limiting armrests, a few areas have cushioned, armrest-free benches and some quite areas that work for floor sleeping. One area of note is the SkyConnect area by the rental car counters, where you find flat, cushioned benches for a comfortable rest and power outlets to charge your devices. Alternatively, in the main terminal before security, go past the Southwest check-in towards the escalator to find comfortable bench seating near an atrium, On the airside, you can find a quiet spot near gate A1 by taking a right at the escalator into a side hallway where there’s space on the floor to lie down, away from passenger traffic. Due to travellers’ reports of cold temperatures, PSAs, and foot traffic, we’d recommend warm clothing, a blanket, and earplugs to ensure the best sleep. If you need uninterrupted sleep, a hotel is located in the main terminal.

Facilities/Amenities: Hotels Connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-Use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Mobile Charging • Free WiFi

Portland Airport (PDX)

sleeping in portland airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“I slept in a great armchair that had a fun view of planes taking off, and it was actually really quiet and calm.” – a traveller

According to travellers, Portland Airport offers some decent sleeping-in-airport options, including armrest-free benches and private nooks with carpeted floors. For a good sleep, look for armrest-free benches and couches near gates E10, D5, and D13. Some gate areas also have comfortable armchairs described as suitable for snoozing. Travellers said the area around gate B5 is suitable for floor sleeping, with limited foot traffic, dim lighting, and relative quiet. Note that some security checkpoints may close at night, potentially limiting access to certain concourses. Onsite and nearby hotels offer uninterrupted sleep options.

Facilities/Amenities: Pay-per-Use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Free WiFi

Phoenix Airport (PHX)

sleeping in phoenix airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“They play noise all night, but the chairs can be moved for a makeshift bed.” – a traveller

Finding armrest-free seating in the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is challenging but not impossible. In the past year, travellers have found flat benches and/or comfortable seating near gates B21 and D10-D18 in Terminal 4 and the F gates in Terminal 3. The F gate seating was described as cushy chairs near power outlets if you need to charge your devices. During the summer months, the air conditioning can get exceptionally cold, so dress accordingly and perhaps bring a blanket if you plan to sleep there. Those needing quality sleep can check out the nearby hotels with free shuttle service.

Facilities/Amenities: Pay-per-Use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi.

Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW)

sleeping in dallas-fort worth airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“It was pretty quiet except for a tiled floor area that’s really, really loud when (luggage) wheels roll over it, which was every 10-15 minutes or so.” – a traveller

Sleep options at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport vary between terminals, and finding armrest-free seating can be challenging, said travellers. Available amenities, such as power outlets, also vary between terminals, as do noise levels and cleanliness. Some prime sleeping spots identified by our reviewers include a “Coke Bubble” with padded cushions and seats tucked behind a Skyline staircase between gates A11 and A13 in Terminal A and the upstairs area of Terminal D. There is reportedly a free lounge with comfortable lie-down spots near Gate D22, and a spot near gates E22/23 in Terminal A that is quiet and has many power outlets, but with armrest-style seating. Travellers planning to sleep in the airport should be prepared for cold air conditioning temperatures and be advised that some areas, like Terminal E, may close security checkpoints at night, potentially stranding travellers in undesirable sleeping in airport areas. For quality sleep, sleep cabins are available on the airside and two hotels are connected to the airport.

Facilities/Amenities: Sleep Pods or Cabins • Hotels Connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-Use Lounges • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Toronto Airport (YYZ)

sleeping in toronto airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“There is a rest/sleeping area at the far end of Terminal 1 Landside; it is Area 15. It does have doors so management could close it off, but if it is open, then it is great. There are lounge chairs with footrests, benches without armrests etc.” – a traveller

Sleeping in Toronto Pearson Airport can prove challenging due to limited armrest-free seating, noise, and cold temperatures. While armrest-free seating seems more available on the landside, security discourages overnight sleeping in the arrivals area due to homeless people pretending to be passengers. If nothing else, security may ask to see your boarding pass. A prime snoozing spot identified by travellers this year includes the far end of Terminal 1 landside, a known rest/sleeping spot known as “Area 15,” which has lounge chairs with footrests, armrest-free benches, and limited crowds due to its distance from everything else. Armrest-free seating is located near the entrance of Terminal 3 and in the vicinity of some 24-hour food outlets like A&W and Subway. As a major hub, the airport stays busy, and numerous delayed passengers will undoubtedly be seeking comfortable spots to rest. If you’re planning to spend the night in the airport, make sure you have earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the frequent PSAs, vigorous cleaning crews, and bustle of passenger transit. Warm clothes or a blanket can also enhance comfort. If you’re looking for more comfortable sleeping arrangements, consider the hotel connected to Terminal 3 or other nearby hotels with free shuttle service.

