Lois Larson
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is not ideal for sleeping in. The airport is large, and while it does have toilets and showers, the benches are uncomfortable. The air conditioning is often very strong, and it can be noisy. However, some people do choose to sleep in various corners of the airport. There are also three motels at the airport, and other nearby hotels, which could be a better option. If you do choose to sleep at the airport, the quietest places are the Arrivals area of Terminal 1, the corridor connecting terminals 3 and 4, and the corridor leading to the Terminal 3 security checkpoint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping facilities | Carpets, corners, benches, seats in cafeterias, McDonald's, multi-storey car park, airport lounges, nearby hotels |
| Amenities | Toilets, showers, free and unlimited Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange, baby changing facilities, children's playground, duty-free shop, prayer rooms, lockers, food options |
| Noise level | Generally noisy |
| Temperature | Strong air conditioning |
| Safety | Not recommended for solo travellers, especially women |
| Cost | Free, but nearby hotels are available for a cost |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in Melbourne Airport
Sleeping in airports is never ideal, and Melbourne Airport is no exception. The airport is large, and while it does have the basic amenities like toilets, showers, and 24-hour food options, it is not designed for comfort. The benches are reportedly uncomfortable, and the air conditioning can be strong. It is also generally noisy, and if you are travelling alone, the separate toilet facilities for men and women could pose an issue.
If you do decide to sleep in the airport, the quietest and most secluded places are said to be the Arrivals area of Terminal 1, the corridor connecting terminals 3 and 4, and the corridor leading to the Terminal 3 security checkpoint. Some travellers have also reported sleeping in the multi-storey car park, but it can be cold and windy, and there is no access after the last flight of the night until 4:30 am. If you want to pay for more comfort, you can use one of the VIP lounges, but these close at night.
There are a few hotels connected to or very near the airport, including the ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport, Novotel Melbourne Airport, Holiday Inn, and Ibis Budget and Styles. These are likely to provide a much better night's sleep, but at a cost.
If you are looking for an even cheaper option, you could take public transport into the city for $4.60, where you can find a bed in a hostel for under $50.
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Sleeping in the nearby hotels
If you're looking for a comfortable place to sleep near Melbourne Airport, there are several nearby hotels that can provide a good night's rest. Firstly, it is recommended to book a hotel room in advance, even if it's just for a few hours of sleep, as it will make a significant difference to your comfort and overall travel experience.
There are a few hotels conveniently connected to or located very close to the airport terminals. The ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport is connected to the terminals via sky bridges, offering easy access. Additionally, the Novotel Melbourne Airport and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport are situated right next to Terminal 4, providing a convenient option for travellers. The Holiday Inn and Ibis Budget are also within walking distance, offering more affordable options.
If you're looking for a discounted rate, consider using online booking platforms such as wotif.com, which may offer lower prices for the same hotels mentioned above. It's worth checking these sites to see if you can find a good deal, especially if you're on a budget.
For those on a tighter budget, there are other options outside the airport, such as hostels in the city, which can provide a bed for under $50. While it requires a bit of travel, it can be a more comfortable and cost-effective solution, especially if you want to avoid the noise and discomfort of trying to sleep inside the airport.
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Sleeping in the multi-storey car park
The multi-storey car park is within walking distance of the airport, so you won't have to worry about transportation. It is suggested that you bring warm clothing as it can get quite cold and windy in the car park, especially at night.
While the car park may offer a quieter environment, it's important to note that it might not have the same amenities as the airport. Basic amenities like restrooms and food options are available inside the airport, particularly in Terminal 2, which is open 24 hours a day. There, you'll find McDonald's and access to showers in the public area and VIP lounges.
If you do choose to sleep in the multi-storey car park, be aware that there may be limited access to certain areas once the last international flight has departed for the night. Plan accordingly and try to arrive early to secure a comfortable spot.
Overall, while the multi-storey car park can provide a quieter alternative to sleeping inside the airport, it's important to come prepared with the necessary amenities and be mindful of any access restrictions.
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Sleeping in McDonald's
If you're looking for a place to sleep at Melbourne Airport, one option is to head to the 24-hour McDonald's in the corridor between Terminals 2 and 3. While it may not be the most comfortable place to rest, it's possible that the staff will let you stay there for a while. However, they may also ask you to move on, and there is no outside seating.
If you do decide to sleep in McDonald's, you'll have access to free and unlimited Wi-Fi, as well as restrooms and 24-hour ATMs, currency exchange, baby changing facilities, a children's playground, and a duty-free shop. You can also grab a bite to eat at any time of day or night.
The McDonald's is located on the ground floor of the Terminal 4 car park, where there are also lockers available. If you're looking for a more comfortable place to sleep, you might want to consider the nearby ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport, Novotel Melbourne Airport, or Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport. These hotels are located next to Terminal 4 and are just a short walk from the airport.
Alternatively, if you don't mind a slightly longer walk, you can find more affordable accommodation in the city centre, including hostels with beds for under $50. Keep in mind that Melbourne Airport isn't a 24-hour airport, so after a certain point, everything will be closed, and it can be quite cold and windy. The airport itself is quite noisy, and the air conditioning is often strong, so if you do decide to sleep there, make sure to bring earplugs and a blanket.
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Sleeping in the VIP lounges
Melbourne Airport is not ideal for sleeping in. It is noisy, the air conditioning is strong, and the benches are uncomfortable. However, if you need to sleep in the airport, the VIP lounges are an option.
The VIP lounges offer a more comfortable space to rest, with showers and better seating. However, they close at night, so you would need to plan your sleep time accordingly. The lounges are located in Terminal 2, which also has a McDonald's that is open 24 hours, as well as ATMs, currency exchange, baby-changing facilities, a children's playground, duty-free shops, and prayer rooms.
If you want to sleep in the VIP lounges, it is recommended to arrive early and secure a spot. The lounges may fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times. There is also a hotel connected to the terminals by a covered walkway, and two other hotels located next to Terminal 4, which can be convenient if you prefer a proper bed.
Overall, while the VIP lounges at Melbourne Airport offer a more comfortable resting space than the general airport areas, they are not a guaranteed solution for a good night's sleep due to their operating hours. If you have a long layover, it may be worth considering a hotel room to ensure a more restful experience.
It is worth noting that some people have reported curling up in corners to sleep at the airport, but this may not be the most comfortable option. Additionally, Melbourne Airport is not a 24-hour airport, so there may be limited dining options available during your stay.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at Melbourne Airport. However, it is not ideal as the airport is not 24 hours, so after a certain point, everything closes, and there is nothing to do. The airport is also generally noisy, and the air conditioning is often very strong.
The quietest and most secluded places are the Arrivals area of Terminal 1, the corridor connecting terminals 3 and 4, and the corridor leading to the Terminal 3 security checkpoint. Some seats in the on-site cafeterias may be more comfortable.
There is a hotel connected to the terminals by a covered walkway, and two other options—the Novotel Melbourne Airport and the Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport—are located next to Terminal 4.
Yes, there are a few motels and hostels nearby that offer accommodation for under $50.
There are lockers on the ground floor of the Terminal 4 car park, and showers can be found inside the public area of Terminal 2 and in the VIP lounges.
