Whether your situation calls for a short nap or an overnight slumber, this sleep guide will give you the essential information needed to prepare you for sleeping in Sydney Airport.
Our guide is updated with the help of airport sleepers who tell us about their experiences at Sydney Airport. If you have a tip to share, write a review to help us keep this sleep guide up-to-date!
Read the latest traveller reviews.
Sleeping in Sydney Airport Overnight
According to a July 2022 reviewer, the entire airport closes from 11:00PM – 2:30AM, so it is no longer possible to sleep in the public area of the terminal.
Locations & Seating
The amount of seating here is OK, but most benches are equipped with armrests. You’ll either want to contort yourself or stretch out on the floor. Extra layers, a sleep mat, or a sleeping bag will provide necessary cushion on the marble ground.
Rest Zones
At the time of this update, there are no designated rest zones within the airport.
Temperature
Travellers report chilly temperatures throughout the various terminals.
Pro-tip: 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 related to terminal brightness.
Pro-tip: Arrive prepared with eyeshades or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel.
Noise
Daytime sleepers can expect the usual hum of airport chaos: music and TVs blaring, announcements playing frequently, and workers and travellers chatting. By night, it quiets down a bit, but you will likely have to stay in a designated waiting area in the International Terminal, and whether it’s noisy depends on the other travellers camping out. Music may play throughout the night. As a precaution, you should come prepared with earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
Pro-tip: If you chose a spot near any eateries, keep in mind that the staff arrive early and they can get pretty loud in the kitchen.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Free shower facilities are located n Terminal 1, inside Security, near Gates 31 and 51. (Gate 24 has shower facilities for men only). In the pre-Security area, free showers are located near check-in counters A and K. Bring your own toiletries.
Food & Drink
No 24-hour food concessions are available, so be sure to stock up on food and water before the eateries and convenience stores close for the night.
Hotels
If you prefer the privacy and comfort of a hotel room, you have a couple hotel options located directly at the airport. The Mantra Hotel Sydney Airport is a new hotel in short walking distance of Terminals 2 and 3, and day rooms are available. Rydges Sydney Airport is located opposite the International Terminal. Additional hotels are located in walking distance or a short airport shuttle drive away. See the hotel section in our Airport Guide for locations or visit Tripadvisor to find hotels deals at Sydney Airport.
Lounges
While Sydney Airport has a few lounges, none have designated sleep rooms or rest areas. If you just want to relax in a comfortable seat, check out this list of lounges in our Sydney Airport Guide that you can pay to access.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Sydney 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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