Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Auckland 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.
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Twice I’ve had to spend the night in the airport. Its as if the designers deliberately wanted to make it as uncomfortable as possible. – a traveller (November 2022)
AKL 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 Auckland Airport.
What to Expect
Auckland Airport (code: AKL) consists of two terminals: international and domestic. The terminals are connected by a free 24-hour inter-terminal bus and a 1 km open-air walkway. The airport itself has a good range of shops and restaurants, but at the time of our August 2023 update, there are no 24-hour options. There are also free showers in both the international and domestic terminals. Free WiFi is available to help pass the time. For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first-class lounges – some of which also have showers – that economy-class passengers can pay to access.
Sleeping in Auckland Airport
Reviewers suggest that the best places to sleep at Auckland Airport are airside. On the landside, the international terminal is said to be designed to be very difficult to stay in. The seating is a mix of chairs and benches, both with and without armrests, and you can guess which ones fill up the quickest! The seating may be full depending on the day and what flights are departing. If you can’t snag an armrest-free bench, lying on the floor is probably your next best option. Seek out a carpeted patch, though an extra soft layer will help you cope with cold tile floors. Come prepared with a sleep mask, noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs, and warm layers to combat the noise and cold overnight temperatures.
Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- In the International Terminal, Floor 2, the hallway that houses the Air China office is quiet and warm, with an armrest-free bench towards the back and some nearby carpet.
- Six 4-seater benches and a patch of carpet near Rice and Noodles in the International Terminal, Floor 2, is a quiet, comfortable spot.
- The area near Gates 34-50, near the free showers, has many benches and warm temperatures.
If you prefer to pay for comfort and privacy, there are hotels adjacent to the international terminal and others nearby connected by shuttles. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Auckland Airport Guide.
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.
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.
Airport Hours
The airport’s International Terminal is open 24 hours; however, certain areas airside partially close for a a few hours each night (1:00 AM – 4:00 AM) per the flight schedule. The Domestic Terminal is open 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM.
A reader tells us, “You cannot get through to departures until the day of your flight. So… If you arrive on the 25th and are flying on the 26th you cannot get thru until midnight. So you are forced to stay landside until then.”
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No official sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. Informal relaxation areas include: International Terminal, airside, near Gates 8-10 • landside, Level 2, near the observation deck. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
Auckland Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: At the airport
- Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those who are looking to sleep at Auckland Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you must pass through immigration/security, as there is no transit hotel. A hotel is within walking distance from the international terminal, and several nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles.
Hotel & Sleep Pods at Auckland Airport
- Strata Lounge – a reader tells us the lounge offers sleep pods, which are described on the lounge’s website as “bookable relaxation rooms”.
- Novotel Auckland Airport – Located adjacent to the International Terminal. No airport shuttle, but the hotel is within easy 2-minute walking distance of the terminal. Day-use rooms are also available. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport
- Ibis Budget Auckland Airport – A free airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
- Sudima Hotel Auckland Airport – A 24-hour airport shuttle service is provided via Yellow Bus. Tickets must be purchased from the ticket machine prior to boarding. » Check Rates
- Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport – Free 24-hour airport shuttle runs every 30 minutes to the Domestic Terminal (Door 7 and 8 by pedestrian crossing) and International Terminal (Door 5 or 8, follow the sign ‘all shuttles,’ wait in zone 1). » Check Rates
- Jet Park Airport Hotel – Free 24-hour airport shuttle runs every 15 to 40 minutes to the Domestic Terminal (Door 8 by pedestrian crossing) and International Terminal (Door 5, follow the ‘all shuttle’ sign and wait by Bay 1). » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Auckland Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport 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 or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Air New Zealand Lounges – Location: Airside, 2nd Floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge Membership programs.
- Qantas Club – Location: International Terminal, Airside, Level 2. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Strata Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside. Showers and sleep pods are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid Lounge Passes.
Related Pages: Auckland Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Drinking stations and water bottle refill stations are available landside and airside in both terminals.
Food & Drinks
When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, here are your 24-hour options:
- McDonald’s (International Terminal, Landside, First Floor).
- Take Home sells grab-and-go snacks and drinks (International Terminal, Landside, Ground Floor).
- Allpress Espresso (International Terminal, landside)
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Secure Travel provides luggage storage services in both terminals. Location: International Terminal, Ground Floor, opposite Qantas check-in. Hours: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM. Location: Domestic Terminal, Ground Floor, Car Park R. Hours: open 24 hours.
- SmarteCarte (Departures) – International Terminal, Landside, Departures, Ground Floor, Opposite Check-In Counter 424 (Opposite Qantas Business check-in). Hours: 3:45 AM – 11:15 PM.
- SmarteCarte (Arrivals) – International Terminal, Landside, Arrivals, Ground Floor, just past the Air New Zealand Premium check-in. Hours: 3:45 AM – 11:15 PM.
Mobile Charging
Showers
Freshen up after a long flight at the free showers, located just outside the International Arrivals gate and in the Domestic Terminal. Towels and toiletries are available for purchase from Relay and Take Home Convenience. Location: International Terminal, Ground Floor, Arrivals.
The lounges also have showers available. See Airport Lounges above.
WiFi / Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at Auckland Airport. Connect to the “Auckland Airport WiFi” network. The connection is reliable on the airside, but weaker on the landside during busy periods.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on security or safety issues at Auckland Airport. However, 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.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights, particularly around 5:00 AM.
