If you’re dealing with a long layover or an early morning flight departure at Manchester Airport, you might wonder if sleeping in the airport is possible. Our guide to sleeping in Manchester 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 Manchester Airport
Locations & Seating
Travellers of the airport’s three terminals report the best seating in Terminal 1, where you’ll find plenty of armrest-free seats and benches, especially on the airside. Terminal 2 has many benches, too, but can be louder at night. Terminal 3 is the least comfortable, with few seating options and limited amenities. If you arrive late at night or early in the morning, before security lines open, expect full benches and many travellers scattered on the floors. Remember your earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones wherever you rest for the night, as noise is a common complaint.
One traveller specifically recommended the level above the bus station, where there’s a quiet corner or two, but keep in mind that no airport announcements are broadcast here.
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Rest Zones
At the time of this update, there are no designated rest zones within the airport.
Hotels
Would you prefer the privacy and comfort of a hotel room? There is one hotel located directly at the airport. The Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester Airport is connected to Terminals 1 and 2 by Skylink, a covered, elevated walkway. Additional hotels are located within a short walk or drive of the airport. Here are a few:
- Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport » Check Rates
- Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport » Check Rates
- Doubletree by Hilton Manchester Airport » Check Rates
- ibis Budget Manchester Airport » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn Express Manchester Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to find hotel deals at Manchester Airport.
Lounges
Though Manchester Airport has several lounges, none offer designated sleep rooms or rest areas. If you want to relax in a comfortable seat, check out this list of lounges in our Manchester 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 Manchester Airport Guide.
Airport Conditions
If you plan to spend the night at the airport, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Temperature: Expect the airport to cool down at night, with air conditioning running and fewer people inside.
- Noise: Anticipate the noise of other travellers, announcements, and cleaning crews, particularly at night.
- Lighting: The airport may stay bright thanks to around-the-clock lights, but certain corners may be dimly lit.
Arrive prepared! We recommend earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, an extra layer of warmth, eyeshades, or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel.
Security & Safety
Airport staff seem to tolerate most overnight sleepers, as evidenced by the many people who camp out.
Travellers feel safe here. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential 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 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. Please 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.
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Airport Photo Gallery
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