Dublin Airport Guide

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.

Sleeping in Dublin Airport

Staff and security generally tolerate airport sleepers, though security sometimes objects to people sleeping in the multi-faith prayer room. Most good sleeping spots are in or near cafes and restaurants that close for the night – you can push together chairs to get comfortable. Airside, gate seating is mostly equipped with armrests.

Here are a few sleep spots that travellers have reported:

• Terminal 1, Landside – post-COVID update indicates the once tolerable area no longer has McDonald’s or comfy seats in the food court. Be prepared to sleep on the floor.
• Terminal 1, Airside –  you may find some couches around Gates 301-307, Gates 333-335, and at the end of the Duty Free area.
• Terminal 2, Arrivals – When the cafe closes for the evening you may be able to snag a comfy armchair for resting.
• Terminal 2, Airside – Look for the “PRM Room” near the water fountain and escalator at Gates 407-408. There are a few couches in here, and airport staff may already be inside snoozing on their breaks.

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.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Dublin Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours, 364 days a year. It is closed on Christmas Day (December 25).

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are a few informal rest areas with padded or soft seating airside, primarily in Terminal 1. These areas are not designated sleeping zones and can be busy, noisy, and brightly lit, especially during late-night and early-morning departures. Seating fills quickly overnight, and many travellers end up sleeping upright.

As with any public space, keep valuables secured and within reach while resting.

Cots

Airport 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 on the hour and from the airport on the quarter hour. » 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 Lounges

Drinking Water

Thirsty? Free water bottle refill stations are available in both terminals, typically near restrooms and dining areas.

Food & 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: Insomnia (Arrivals) • Marqette (Airside) • Wrights Food Fayre (Car Park Atrium)
• Terminal 2: Bewley’s  (Arrivals) • Phoenix Lane Express (Airside)

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 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: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and USB charging points are available throughout both terminals, landside and airside, near gates and general seating areas. Access can be limited in crowded overnight zones.

Showers

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 ($)
• Terminal 2: 51st & Green Lounge ($)

WiFi/Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available. Connect to the “Dublin Airport WiFi” network. No registration is required.

Security & Safety

Security staff will likely ignore overnight sleepers so you can get some rest. But they may wake up or question travellers who are particularly loud or disruptive, asking for travel plans and booting out anyone who isn’t travelling that day. Security checkpoints begin to open around 3:30 AM – 4:00 AM, so guards may wake you if the increasing terminal buzz hasn’t already.

Some travellers who tried sleeping in the Multi-Faith Prayer Room at the direction of airport security were later kicked out by other security guards, so head here at your own risk.

Homeless people and other vagrants may come into the landside areas at night, seeking shelter. Staff may take note and get them to leave, but if you’re feeling uncomfortable or harassed, notify the overnight security staff.

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.

More Airport Information