Ruth Haines
London Stansted Airport is open 24 hours, and while there are no dedicated sleeping areas, it is possible to sleep there overnight. Travellers have reported airport staff waking them up, as sleeping in the airport, particularly overnight, is something the airport is trying to prevent. The airport is 'shut' for a few hours in the middle of the night, usually between 12 am and 2 am, and travellers can stay in the arrivals/departures area before going through security. There is plenty of floor space, but nowhere comfortable to sleep. If you're looking for a better night's sleep, there are several hotels connected to the airport or located nearby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping arrangements | No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. Informal spots with benches and padded seats are available. |
| Sleeper-friendly | Not particularly. Recent travellers have reported airport staff waking them up as the airport is trying to prevent sleeping in the airport, especially overnight. |
| Safety | Travellers generally feel safe, but there are reports of petty theft. |
| Noise | The airport tannoy announcements start early (around 3 am), and the floor cleaning machines are noisy. |
| Comfort | The airport is cold, dirty, and uncomfortable. |
| Alternative options | There are two hotels connected to the airport by covered walkways: Hampton by Hilton and Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport. Several nearby hotels offer airport shuttles for a fee. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping on the floor or in a chair
If you plan on sleeping on the floor or in a chair, it's recommended to bring a small sleeping bag and an eye mask. The airport staff may wake you up, as sleeping in the airport is something they try to prevent. The airport is 'shut' for a few hours in the middle of the night, usually between midnight and 2 am, and security is closed during this time. You can stay in the arrivals/departures area before going through security, but there isn't much seating, and it can get busy.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are hotels connected to the airport or nearby. The Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport offers day rooms for four and eight-hour blocks between 8 am and 6 pm. The Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport offers a paid shuttle for £4 per person. There are also lounges available for a fee, such as the Escape Lounge and the Emirates Lounge.
Overall, while it is possible to sleep on the floor or in a chair at Stansted Airport, it may not be the most comfortable or convenient option. The airport staff may wake you up, and it can be noisy and dirty. If you have the means, it may be worth considering a hotel or lounge for a better night's sleep.
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Sleeping in a nearby hotel
While it is possible to sleep at Stansted Airport, it is not recommended. The airport is not sleeper-friendly, and travellers will likely be woken up by police, cleaning staff, or tannoy announcements, which start as early as 3 am. The airport staff are also reportedly less tolerant of overnight sleepers than they used to be.
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones at the airport. However, there are informal spots with benches and padded seats available. Some travellers have reported using sleeping bags and eye masks.
If you are looking for a good night's sleep, it is best to opt for a nearby hotel. Here are some options:
- Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport: This hotel is connected to the airport terminal via a covered walkway and is just a five-minute walk away. They offer day rooms for four and eight-hour blocks between 8 am and 6 pm.
- Hampton by Hilton: This hotel is also connected to the terminal via a covered walkway and is a five-minute walk from the airport.
- Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport: This hotel offers a paid shuttle service to and from the airport for £4 per person.
- Premier Inn: There is a Premier Inn hotel located just by Stansted Airport, which offers rooms for around £70.
- EasyJet Hotel: For those on a budget, the easyJet Hotel in Luton is an affordable option, with rooms available for around £20.
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Sleeping in a premium lounge
Even if you gain access to a premium lounge, the airport staff may not be tolerant of overnight sleepers. Recent travellers have reported being woken up by staff as the airport tries to prevent sleeping, especially overnight. Additionally, the airport's tannoy announcements start early, around 3:00 am, which can disturb your sleep.
If you plan to sleep in a premium lounge, it is recommended to bring a small sleeping bag, as the airport can get cold, even in the warmer months. You may also want to consider earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to block out any noise.
While sleeping in a premium lounge at Stansted Airport is technically possible, it may not provide the comfort and rest you are seeking. The lack of dedicated sleep facilities, the airport staff's intolerance of sleepers, and the early morning announcements can all impact your sleep quality. Therefore, it may be worth considering other options, such as nearby hotels or airport hotels, to ensure a more comfortable and restful experience.
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The airport's early morning opening times
London Stansted Airport is open 24 hours. However, the airport is reportedly not very sleeper-friendly, and staff do not encourage sleeping there. The airport is reportedly shut for a few hours in the middle of the night, usually between midnight and 2 am, and you will not be allowed to go through security until around 2:30 am.
If you are planning to sleep at the airport, you will have to stay in the arrivals/departures area, as there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. There is plenty of floor space, but not much seating, and the floor can be hard and cold. Some people use sleeping bags and eye masks, but you will likely be woken up by the police, cleaning staff, tannoy announcements, or other passengers.
If you are looking for a more comfortable option, there are two hotels connected to the airport by covered walkways: the Hampton by Hilton and the Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport. The Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport is another option, accessible via a paid shuttle. These hotels offer day rooms for four and eight-hour blocks between 8 am and 6 pm.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, there is a Premier Inn and a McDonald's nearby that are open 24 hours.
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Safety and security
While it is possible to sleep at Stansted Airport overnight, it is not recommended. The airport is reportedly not "sleeper-friendly", with travellers reporting that staff wake them up as the airport tries to prevent people from sleeping there, especially overnight.
The airport is open 24 hours, but security closes for a few hours in the middle of the night, usually between midnight and 2 am. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones, and travellers are advised to sleep in the arrivals/departures area before security, where there is more floor space. However, this area can get busy, and travellers may be woken up to have their tickets checked.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. Travellers are advised to take precautions for their safety and the security of their valuables. It is recommended to know where the security office is located and to look for video cameras in the area where one plans to sleep.
If you want a more comfortable and safer option, there are hotels connected to the airport or nearby. The Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport offers day rooms for four and eight-hour blocks between 8 am and 6 pm. The Hampton by Hilton is also connected to the terminal via a covered walkway and is a five-minute walk. The Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport offers a paid shuttle for £4 per person.
Additionally, travellers can consider airport lounges, such as the Escape Lounge and the Emirates Lounge, which offer access through various methods, including pay-at-the-door, prepaid lounge passes, and lounge membership programs. However, these lounges may not have sleep facilities, and access may be limited to specific hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at Stansted Airport, but it is not recommended. The airport does not encourage sleeping in the airport, and there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. The airport staff may wake you up, and you will likely be disturbed by tannoy announcements and other passengers. If you do decide to sleep at the airport, it is a good idea to bring a sleeping bag and locate the security office.
No, there are no comfortable places to sleep at Stansted Airport. If you want a good night's sleep, it is best to book a hotel. There are two hotels connected to the airport by covered walkways: the Hampton by Hilton and the Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport. Several other hotels nearby offer airport shuttles for a fee.
Yes, if you are looking for a cheaper option, you could try sleeping in a nearby McDonald's or taking a coach to London and staying there for the night.
