If you’re dealing with a long layover or an early morning flight departure at Auckland airport, you might be wondering if it is possible to sleep in the airport. Our guide to sleeping in Auckland airport provides essential information for seasoned airport sleepers and newbies to help travellers arrive prepared for the experience.
We keep this guide up-to-date with the help of airport sleepers who have generously shared their experiences and airport reviews. If you have any tips or photos to contribute, please take a moment to write a review. Your feedback will help us stay informed about the latest advice for future sleepy travellers.
Sleeping in Auckland Airport
Locations & Seating
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.
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.
Do you have a good location, airport tip or photos to add? Click here for our review form.
Rest Zones
At the time of this update, there are no rest zones within the airport.
Hotels
Prefer some privacy and comfort? If you would like a good, solid sleep before an early morning flight, the closest hotel is the Novotel Auckland Airport, located just next to the International Terminal, within walking distance. See the hotel section in our Airport Guide for locations, or visit Tripadvisor to find hotel deals at Auckland Airport.
Lounges
While Auckland Airport has several lounges, none have designated sleep rooms or rest areas. If you only want to relax in a comfortable seat for a few hours before your flight, check out this list of lounges in our Auckland Airport Guide that you can pay to access.
More Airport Services & Facilities
For information about drinking water, 24-hour food & drink options, luggage storage, showers, mobile charging and WiFi, visit our Auckland Airport Guide.
Airport Conditions
If you plan to spend the night at the airport, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Temperature – Firstly, it can get quite cold, especially if you’re near the exterior windows or doors. So it’s always a good idea to bring an extra blanket or sleeping bag to keep yourself warm and comfortable.
- Lighting – The airport is always well-lit, which might disturb your sleep. Therefore, bring something to cover your eyes, such as an eye mask, a shirt, or a towel.
- Noise – The airport can be noisy due to round-the-clock announcements and ambient traveller noise. Some travellers mentioned noise from cleaning crews waking them up. Plan ahead and bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
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.
Write a Review
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Airport Photo Gallery
Thank you to the airport sleepers who have written reviews and shared their airport photos to help future travellers. Click here to add your airport photos.
