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Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a busy airport with three terminals and four concourses. It is open 24 hours and accommodates continuous international flights. For those with a long layover, there are several options for sleeping at the airport, ranging from sleeping pods and lounges to nearby hotels. Some travellers opt to sleep on the floor or in chairs, but for those seeking more comfort, there are sleep pods and lounges available for a fee. Additionally, there are hotels within walking distance of the terminals, including the Dubai International Hotel located inside the secure zone of the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | DXB |
| Terminals | 3 |
| Concourses | A, B, C, and D |
| 24-hour eateries | Yes |
| Free WiFi | Yes |
| Mobile charging stations | Yes |
| Paid airport lounges with showers | Yes |
| Paid sleep pods | Yes |
| Hotels within walking distance | Yes |
| 24-hour shuttle bus | Yes |
| Quiet zones with reclining chairs | Yes |
| Safety | Generally safe |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport terminals
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has three terminals with four concourses. Terminals 1 and 3 are directly connected with the transit area, while Terminal 2 is on the opposite side of the runways. The airport is open 24 hours, and security checkpoints remain open throughout. There are several options for sleeping in the airport terminals.
Lounges
Dubai International Airport has several lounges that can be entered by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. The Ahlan Business Class Lounge and the Marhaba Lounge are two such examples. Lounges typically offer sleeping rooms for an additional fee. The garden lounge, for example, offers a set amount of time (around six hours) where you can sleep and enjoy free food and alcohol.
Sleep Pods
Sleep 'n' Fly offers Scandinavian-designed igloo-style sleep pods and cabins that can accommodate one to two passengers. These are located opposite Gate A1 at A-Gates (Terminal 3, inside the DXB transit area). They offer flexible stay options, with pay-by-the-hour rates for short or full-night stays.
Hotels
Dubai International Hotel is located inside the secure zone of the airport and is for transit passengers only. It can be accessed from Terminal 3, Concourses A, B, and C. Rates are available in 3, 6, 12, and 24-hour packages. The Premier Inn Dubai International Airport is another option, located opposite Terminal 3 and offering a free 24-hour airport shuttle bus.
Free Options
If you don't want to pay for a sleeping option, there are some free places to rest in the airport. There are quiet zones with reclining chairs near Gates A1, A16, A21, A24, B1-2, B7-8, B10-11, B14-23, B25-27, B29, and B31-32. These areas can get cold and noisy, so it's recommended to pack warm clothes and headphones. There are also reports of travellers sleeping on the floor or on the fake grass opposite the Hard Rock Cafe.
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Sleep pods and lounges
In addition to sleep pods, Dubai Airport also offers several airport lounges that can be accessed by economy class passengers for a fee. These lounges often provide additional amenities such as showers and comfortable seating. The Ahlan Business Class Lounge and Marhaba Lounge, both located in Terminal 1, Concourse D, are popular options. The Ahlan Lounge offers sleeping rooms for an additional fee, while the Marhaba Lounge provides a comfortable space to rest.
For those seeking a more unique experience, the garden lounge at Al Mourjan is highly recommended. This lounge offers a set amount of time, typically around six hours, during which guests can enjoy complimentary food and alcohol while relaxing in a beautiful setting.
It is worth noting that Dubai Airport also has quiet zones with reclining chairs where you can nap between flights. These zones are located in Terminal 3, Concourses A and B, near specific gates. While these areas are free, it is recommended to take precautions and keep your belongings secure at all times.
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Hotels near the airport
Dubai International Airport is located 3.6 miles (5.8 km) from Dubai city centre. The airport is open 24 hours, and there are several options for sleeping in the airport or nearby.
There are a few hotels within walking distance of the airport. Here are some options:
- Dubai International Hotel — Located inside the secure zone of the airport in Terminal 3, Concourses A, B, and C. This hotel is for transit passengers only, and guests do not have access to their checked luggage. Rates are available in 3, 6, 12, and 24-hour packages.