Facilities/Amenities: Hotels connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-Use Lounges • Rest & Relaxation Zones • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Boston Logan Airport (BOS)

sleeping in boston airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“At the beginning of the E terminal there are lots of resting places, both sofas and lounge chairs. We put several ottoman couches together and made a big bed.” – a traveller

Comfortable sleeping in Boston Logan Airport is challenging because there is limited armrest-free seating and airside gate areas close during the overnight hours after the security checkpoints close. However, some travellers reported success in securing comfortable overnight sleeping on the landside during the past year. Jet Blue Airlines reportedly offers passengers free cots in the Terminal C baggage claim, and there are some armrest-free sofa benches and lounge chairs between Terminals C and E that can be pushed together to create a makeshift bed. For comfortable snoozing on the airside, there are comfortable armrest-free benches near gate B35A in Terminal B. Travellers reported that the airport is especially noisy and can get quite cold, so bring warm clothing and/or a blanket and noise-cancelling headphones. For optimal sleep, there is a hotel at the airport connected to Terminals A and E and others are a quick shuttle ride away.

Facilities/Amenities: Hotels connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-Use Lounges • Rest & Relaxation Zones • 24-Hour Food Options • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Montreal Trudeau Airport (YUL)

sleeping in montreal airport
(photo credit: SleepingInAirports)

“I hadn’t slept much on my flight in from Japan and was banking on sleeping in the airport by the gate. Sadly, it was not meant to be.” – a traveller

Travellers report that finding cozy sleeping spots is a challenge in Montreal Trudeau Airport due to a lack of comfortable seating, excessive noise, and restrictions on sleeping in departure areas during the overnight hours. If you’re forced out of the secure area, look for the plush couches across from the Air Canada US departure counters landside, though they are exposed to constant foot traffic. Stone benches near the Subway in arrivals are darker and more secluded but very cold and uncomfortable. Bring a blanket and use your bag as a pillow since there are few armrest-free seats in the public areas. Prepare for cold temperatures and noise with warm clothing and noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs. Note that power outlets are scarce throughout the airport, so charge your devices while you can. For the best quality sleep, there is a hotel connected to the airport and several connected by shuttles.

Facilities/Amenities: Hotels connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-Use Lounges • Rest & Relaxation Zones • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi.

New York City JFK Airport (JFK)

sleeping in jfk airport
(photo credit: SleepingInAirports)

“Skip the terminal, head to the TWA Hotel.” – a traveller

Travellers reported varied experiences in their efforts to sleep at JFK Airport, though several noted plenty of comfortable seating and places to lie down in the TWA hotel area. Travellers struggled to find comfortable snoozing spots in the main terminal and gate areas, with few armrest-free benches, cold temperatures, bright lighting, and excessive noise. The gate B18A-D area in Terminal 4 is one spot travellers highlighted as a quiet spot conducive to sleep, though on the floor due to armrest seating. Given the limited sleeping options, bring warm clothes or a blanket and noise-cancelling headphones if you know you will be sleeping in this airport. Alternatively, you can secure quality sleep at the airport’s TWA Hotel or other nearby hotels offering free shuttle service.

Facilities/Amenities: Hotels connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-Use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD)

sleeping in chicago o'hare airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / April 2024)

“I slept in between two rows of benches, and my bags fit under the seats for more security! And there was no way to pull the bags out the other side. The staff was amazing; even gave me a free pillow as I was just sleeping on a thin mattress. Overall great experience.” – a traveller

Travellers reported some success sleeping at the Chicago O’Hare Airport. While excessive noise was a frequent complaint, some travellers found quiet areas conducive to a snooze. Most gate area seating has armrests, but a few armrest-free seating options are scattered throughout the airport. If you’re in Terminal 2 near gate E8, look for cushioned seating that can be turned into four beds. Travellers found comfortable, armrest-free couches in Terminal 1 near the B1 and B7 gates, and another said there were about 30 wide padded seats near security leading into the B gates. Noted quiet spots included a cushioned bench across from Brookstone near gate 11 in Terminal 5 and floor sleeping In Terminal 2, between Concourse L near Gate L10A, where a traveller set up camp between bench rows for added safety and staff even provided them with a pillow. Warm clothing, an eye mask, and noise-cancelling headphones can aid in quality sleep, and a sleeping pad is a must for floor sleeping. Otherwise, consider the airport hotel outside of Terminal 2 or other nearby ones that offer complimentary shuttle service.

