Sleeping in Airports

Sleeping in Nice Airport

sleeping in nice airport

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

Depending on France’s national security considerations during your visit, you may only be allowed to sleep overnight at the airport if you have proof of an early morning flight or are in transit between flights. If you’re not allowed to stay inside, you’ll have to wait until the airport reopens around 4:00 AM, so have a backup plan ready.

Locations & Seating

Nice Airport
Landside, armrest seating. (Photo courtesy of Philip Broughton-Mills / 13 May 2019)

Seating is decent, especially if you can grab an armrest-free seat for a nice lie-down. Overnight travellers may prefer the floor, in which case a sleeping mat or extra layers will provide comfort and warmth. Or, head to a closed cafe or eatery, where you can rest on a padded bench or push chairs together for a makeshift bed.

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Rest Zones

There are no designated rest zones within the airport.

Hotels

Nice Cote d'Azur airport hotelsDo you prefer the privacy and comfort of a hotel room? Luckily, several hotels are located nearby, some with free airport shuttles. See the hotel section of our Airport Guide for locations, or visit Tripadvisor to find hotel deals at Nice Airport.

Lounges

Nice Cote d'Azur airport loungesNice Airport has a few lounges, but none have designated sleep rooms or rest areas. If you want to relax in a comfortable seat for a few hours before your flight, check out the pay-to-use lounge details in our Nice Airport Guide.

More Airport Services & Facilities

For information about drinking water, 24-hour food & drink options, luggage storage, showers, mobile charging and WiFi, visit our Nice Côte d’Azur 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: Even as overnight flights slow down or stop entirely, the airport may still run announcements, and cleaning crews may make the rounds, so anticipate some noise.
  • 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

Security staff seem to have no problem with travellers sleeping in the airport. Still, don’t be surprised if they ask for your boarding pass to confirm you can be inside, especially overnight when flights aren’t coming or going.

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Nice Airport. 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 awoke 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 sharp, 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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