Sleeping in Airports

Sleeping in Miami Airport

sleeping in Miami airport

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

Locations & Seating

Sleeping on Miami Airport Floor
Airside sleepers. Photo by SleepingInAirports.net / 29Aug2008

Seating is plentiful, though most seats, if not all, are equipped with armrests. If you want to stretch out for some rest, the floor is your best bet. Travellers recommend Terminal D the most, particularly for carpeted corners. Extra layers will provide some cushion and warmth, too.

Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:

  • The International Arrivals area, near baggage carousels 1-6 and the popular Besame Mucho flower artwork, has some slim red couches comfortable enough for sleep.
  • The North Terminal has a quieter, carpeted area just outside the Auditorium.
  • In Terminal D, a small, carpeted nook is located above Gate D15, near the Admiral’s Club. You’ll also find connected padded benches near TGIF Fridays (after gate D34).
  • In Terminal H, in the Yoga room (baggage claim area). A reader (2019) reported getting a good nap in here. Bring a blanket or towel to make your stay more comfy (no carpet).
  • In Terminal J, Level 4 may have some red, thin, starfish-shaped couches.

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 designated rest zones aside from a few lounges. A reader tells us that the Admirals Club at D30 has a quiet area with ten lounge chairs, although they tend to be occupied.

Weather Delays

Miami Airport cots
(Photo courtesy of delfina / 31Dec2015)

Miami Airport sees more than its fair share of flight cancellations due to bad weather. When mass cancellations happen at Miami Airport, cots are available for stranded passengers who opt against getting a hotel room. To find them, ask an airline or airport employee or use a courtesy phone to reach someone with access to this information.

Please note that these cots cannot be reserved in advance and are unavailable except for mass cancellations. That means you cannot access them simply because you chose to stay the night in the airport instead of getting a hotel room.

Hotels

Miami airport hotelsDo you prefer the privacy and comfort of a hotel room? Luckily, a good sleep between flights isn’t too far away, with the Miami International Airport Hotel inside the airport. The hotel offers overnight and day rooms between 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Location: Central Terminal Concourse E, Level 2. The hotel is landside, so you must re-enter the airside zone for your next flight.

Several other hotels are located within a short 8-minute drive of the airport.

  • Best Western Plus Miami Airport North Hotel & Suites » Check Rates
  • Candlewood Suites Miami International Airport – 36th St, an IHG Hotel » Check Rates
  • Comfort Suites Miami Airport North » Check Rates
  • EB Hotel Miami Airport » Check Rates
  • Hampton Inn Miami Airport East » Check Rates
  • Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Airport South – Blue Lagoon » Check Rates
  • Homewood Suites Miami-Airport / Blue Lagoon » Check Rates
  • Pullman Miami Airport Hotel » Check Rates
  • Ramada by Wyndham Miami Springs » Check Rates
  • Wyndham Garden Miami International Airport » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Miami Airport, search for deals and read traveller reviews.

Lounges

Miami airport loungesMiami Airport has several lounges, and at least one has a quiet area with recliner seats. A reader tells us that the Admirals Club at gate D30  has a quiet area with ten lounge chairs suitable for sleeping. If you want to relax in a comfortable environment, check out this list of lounges in our Miami Airport Guide that you can pay to access.

Airport Conditions

If you plan to spend the night at the airport, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Temperature – Travellers report freezing temperatures throughout the airport. Arrive prepared with a blanket or even a sleeping bag. A hoodie provides extra warmth if the terminal gets even colder.
  • Lighting – At the time of this update, we have not received reports from travellers about terminal brightness. Come prepared with eyeshades or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel.
  • Noise – Do anticipate noise depending on where you rest for the night. Travellers who sleep in the landside areas report more announcements, blaring TVs and music, and general commotion than those who find corners in the airside areas. Occasional cleaning crews may make noise as they move past you. We recommend bringing along earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.

More Airport Services & Facilities

For information about drinking water, 24-hour food & drink options, luggage storage, showers, mobile charging and WiFi, visit our Miami Airport Guide.

Security & Safety

Airport staff seem to tolerate sleepers, though they may wake you in the middle of the night to check IDs and tickets.

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Miami 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.

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Miami Airport Photo Gallery

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