Facilities/Amenities: Hotels connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-Use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Newark Liberty Airport (EWR)

sleeping in newark airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“Newark airport has been undergoing renovations and is getting better. With decent food options, including some fast food options like Wendy’s. As far as places to sleep, there are very limited spots that I would consider.” – a traveller

Successful sleeping in Newark Liberty Airport is a mixed bag depending on where you are, according to recent traveller reviews. Travellers said Terminal A has plenty of armrest-free seating and is relatively quiet but cold. While there is a lack of armrest-free seating in Terminal C, stranded overnight passengers may be able to find cots near gate C95. Landside options are more limited, forcing many travellers to sleep on the floor. No matter where you sleep in this airport, be appropriately prepared for noise and chilly temperatures and know that food options might be limited at night, especially on the landside. For optimal sleep, there is a hotel at the airport and several within a quick free shuttle ride away.

Facilities/Amenities: Pay-per-Use Lounges • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Atlanta Hartsfield Airport (ATL)

sleeping in atlanta airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“The only concourse I could actually find comfortable seating (couches you can push together to make beds or just sit without your behind crying) was in Concourse F International, but there’s a lot of it, so that makes up for all the searching and walking I did.” – a traveller

For overnight sleeping in the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, travellers recommended Concourse F, where comfortable couches and loveseats can be pushed together as a makeshift bed. The mezzanine level of this concourse offers a quieter spot with less foot traffic, though it’s bright and can be cold, so bring an eye mask and warm clothing. There may also be comfortable armrest-free seating in Concourse E, but travellers reported having to sleep on the floor or upright in armrest seating in the other concourses. As with many airports, noise, lighting, cold temperatures, and passenger foot traffic can disrupt sleep, so plan accordingly if you are planning to sleep there. For more comfortable sleeping accommodations, travellers can book airside mini-suites with daybeds or an airport hotel room.

Facilities/Amenities: Sleep Pods or Cabins • Hotels connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-use lounges • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Washington Reagan Airport (DCA)

sleeping in washington reagan airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“If possible, bring something to lay on so you can sleep on the floor. It would probably be more comfortable.” – a traveller

Comfortable sleeping at Washington Reagan Airport is challenging because almost all seating has armrests. However, several large lounge chairs with footrests are near gates E47 and E49 in Terminal 2. Many travellers resort to floor sleeping because it’s more comfortable than snoozing in upright seating. Those who end up on the floor recommend using clothing and other soft items for cushioning. Airport staff reportedly offer thin blankets, pillows, and eye masks to stranded overnight passengers, though they may go unnoticed during their distribution. With cold late-night temperatures, warm clothing or a blanket are essential, and you’ll need noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to sleep through the PSAs and overnight cleaning. Nearby hotels with free shuttle service offer a more restful sleep.

Facilities/Amenities: Sleep Pods or Cabins • Rest & Relaxation Zones • 24-Hour Food Options • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

sleeping in houston airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“Announcements about TSA, global entry, and firearms are played at an extra loud volume 24/7. It feels like something out of the movies you see about American interrogation tactics, where they don’t let their victims sleep by blasting loud noises at various intervals. Even the vending machines play music.” – a traveller

Travellers reported an increase in sleeping options this year in Houston Intercontinental Airport, with the addition of new couches and comfortable seating, especially in the recently renovated Terminal D. As this terminal now seems most conducive to sleep, travellers recommend going there if you are experiencing a long delay, though know that inter-terminal shuttles don’t run at night so you may have to walk. Other reported options include some comfortable seating in Terminal A and sleeping cots located near gate C14 in Terminal C. Travellers noted that cold overnight temperatures and excessive noise can be significant sleep disrupters, so bring warm clothing and noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs if you know you’re going to have to sleep here. For quality sleep, there are sleep cabins on the airside and a hotel connected to the airport.

