Bellingham Airport Guide

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

you are kicked out of the gate area at about 1am, so you are forced to go back through security even though you didn’t leave the airport – a traveller (2016)

BLI 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 Bellingham International Airport.

What to Expect

Bellingham Airport (code: BLI) consists of a small four-gate terminal separated into a departures and arrivals area. The airside contains a restaurant/lounge and gift shop, and there is a smaller gift shop on the landside, all of which reportedly close early in the evening, leaving only vending machine food during the overnight hours. Due to the airport’s close proximity to British Columbia, Canada, the airport is often used as a low-cost alternative to Vancouver International Airport. A shuttle is available between Bellingham Airport, Vancouver International Airport and Sea-Tac Airport. WiFi is available to help pass the time. There are no private lounges at this airport.

Sleeping in Bellingham Airport

The airport is open 24 hours a day, but the security checkpoint closes at night. One traveller reported that you can remain in the gate area after security closes but can re-enter should you leave. Another traveller said all passengers are restricted to the landside after security closes. Whatever the case, there is comfortable armrest-free seating conducive to sleeping. The airport gets cold at night, so consider bringing extra layers or a travel blanket. For uninterrupted sleep, there are several hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Good to Know

In the pre-Covid era, Alaska Airlines was known to provide stranded passengers with travel kits containing basic grooming supplies, such as toothpaste and toothbrush. Whether that generosity still exists is doubtful, but ask and let us know.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, scroll down to explore more in our Bellingham 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.

Airport Hours

The public area of the terminal is open 24 hours a day, and overnight stays are permitted. Security typically opens around 3:30 AM and closes after the last departing flight of the day.

TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary by airline and flight schedule, so confirm details directly with your airline. If you remain in the public area overnight, access to the secure area is not available until security reopens in the morning.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Bellingham Airport sounds like a nightmare, here are a few nearby hotels:

Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham by IHG (0.1 mi) – Mid-range hotel located directly opposite the terminal.
Best Western Plus Bellingham (0.8 mi) Mid-range hotel with a complimentary airport shuttle.
Hampton Inn Bellingham Airport (1.2 mi) Mid-range hotel.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham (1.3 mi) Mid-range hotel.
Springhill Suites by Marriott Bellingham (1.3 mi) Mid-range hotel.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Bellingham Airport (1.3 mi) Mid-range hotel.

Airport Shuttles: Some nearby airport hotels offer airport shuttle service. Check with the hotel for pick-up instructions, schedules and any reservation requirements.

Airport Lounges

There are no pay-per-use lounges in the airport.

Food & Drinks

Halibut Henry’s offers coffee and takeaway food on both sides of security. Scotty Brown’s provides full-service dining with a bar on the secure side only.

There are no 24-hour food outlets. Vending machines are available when restaurants are closed.

Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

We had no information about mobile charging availability at the time of this update. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Showers

Showers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Bellingham Airport. Connect to the “PogoZone-Free-HighSpeed” network.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Shopping – There is a souvenir type shop located both landside and airside.

Airlines

Bellingham Airport is served by the following airlines: Alaska Horizon • Allegiant • Horizon • Island Air • San Juan Airlines • Southwest Airlines • Sun Country Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

The Number 3 bus connects BLI airport to the Cordata and Downtown stations. The bus does not stop directly at the airport. It may be better to take a taxi to the bus station. Ask for assistance at the airport or visit the Whatcom Transportation website to plan your route.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies offer service on-site: Avis • Enterprise / Alamo • Hertz.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Shared-Ride Shuttles

Several companies offer scheduled or on-demand door-to-door shuttle service to and from the airport. Contact your service provider of choice for details and availability.

Taxis

Metered taxis are readily available in the ground transportation area.

Security & Safety

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: 2026-02-05

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.