Sleeping in Quito Airport
Overview
Sleeping in Quito Airport is generally a better experience than you might expect. The terminal is open 24 hours, overnight stays are tolerated, and travellers have repeatedly found padded, armrest-free seating before security, particularly around Arrivals and the main terminal. Recent reviews describe a warm terminal, quiet overnight conditions and enough space to stretch out, although bright lighting can make an eye mask essential.
If you are connecting, you may be able to remain after security overnight with a valid onward boarding pass. If you arrive for an early morning departure and cannot yet check in or pass security, plan to sleep before security until your airline and checkpoint open.
They were by far the best sleeps I’ve ever had in an airport.” (Traveller review)
Can You Sleep in Quito Airport Overnight?
Yes. Quito Airport is open 24 hours and travellers regularly sleep in the terminal.
Before security is the more dependable option if you have an early morning flight. A July 2024 traveller found plenty of curved cushioned seats in the Departures area before security and described the terminal as pleasantly warm despite the cold weather outside.
Arrivals has also earned good reviews from sleepers. Travellers have described it as quieter and less crowded than Departures, with long padded benches and couches without armrests.
If you are already after security and have a valid boarding pass for an onward flight, you may be able to remain there overnight. Access depends on your itinerary and flight schedule, however, so do not assume you will be able to enter the secure area many hours before an early morning departure. One traveller with a six-hour domestic connection reported being denied access to the domestic gates until three hours before the first flight of the day.
Security may check boarding passes or IDs overnight. Travellers sleeping before security have also reported being asked to sit up around 5:00 – 6:00 AM as the terminal gets busier.
Sleepability Verdict
Sleepability: Good
Quito stands out for something increasingly rare in airports: genuinely sleepable terminal seating. Traveller reviews describe padded couches, curved cushioned seats and long benches without armrests, with Arrivals particularly good for finding a quieter place to stretch out. Overnight conditions can also be surprisingly calm. One traveller reported sleeping more than five hours on two separate nights without hearing a single announcement. Another described Arrivals as fairly empty and quiet. The main drawbacks are bright lighting, limited access to some areas after security and competition for the better seats once the terminal becomes busy. Security may also wake sleepers in the early morning and ask them to sit up.
There are long benches/sofas without armrests which where very comfortable to sleep on.” (Traveller review, November 2022)
Traveller Reality Check
Based on recent Sleeping in Airports traveller reviews, these are the most frequently reported advantages and drawbacks of sleeping at Quito Airport.
Sleep Advantages
- Padded armrest-free seating
- Quiet overnight conditions
- Arrivals can be less crowded
- Warm terminal reported
- 24-hour terminal
- Charging near some seating
Sleep Drawbacks
- Bright overnight lighting
- Good seats can be scarce
- Early morning wake-ups possible
- Restricted early access after security
- Departures can be busier
Best Places to Sleep
Arrivals is one of the stronger choices for an overnight sleep. Travellers have reported long padded benches and couches without armrests, and a November 2022 review found Arrivals noticeably quieter and emptier than Departures. Another traveller slept in a corner on the Arrivals floor using an inflatable camping pad and managed more than five hours of sleep on two separate nights.
Seating: Long padded benches and couches without armrests
Noise: Generally quiet overnight
Lighting: Bright
Power: Availability varies
Main Terminal, Landside, Departures
A July 2024 traveller found plenty of curved cushioned seats before security and described the area as quite reasonable for camping out before an early flight. Some padded seating had electrical outlets nearby and no barriers preventing travellers from stretching out. Departures has been described as busier and louder than Arrivals, so check downstairs before settling here if you have time to look around.
Seating: Curved cushioned seats and padded benches
Noise: Busier than Arrivals
Temperature: Warm in a recent review
Power: Outlets available near some seating
Older traveller reviews describe sleepable seating in the international gate area, including curved wooden chairs and some armrest-free seating. One traveller suggested heading to the right after Immigration for quieter places to rest. A 2023 review reported that seating without metal armrests was available in the international A-D area, but that these seats were scarce and sleepers could occupy much of the available seating.
Seating: Limited armrest-free seating and curved chairs
Noise: Quieter areas may be available away from busier gates
Floor Sleeping
If the couches and benches are occupied, the floor is another possibility. A traveller who slept in a corner of Arrivals used an inflatable camping pad and reported getting more than five hours of sleep. Bring your own sleep mat or padding rather than counting on finding an empty couch.
Airport Sleeper Essentials
Cots
Quito Airport does not currently offer cots for stranded travellers.
Food Available Overnight
Food is available late and overnight at Quito Airport, but individual outlet hours can vary with flight schedules. Traveller reviews have repeatedly mentioned being able to find food during overnight stays, including a July 2024 sleeper who reported 24-hour food and drink options. Because overnight opening hours can change, buy food before the main concessions close if you do not want to depend on a particular restaurant remaining open.
Luggage Storage
Bag Parking Custodia provides luggage storage before security in the Arrivals Hall, Level 1, near Door 2. The service is reported to operate 24 hours, making it potentially useful if you do not want to keep all of your luggage with you during a long layover or overnight stay.
Showers
There are no free public showers in the terminal. Showers are available through paid facilities, including the International Sala VIP after security and Layover Stay before security.
Airport Hotels, Sleep Pods & Cabins
If sleeping in the terminal doesn’t sound appealing, there are hotels on the airport grounds and several more within a short drive.
Courtyard by Marriott Quito Airport
Located on the airport grounds.
Wyndham Quito Airport
Located on the airport grounds, with airport shuttle service.
Hotels Near Quito Airport
Hostal Mariscal Sucre
2.4 mi / 3.9 km from the airport.
Quito Airport Suites
2.4 mi / 3.9 km from the airport. Day rooms and paid 24-hour airport shuttle service are available.
Holiday Inn Quito Airport
3.0 mi / 4.8 km from the airport, with airport shuttle service.
Hotel Rincon de Puembo, BW Signature Collection
3.4 mi / 5.5 km from the airport.
There are no dedicated sleep pods or cabins inside the terminal.
Airport Lounges with Sleep Facilities
Layover Stay
Location: Landside, Quito Airport Center, 2nd Floor, opposite the Arrivals gates
Hours: 24 hours
Layover Stay offers reclining chairs for sleeping as well as showers. Because it is before security, it can be particularly useful if you have a long overnight wait but cannot yet enter the departure gates. Access is available for a fee or through participating lounge programs.
The airport’s other lounges may provide a quiet place to sit or shower, but they do not have dedicated sleep facilities that warrant listing here. Visit our Quito Airport Guide for lounge locations.
Safety & Security
Traveller reviews generally describe staff as tolerant of overnight sleepers, although security may check your boarding pass or ID. If you are sleeping before security, you may also be woken around 5:00 – 6:00 AM and asked to sit up as the terminal gets busy.
There have been past reports from Quito Airport sleepers of valuables being stolen while they slept, including phones and a laptop bag. Keep passports, phones and other valuables secured on your body or inside a secured bag, and keep your luggage immediately beside you while resting.
Snag one and don’t let it go. You’ll get a great nap.” (Traveller review, March 2021)
Frequently Asked Questions
A Quick Note
Airport conditions change regularly. This guide is based on airport information and traveller reviews, but seating, terminal access, operating hours, security procedures and sleeping conditions can change. Use this guide as a starting point and be prepared for conditions to differ when you arrive.
Help Keep This Guide Current
Have you slept at Quito Airport recently? Tell us whether the padded couches and armrest-free benches are still available, where you found the quietest spot and whether you were able to remain after security overnight. Your review can help the next tired traveller find somewhere to rest.