Facilities/Amenities: Sleep Pods or Cabins • Hotels Connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-Use Lounges • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Miami Airport (MIA)

sleeping in miami airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“Ground was hard and cold, there was also no seating without armrests at all” – a traveller

With almost no armrest-free seating, most people who try to sleep in Miami International Airport opt for floor sleeping in the quietest areas they can find. Between gates J9 and J12 in Terminal J, travellers report that moveable armrests allow the seating to be moved together to create a makeshift bed. As this area is also known to be relatively quiet, people also sleep on its carpeted floor. Another quiet area with carpeted flooring and power outlets can be found in Terminal D above gate D15 near the Admiral’s Club, and there’s a semi-private nook near gate D29. In other carpeted areas in Terminal D, especially near D50, travellers report sleep-disrupting floor vibrations. Reports of other significant sleep disrupters include extreme cold temperatures and bright lighting. If planning to sleep in this airport, an eye mask and warm clothing are must-haves, and know that food options may be limited during overnight hours. For uninterrupted sleep, you can book a room at the hotel inside the airport or one of the other nearby hotels with shuttle service.

Facilities/Amenities: Hotels Connected to the Terminal (landside) • Pay-per-Use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Las Vegas Airport (LAS)

sleeping in las vegas airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“Found a great spot for my sleeping pad. Hard to ignore the loud music because they are playing songs from artists in residence. I was able to overcome it with a combination of ear plugs and my earbuds stuffed into my ears with White noise app running.” – a traveller

If you can secure one of the few armrest-free couches in the Las Vegas Airport, you might catch some decent Zs; otherwise, you’ll probably need to find a secluded spot to sleep on the floor and hope airport security doesn’t ask you to move. There are reportedly 10 armrest-free couches scattered among the Terminal 1 D gates and a few more around the Terminal 3 E gates. For floor sleeping, there is a secluded carpeted area near the Kid’s Zone in Terminal 1’s D gate area. You can also find a secluded area behind some columns located at the end of Terminal 3. Bring an eye mask, sleeping pad, and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones for greater sleep comfort. For optimal sleep, the airport’s fitness center has rest and relaxation rooms, and shuttles can transport you to nearby hotels.

Facilities/Amenities: Sleep Pods or Cabins • Pay-per-Use Lounges • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Seattle Airport (SEA)

sleeping in seattle airport
(photo courtesy of JustJojo)

“Relatively quiet at night until 5 a.m., chilly if you don’t have anything warm, but plenty of floor space and nooks to hide in.” – a traveller

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport got mixed reviews from travellers who tried to sleep there in 2024. Armrest-free seating is rare, but travellers say there are cushioned armrest-free benches and lounge chairs at the end of the main terminal’s Concourse B and in Terminal N, as well as some S-shaped couches on the landside by Security Checkpoint 2. Some relatively quiet spots with upright chairs and room to spread out for floor sleeping include the ends of Concourses C and D, but plan on some noise from TVs and PSAs. Floor sleeping is common in this airport, and many travellers come prepared with eye masks, noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs, and blankets. You can secure optimal sleep from a nearby hotel with shuttle service.

Facilities/Amenities: Pay-per-Use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

sleeping in los angeles airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

“High traffic area at the start of Terminal B during the day, but at night it was mostly empty, and you can get a full three-seat couch with no armrests to yourself!” – a traveller

While much of the Los Angeles International Airport seating has armrests, one traveller recently reported that Terminal B has armrest-free three-seat couches and is quiet during the night. Other reported quiet areas that might work for upright-seat or floor sleeping are at the far ends of each concourse, away from in-use gates. That said, noise from TVs, passenger movement, construction, PSAs, piped music, bright lighting and cold temperatures were cited as significant impediments to sleep. As such, travel with noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs, an eye mask, warm clothes and/or a blanket if you know you will need to sleep here. Nearby hotels offer free shuttle service for those wanting to get the best sleep during travel delays.

Facilities/Amenities: Pay-per-Use Lounges • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi

Results are based on traveller reviews, survey responses and sleep-friendly amenities available at each airport. To participate in our 2025 survey, click here.