Sleeping in Airports

Sleeping in Berlin Brandenburg Airport

sleeping in berlin brandenburg airport
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / September 2022)

If you’re dealing with a long layover or an early morning flight departure at Berlin Brandenburg airport, you might be wondering if it is possible to sleep in the airport. Our guide to sleeping in Berlin Brandenburg 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.

Can I Sleep at Brandenburg Airport Overnight?

Brandenburg Airport is open 24 hours, and the earliest flights take off from around 5:00 AM, so you might decide to skip the hotel room and camp at the airport instead!

You won’t be alone, as many other travellers often choose to do the same thing at Brandenburg Airport. Luckily, to cope with demand, sleeping pods provided by Napcabs have recently opened up within Terminal 1 of the airport. Only four pods are available to rent, so you’d need to be quick. Napcabs charges per hour. From 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, they cost €17 p/h, and from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, they cost €12.

If you don’t manage to access one of the sleeping pods, you will probably have to make do with the cold floor of the airport. Bring a sleeping mat to camp out and some extra layers to keep warm.

Where is the Best Place to Sleep in Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

If you’re airside looking for a place to nap, you may be more successful in Terminal 1, where you will have some luck with flat benches or armrest-free seating. Some travellers have reported sleeping on the couches outside Starbucks, but most recent reports suggest they lock them up at night, making a comfortable couch sleep impossible. Instead, if you walk past Starbucks, you will find long wooden benches outside the Silent Room. It’s not the most comfortable, but it’s marginally better than sleeping on the floor!

Others have reported plenty of floor space to spread out and set up camp. Again, bring a mat and extra layers to keep comfortable!

If you don’t make it airside, some travellers have reported couches to sleep on outside of a burger restaurant on the second floor.

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Are There Showers Available at Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

If you’ve spent a few hours sleeping on the airport floor, you’ll be relieved to know showers are available to freshen up before your flight. The showers are available in the arrivals area of Terminals 1 and 2 on level E0.

Is There a Lounge at Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

Lounge Tempelhof can be accessed by all travellers, regardless of airline or class of service flown, by purchasing a day pass, lounge membership or paying at the door. Find out more about lounges available at Berlin Brandenburg Airport in our Lounge Guide.

What Is Open 24 Hours at Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

The short answer is not much. The airport is open 24 hours a day, but currently, there are no 24-hour shops or restaurants. In Terminal 2, a few Coca-Cola vending machines sell a selection of hot or cold drinks and snacks. Some concessions are open in correspondence to flight times, so if you arrive late, you can get a sandwich from a bakery stall at the train station. Throughout the airport, you can also find water fountains where you can refill your water bottles. For more information about what is available at the airport, visit our Berlin Brandenburg Airport Guide.

Are There Any Hotels Within Walking Distance of Berlin Brandenburg Airport?

If you decide that a night of sleeping rough isn’t in the cards, a few hotels are within walking distance of Berlin Brandenburg Airport.

At Terminal 1, the Steigenberger Airport Hotel is a 50 m walk from the terminal building. Another option is the InterCityHotel Berlin Brandenburg Airport is at Terminal 5 and just an 8-minute walk away from Terminals 1 & 2.

For other nearby hotel options, check out TripAdvisor to see a list of hotels near Berlin Brandenburg Airport. You can sort these options by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity to find the best hotel for your preferences.

Safety & Security

We’ve not been informed of any safety issues at BER. 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.

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