Keflavik Airport: Sleep Or No Sleep?

can i sleep at keflavik airport

If you're wondering whether you can sleep at Keflavík Airport, you're not alone. Many travellers have found themselves in a similar situation, and some have opted to sleep in the airport. While the airport discourages sleeping there, it won't kick you out. However, you may be woken up by security or staff around 4 AM as the airport becomes busy. If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are hotels and hostels nearby, but they can be expensive. Some accommodations offer 24-hour check-in and shuttle services, providing a convenient alternative to sleeping in the airport. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you can choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.

Characteristics Values
Permission to sleep Sleeping at the airport is strongly discouraged, but travellers will not be kicked out.
Sleeping pods There are no sleeping pods available at the airport.
Sleeping in the boarding zone Travellers are not allowed to sleep in the boarding zone.
Sleeping in the departure hall Travellers are not allowed to sleep in the departure hall.
Sleeping in the check-in area Travellers are allowed to sleep in the check-in area.
Sleeping on the floor Travellers are not allowed to sleep on the floor.
Sleeping on benches Travellers are allowed to sleep on benches unless they are causing a disturbance.
Sleeping on café and restaurant benches Cafés and restaurants have their own policies when it comes to sleeping passengers.
Sleeping on seats Travellers are allowed to sleep on seats.
Luggage Travellers can use the self-drop luggage system.
Check-in Travellers can check in before midnight.
Security Travellers might be woken up by security around 4:00 a.m.
Nearby hotels There are a few hotels nearby, including the Aurora Star and the Aurora hotel.

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Sleeping pods and hotels

Sleeping pods are not available at Keflavik Airport. There was only one pod hostel in Iceland, but it is now closed for major renovations.

If you are looking for a place to stay near the airport, there are a few hotels nearby. The Aurora Hotel is located just a couple of minutes' walk from the airport terminal and offers rooms for around £40 per person, including breakfast. The hotel is a good option if you want to get a proper night's sleep before your flight, especially if you are travelling with a young child.

Other accommodations are also available near the airport, some of which offer 24-hour check-in and shuttle services. These options are within a 10-minute drive of the airport or in the town of Keflavik. However, keep in mind that hotels and hostels in Iceland can be quite expensive.

If you decide to stay at the airport, you may be able to find a place to sleep, but it might not be very comfortable. The airport staff may allow sleeping in certain areas, such as on benches in the main terminal hall or check-in area, but they may also wake you up if you are causing a disturbance or blocking the flow of traffic. Additionally, the seats at the airport are configured for sitting up, making it difficult to sleep lying down.

Some people have reported being woken up by security or airport staff around 4:00 am when the airport starts to get busy. So, if you need a good night's sleep before your flight, it might be worth considering a hotel or other accommodation option near the airport instead of trying to sleep inside the terminal.

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Sleeping in the terminal

There are a few things to keep in mind if you plan to sleep in the terminal. Firstly, the seats are configured in a way that makes it difficult to sleep lying down, so you may have to sleep sitting up. Secondly, the airport can get quite busy around 4:00 am when the first flights of the day start departing, so you may be woken up by the commotion.

If you do decide to sleep in the terminal, there are a few spots that might be more comfortable than others. The main terminal hall has benches that are often occupied by sleeping travellers. These benches are preferred by the airport staff to travellers sleeping with their luggage in the departure hall. Cafes and restaurants also have benches that can be used for sleeping, but be aware that these establishments may have their own policies regarding sleeping passengers.

Another option for sleeping in the airport is to use the self-drop luggage system and then proceed through security to the departure gates. This area is generally more comfortable than the public zone, and you may be able to find a spot to lie down and sleep. However, keep in mind that you may be one of the few people in the airport at that time, so you might be more likely to be disturbed.

There are also a few hotels near the airport, such as the Aurora Star, that offer accommodations for early or late arrivals. These hotels can be just a short walk or drive from the airport and may provide a more comfortable and restful option than sleeping in the terminal.

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Sleeping in the departure hall

Previously, travellers with early morning departures were forced to wait for check-in to open in the departure hall, leading to crowds of people sleeping among their luggage and causing a nuisance to staff and other travellers. In response, the airport introduced a new policy that allows passengers to check in before midnight. This has helped to reduce the number of people sleeping in the departure hall, as they can now enter the terminal and sleep on benches or flat surfaces.

While the airport does not bother people who fall asleep or nap on benches unless they are causing a disturbance, some travellers have reported being woken up by security or airport staff around 4:00 am when the airport begins to get busy. Additionally, the seats in the airport are configured for sitting up, making it uncomfortable to sleep lying down.

If you plan to sleep in the departure hall, it is important to consider your luggage, as leaving it unattended may not be safe. Also, be prepared for possible disturbances and the uncomfortable seating. Alternatively, there are accommodations near the airport that offer 24-hour check-in and shuttle services.

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Sleeping on benches

The airport is open 24 hours, but there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet zones, or rest zones. Travellers have reported sleeping on benches, especially near Gates 7 and 10-15, and in some cafes. It is worth noting that most benches have armrests, but there are a few without.

The airport is cold and brightly lit at night, so it is advisable to have a sleeping bag, blankets, and a sleeping mask. Lockers are available on the ground floor to store your belongings.

If you want a more comfortable option, there are hotels located within a few minutes' walk from the airport, and several other nearby hotels offer free shuttle services.

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Sleeping in your car

While it is possible to sleep in your car at Keflavik Airport, it is not recommended. One traveller who attempted to do so reported that they were unable to find a safe place to park. They tried parking in an apartment parking lot, but felt they were being watched by residents. They then tried a KFC parking lot, but it closed at 10 pm, after which they didn't want to remain there so as not to seem suspicious.

Another traveller who slept in their car in the city reported that they were paranoid about being robbed or "getting murdered". They also found it difficult to sleep due to the constant noise of cars and buses moving and doors being slammed.

If you do decide to sleep in your car, it is recommended that you find a well-lit and busy area to park, such as a 24-hour store or a rest stop. It is also a good idea to lock your doors and keep your valuables out of sight.

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Frequently asked questions

Sleeping at Keflavík Airport is strongly discouraged, and there are signs posted to that effect. However, the airport is open 24 hours and you will not be kicked out if you choose to sleep there. Many people do sleep at the airport, and airport staff do not seem to have a problem with it, as long as sleepers do not impede the flow of traffic.

The airport has a policy of not bothering people who fall asleep or nap on benches, unless they are causing a disturbance, security concern, or if other passengers complain. Restaurants and cafes have their own policies when it comes to sleeping passengers.

There are several hotels and hostels near the airport, including the Aurora Hotel, which is a 2-minute walk from the airport. There are also accommodations with 24-hour check-in and shuttle services to and from the airport.

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