Whether you are an experienced airport sleeper or new to the game, this sleep guide will give you the essential information to better prepare you for sleeping in Reykjavik Keflavik Airport.
Our guide is updated with the help of airport sleepers who tell us about their experiences at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport. If you have a tip to share, write a review to help us keep this sleep guide up-to-date!
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Sleeping inside Keflavik Airport
Locations & Seating
This airport appears to be unfriendly to sleepers, with numerous signs discouraging sleeping. Yet, it seems the worst that will happen is that security guards may wake you. If you’re sleeping overnight, they may not even wake you until 4:00 AM or later – and at least one traveller reported a security guard bringing her a blanket! For decent sleep spots, the best areas are near Gates 7 and 10-15. Most seating is metal or wooden, but a good portion of it is armrest-free.
Rest Zones
At the time of this update, there are no designated rest zones within the airport.
Temperature
The airport is cold year-round, so bring an extra layer, even if you’re only stopping through on a layover to warmer climates. Arrive prepared with a blanket or even a sleeping bag. A hoodie provides extra warmth if the terminal gets even colder.
Lighting
The airport seems to stay brightly lit throughout the night. In summer, the sun barely sets, so expect natural light to flood the massive glass windows. Come prepared with eyeshades or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel.
Noise
Daytime, you’ll hear the usual airport hum of travellers and workers, frequent announcements, and music playing. By night, the airport does quiet down significantly.
Showers
At the time of this July 2022 update we were unable to confirm whether the showers were still available. Pre-Covid, they were located in the South Building, Floor 1. If you can confirm, click here to update this guide.
Food & Drink
There is a 24-hour general store called 10-11 available in the Arrivals area.
Hotels
Prefer the privacy and comfort of a hotel room? If you would like a good solid sleep between flights walk to the Airport Hotel Aurora Star, located 100 meters from the main terminal. A few more hotels are located within a short 8-minute drive from the airport, with complimentary shuttle service available. See the hotel section in our Airport Guide for locations or visit Tripadvisor to find hotels deals at Keflavik Airport.
Lounges
Unfortunately, Keflavik Airport has no pay-to-use lounges for Economy Class travellers.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport. As a precaution, here are a few tips to ensure you have a safe airport sleeping experience:
- Know Where Security is Located. Whether you are sleeping in the airport by yourself or with friends, it is good to know where security is. Know where their office is located and look for video cameras in the spot you decide to stay the night. Ask security where it is safe to spend the night. They’ve probably seen many airport sleepers before you and they will direct you to a safe spot.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you are travelling alone we recommend that you sleep near other travellers or close to security.
- Hide Your Valuables. Don’t leave all your mobile devices out in plain view. We have received reports from people who woke up with earphones and no ipod and a laptop bag strap and no laptop bag (or laptop). Same goes with important documents and money. Keep these secure on your body, so that no one can get them without waking you up.
- Secure Your Bags. If you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something. If your bags have zippers turn the bag upside down (zippers to the floor) or sleep with your bag up against the wall, so that it would be hard for someone to access.
- Choose to Stay Alert. If you don’t feel safe, drink coffee and stay awake and be alert. You can always sleep on the plane!
Pro-tip: If you are sleeping 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 begin to arrive for morning flights.
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