- Sleep 'n' Fly Lounge — Igloo-style sleep pods and cabins that can accommodate 1–2 passengers. This option is also located in Terminal 3.
- Premier Inn Dubai International Airport — Located opposite Terminal 3, this hotel offers a free 24-hour airport shuttle bus serving Terminals 1 and 3.
- Ibis Styles Dubai Airport — This hotel offers colourful rooms and a fantastic breakfast. It is a good option for a short layover.
- Hotel DXB — A hotel located near Dubai International Airport.
In addition to these hotels, there are several lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. These include the Ahlan Business Class Lounge and the Marhaba Lounge, both located in Terminal 1, Concourse D, Airside.
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Safety and security
Dubai Airport is generally considered a safe place to sleep. The airport is open 24 hours a day, and security checkpoints remain open throughout, accommodating continuous international flights.
There are several options for sleeping in the airport, each with varying levels of security and comfort. If you choose to sleep in the airport without using a paid facility, it is recommended that you take precautions to secure your belongings. One traveller reported having money and credit cards stolen from their bag, despite it being right next to them.
Sleeping in the airport is possible in designated quiet zones with reclining chairs, or simply on the floor. One traveller reported sleeping on the floor opposite the Hard Rock Cafe, on fake grass, and described it as one of the best sleeps they'd ever had. Another traveller recommended sleeping at an abandoned gate, but noted that you will likely be woken up by the noise of people gathering for their flight.
If you are looking for more comfort and security, there are sleep pods and a transit hotel inside the airport. Sleep 'n' Fly offers Scandinavian-designed igloo-style sleep pods and cabins that can accommodate one or two passengers. They are located in Terminal 3, opposite Gate A1 in the transit area. Dubai International Hotel is located inside the secure zone of the airport and is for transit passengers only. It can be accessed from Terminal 3, Concourses A, B, and C.
Outside of the airport, there are several hotels within walking distance of Terminal 3, such as the Premier Inn Dubai International Airport, which offers a free 24-hour airport shuttle bus.
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Comfort and convenience
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has three terminals with four concourses. Terminals 1 and 3 are directly connected with the transit area, while Terminal 2 is on the opposite side of the runways. Terminal 3 is the most modern of the three, with plentiful shopping, dining, and services, most of which are open 24 hours. There is free WiFi and plenty of mobile charging stations throughout the airport. Economy class passengers can pay to enter airport lounges, some of which offer showers.
If you're looking for a comfortable place to sleep, there are several options available. Sleep 'n' Fly offers Scandinavian-style igloo sleep pods and cabins that can accommodate one to two passengers. They are located in Terminal 3, opposite Gate A1, and can be booked for flexible time slots. Dubai International Hotel is located inside the secure zone of the airport and is also an option for transit passengers. It offers 3, 6, 12, and 24-hour packages, but guests cannot access their checked luggage during their stay.
Additionally, there are lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. The Ahlan Business Class Lounge and Marhaba Lounge in Terminal 1 offer sleeping rooms for an additional fee. The Al Mourjan lounge is another option, featuring free food and alcohol. If you prefer a more basic option, there are lounge chairs available for napping, and some travellers have reported sleeping on the floor or in abandoned gates. However, it's important to take precautions as airports can be cold, noisy, and potentially unsafe for valuables.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dubai Airport is open 24 hours and there are several options for sleeping arrangements.
There are various options for sleeping at Dubai Airport, including:
- Sleep pods
- Transit hotels
- Lounges
- Benches
- The floor
Yes, there are hotels within walking distance of Terminal 3. There is also a hotel inside the secure zone of the airport, but this is for transit passengers only and guests cannot access their checked luggage.
Yes, there are sleep pods available at Dubai Airport, such as the Sleep n' Fly Lounge, which offers igloo-style sleep pods and cabins for 1-2 passengers.
Yes, there are several lounges at Dubai Airport, including the Ahlan Business Class Lounge and the Marhaba Lounge, which offer sleeping rooms for an additional fee.
