Sleeping in Addis Ababa Airport
Overview
Addis Ababa is a major connecting airport, so sleeping here is often about getting some rest during a long transit rather than spending a full night in the terminal. Terminal 2 is the better place to be, with traveller reports of padded armrest-free benches, recliners and sleeping chairs, plus paid alternatives for longer layovers. If you are staying overnight, the airport remains open 24 hours, but Terminal 1’s domestic airside area generally closes overnight, so domestic passengers may need to move before security.
This is the best airport for sleeping. Tons of benches without pesky arm rests separating the chairs.” (Traveller review)
Can You Sleep in Addis Ababa Airport Overnight?
Yes. Addis Ababa Airport remains open 24 hours, and sleeping in the terminal is possible.
If you are travelling internationally through Terminal 2, you can generally remain airside during a long transit or overnight with a valid boarding pass. This is also where you will find the airport’s better sleeping options, including padded benches, recliners and a quiet room.
Terminal 1 is less straightforward overnight. The domestic security area generally closes, so if you have a late arrival or early domestic departure, expect to spend the night before security rather than remaining airside.
The airport can become crowded, and traveller reviews have mentioned repeated security and passport checks. Give yourself enough time to move from your sleeping spot to your gate and complete any additional checks before departure.
Sleepability Verdict
Sleepability: Tolerable
Addis Ababa is surprisingly workable for getting some sleep during a long transit, particularly if you are airside in Terminal 2. Armrest-free benches, recliners, sleeping chairs and a quiet room provide useful places to rest between flights, and transit passengers do not necessarily need to be staying overnight to take advantage of them.
The drawbacks are crowds, inconsistent seating availability and an airport environment that can involve frequent security checks. Overnight sleepers face an additional limitation in Terminal 1, where the domestic secure area generally closes. Terminal 2 travellers also have paid alternatives, including 24-hour lounges and an in-terminal hotel.
Traveller Reality Check
Based on recent Sleeping in Airports traveller reviews, these are the most frequently reported advantages and drawbacks of sleeping at Addis Ababa Airport.
Sleep Advantages
Sleep Drawbacks
Best Places to Sleep
Older traveller information describes numerous rest areas and recliners around the domestic secure area, including areas between the A gates. These locations have not been recently confirmed, and Terminal 1’s airside area generally closes overnight, so they are more useful for a daytime rest or evening nap than an overnight sleep.
Travellers have reported padded benches without armrests around this part of Terminal 2. These are among the more useful free sleeping options because you may be able to stretch out rather than trying to sleep upright.
Seating: Padded armrest-free benches
Terminal 2, Airside, near Gate 13
A quiet room with recliners has been reported near Gate 13. Look here first if you want somewhere calmer than the main gate areas, but availability can vary and the better rest spots may already be occupied.
Seating: Recliners
Noise: Quieter than main gate areas
Terminal 2, Airside
Traveller reviews also mention sleeping chairs and additional recliners around Terminal 2 following the airport’s renovation and expansion. Exact locations have not been consistently reported, so it is worth walking through the secure departures area before settling for an ordinary seat.
Seating: Recliners and sleeping chairs
Airport Sleeper Essentials
Cots
Cots are not provided to stranded travellers at Addis Ababa Airport.
Food Available Overnight
Reliable 24-hour restaurant information is limited. Café Ethiopia in Terminal 2 after security and Kaldi’s Coffee in Terminal 1 before security have been reported as operating overnight, but round-the-clock opening has not been confirmed. If you are staying overnight, buy food and drinks before the main concessions close rather than assuming something will remain open.
Luggage Storage
Luggage storage has been reported in Terminal 2, Landside, Level 1 near Arrivals, with 24-hour service. Traveller-reported rates have ranged from ETB 50-100 per item per day. Limited baggage storage has also been reported near the Terminal 1 check-in area, but overnight availability has not been confirmed. If you are staying airside in Terminal 2, remember that the main 24-hour storage option is before security, so you may not be able to use it without leaving the secure area.
Showers
Several Terminal 2 lounges after security offer shower facilities. The Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge and Platinum/Star Gold Lounge have showers. The Plaza Premium Lounge also has shower facilities, although access conditions and additional charges can vary.
Airport Lounges with Sleep Facilities
Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge
Terminal 2, Airside, opposite Gate A13
The Cloud Nine Lounge is open 24 hours and includes a quiet room and dedicated areas where eligible travellers can rest or sleep. Showers are also available. Access is primarily for eligible premium passengers, although Ethiopian Airlines also sells lounge access to qualifying passengers subject to availability.
Ethiopian Airlines Premium Lounge
Terminal 2, Airside
Ethiopian Airlines opened a large new Premium Lounge in late 2025. Facilities include a quiet room, extensive seating and showers. Access depends on your ticket or eligible frequent-flyer status.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Terminal 2, Airside, Level 2
The Plaza Premium Lounge is open 24 hours and can be accessed through eligible lounge programs or paid entry. It has showers and has offered private resting rooms, making it worth checking during a long transit when you want more privacy than the terminal provides.
Access time limits depend on how you enter the lounge, so check the conditions attached to your pass or membership. For other lounges and current access information, see the Addis Ababa Airport Guide.
Safety & Security
Traveller experiences with airport security have been mixed. Several reviews have described repeated passport or baggage checks, and some travellers have complained about rude or confrontational interactions with security personnel. These experiences do not mean you will be prevented from sleeping, but be prepared to show your travel documents if approached.
A January 2024 traveller in Terminal 1 also said they did not sleep because they felt uncomfortable with people around them. This appears to be an individual experience rather than a recurring pattern, but if a sleeping area makes you uncomfortable, move somewhere busier or closer to airport staff.
Petty theft has previously been reported before security. Keep your passport, phone and other valuables secured, and keep luggage immediately beside or attached to you while sleeping.
Completely new airport with nice facilities, including sleeping chairs.” (Traveller review)
Frequently Asked Questions
A Quick Note
Airport conditions change regularly. This guide is based on airport information and traveller reviews, but seating, terminal access, operating hours, security procedures and sleeping conditions can change. Use this guide as a starting point and be prepared for conditions to differ when you arrive.
Help Keep This Guide Current
Have you been to Addis Ababa Airport recently? Tell us whether the Terminal 2 sleeping chairs, quiet room and armrest-free benches are still available, or whether overnight access in either terminal has changed. Submit a review and help the next tired traveller know what to expect.