More Airport Information
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-Free shopping is available at Aelia Duty-Free in the International Terminal, airside, on the 1st Floor. Hours: 24 hours. In addition, the airport also offers a good variety of shops to pass the time.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Feed and care for your baby in the privacy and comfort of the Parent’s Room. Each Parent’s Room has changing tables, seating, power outlets, and more. Locations: International Terminal, Ground Floor, Landside, Door 3 and 4 • International Terminal, 1st Floor, Landside, Food Court (opposite Subway) • International Terminal, 1st Floor, airside, before seating area. • International Terminal, 2nd Floor, airside, near Gate 2 • International Terminal, arrivals, gate 15 – 18 • Domestic Terminal, Ground Floor, landside, near Air New Zealand Lounge • Domestic Terminal, 1st Floor, airside, near gate 29. Changing tables are also available in several women’s restrooms.
- Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Location: International Terminal, Airside, 1st Floor, before seating areas • International Terminal, Airside, 2nd Floor, near gate 2.
Information Desk – Airport Information Desks are available at these locations:
- International Terminal – Check-In, landside, Ground Floor, by Door 4 • Arrivals Hall, landside, Ground Floor, Level 1 Departures • Airside Level 1, just after Customs and Security • Airside Level 2.
- Domestic Terminal – Air New Zealand regional end of terminal and Central Desk by Door 4 • Air New Zealand Baggage Claim.
You can also seek the assistance of one of the Airport Hospitality Ambassadors who roam the terminal. Also known as “bluecoats,” they are easily spotted by their blue-coloured jackets.
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your bags? Luggage carts are available free of charge landside in both terminals.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your valuable luggage and its contents with a protective film. Secure Travel offers this service. Location: International Terminal, Ground Floor, opposite Qantas check-in. Hours: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM.
Medical Services – Urgent and emergency medical care is always available by calling 98777 on any airport phone or by seeking the assistance of an airport staff member. Full-service medical care is available nearby at The Airport Doctors, located off-terminal at the Airport Shopping Centre on John Goulter Drive. Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mon-Fri) • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Sat). Closed Sundays and public holidays.
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: throughout both terminals.
- Currency Exchange – Travelex offers currency exchange at several locations in the International Terminal. Hours: open for all arriving and departing flights.
Prayer – A non-denominational chapel is available in the Domestic Terminal, landside, Ground Floor • International Terminal, airside, 1st floor next to Artport. Muslim prayer areas are located on the 1st Floor of the Domestic Terminal.
Post Office – Stamps are available for purchase at the Relay Store (Ground Floor, 1st Floor and beyond immigration). Post boxes are located throughout the airport.
Massage Chairs – International Terminal, next to Gate 2 and 4. Rates: unknown.
SIM Cards – A reader says, “SIM cards can be purchased at either Spark or Vodafone, located immediately outside the arrivals gate on the ground floor, landside, of the international terminal, opposite the McDonalds. Vodafone is open 5:30AM – 2:00AM, and Spark is open 4:30 AM – 2:00AM.”
Smoking – Smoking is only allowed landside in designated areas of the International and Domestic Terminal forecourts and airside in the Smoking Lounge on the 2nd Floor of the International Terminal.
Travel Agencies – Temporarily closed.
Bus
An update from a reader (August 2022): The Airport Link service links Manukau Bus Station, Puhinui Station, Auckland Domestic and International Airport every 10-12 minutes from 4:30 AM to 12:40 AM, seven days a week. Travel time to Puhinui station is approx 15 min.
Passengers can connect to the Southern Line and Eastern Line train at Puhinui station, which then connects to the central city. Trains operate approximately 5:00 AM -10:00 PM, with later services on Fridays.
A new 38 Service also links Onehunga, Auckland Domestic Airport and Auckland International Airport via Mangere Town Centre. It operates every 15 to 20 minutes during the day. Passengers can connect to the Onehunga Line train at Onehunga station. A ticket will cost you only $2.40. Travel time between the airport and Onehunga is approx 30 min.
For more information, visit the AT website.
Car Rentals
An extensive choice of rental car options is available for both international and domestic travellers. The following car rental companies have offices on-site: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Ezi • Hertz • National • Thrifty.
Hotel Shuttles
Several hotels near Auckland Airport provide airport shuttle service: Airport Gateway Hotel • Airport Gold Star Motel • Auckland Airport Lodge • Airport Garden Inn Hotel • Airport Manor Inn • Auckland Airport Kiwi Motel • Auckland Airport Motel • Best Western BK’s Pioneer Motor Lodge • Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport • Oakwood Manor.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
A free inter-terminal bus service operates every 15 minutes between the international and domestic terminals. The bus runs from 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily. Location: International Terminal, outside Door 8. The bus leaves from the forecourt outside Door 8 • Domestic Terminal, outside Door 2, Bus Stop C.
SkyDrive
service offers a transfer from Auckland Airport and SkyCity in Central Auckland. Its pricing is as follows: Adult one way NZ$18, Child one way NZ$8, Senior one way NZ$12.50, Student one way NZ$15, Airport Worker NZ$5 one way, bookings are essential for all services.
SkyDrive operates 5:00 AM – 10:30 PM, seven days a week. Frequency: approx 30 minutes. The first service departs the city at 5:00 AM and departs the airport at 5:00 AM, the last service from the city is 10:00 PM, and the last service from the airport is 10:30 PM.
Ride Sharing
Uber, Ola, and Zoomy are available at the airport. The pick-up area is behind the multi-storey car park at the Domestic Terminal and outside Door 11 at the International Terminal. A ride to the city centre will cost you from NZ$ 50 to NZ$60.
Taxis and Shuttles
You can pick up a taxi or shuttle from the ranks located outside the arrivals area at the International Terminal, Door 8. Or outside Door 4 at the Domestic Terminal. It is important to note that while all companies can drop you off at the airport, not all are licensed to be able to pick you up. Taxi fares range from NZ$38 to NZ$90 for a ride to the city centre, while shuttles cost about NZ$35 plus NZ$8 for each extra person.
Last updated: 2025-02-28
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.