If you’re dealing with a long layover or an early morning flight departure at Reykjavik Keflavik airport, you might be wondering if it is possible to sleep in the airport. Our guide to sleeping in Keflavik 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 inside Keflavik Airport
Locations & Seating
This airport appears 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 is armrest-free.
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? If you want a good, solid sleep before your early morning flight, walk to the Airport Hotel Aurora Star, 100 meters from the main terminal. A few more hotels are situated 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 hotel deals at Keflavik Airport.
Lounges
Unfortunately, Keflavik Airport has no pay-to-use lounges for Economy Class travellers.
Airport Conditions
If you plan to spend the night at the airport, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- 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. The sun barely sets in summer, 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 – In the 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.
Food & Drink
A 24-hour general store called 10-11 is available in the Arrivals area.
Showers
At the time of this July 2022 update, we could not 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.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Reykjavik Keflavik 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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Airport Photo Gallery
Thank you to the airport sleepers who have written reviews and shared their airport photos to help future travellers. Click here to add your airport photos.
