Sleeping Arrangements: Barcelona Airport Edition

can i sleep in barcelona airport

Barcelona El Prat Airport is open 24 hours a day, and it's possible to spend the night there. The airport has free and unlimited Wi-Fi, eateries that stay open all night, and a variety of other services and facilities. However, most seats are uncomfortable, and the floor has few carpeted spots. If you're looking for a more comfortable sleep, there are VIP lounges, private rooms, and nearby hotels that offer shuttle services.

Characteristics Values
Possibility to sleep Yes, Barcelona - El Prat airport (BCN) is open 24 hours.
Seating comfort Most seats are uncomfortable and have armrests. Terminal 2 has some comfortable seating at food outlets.
Flooring The floor has few carpeted spots except for the children's entertainment areas.
Crowdedness Terminal 1 tends to be very crowded. Terminal 2 had around 50 people sleeping on the floor on one night.
Quietness A very loud announcement to watch your luggage is made every hour, at 21 minutes past.
Safety Security staff may ask for your passport and tickets. Safety and security of belongings is an issue, so do not sleep alone.
Eateries There are eateries in both terminals that stay open throughout the night.
Showers Showers are available for €25.
Resting Zones Free resting zones are available.
Nearby hotels Sleep & Fly is located inside Terminal 1. Other nearby hotels offer free shuttles.
Lounges First-class lounges can be accessed by economy-class passengers by paying at the door.
Wi-Fi Free and unlimited Wi-Fi is available.

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Sleep & Fly rooms

The Sleep & Fly Hotel is the only hotel located inside Barcelona Airport. It offers nine rooms and one suite, which are located near Gate D in Terminal 1. Rooms can be booked for day use or overnight, and showers are available for an additional fee.

The airport also has free and unlimited Wi-Fi, eateries that are open 24 hours, and VIP lounges with showers. However, keep in mind that most seats in the airport have armrests, and it can be challenging to find a comfortable place to sleep. Some travellers choose to bring their sleeping bags and pillows and sleep on the floor in the check-in lobby or seek out closed cafes and restaurants to move chairs around for a makeshift bed.

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Sleeping in terminals

Sleeping in Barcelona Airport is possible, and the airport accommodates many overnight sleepers. However, it is worth noting that most seats are uncomfortable and have armrests, and the floor has few carpeted spots. If you plan to sleep in the terminal, it is recommended that you bring a sleeping bag, an eye mask, and even a pillow. Blankets and earplugs may also be useful.

In Terminal 1, you may find some cushioned benches near the B gates. However, this terminal tends to be very crowded, so finding a place to sleep can be difficult. Terminal 2 may offer more space, and there is some comfortable (yet scarce) seating at the food outlets. You can also seek out closed cafes and restaurants, where there may be chairs you can move to create a makeshift bed. One reviewer suggested the Jamaica bar in Terminal 2B. The children's play areas in both terminals generally have soft, cushiony floors, but it is recommended that you do not sleep there alone for safety reasons.

If you are looking for more comfort and privacy, there are a few options available. The airport has VIP lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program. These lounges offer added comfort and may provide access to showers. However, they typically close at night. Alternatively, there is a small hotel located in the public area of Terminal 1, called Sleep & Fly, which offers nine rooms and one suite. These rooms can be booked for day use (3-6 hours) between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. or overnight. They feature a double bed, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and other amenities.

It is important to keep your passport and tickets handy when sleeping in the airport, as security staff may ask for them. Additionally, access to the terminals is restricted to passengers with valid tickets or boarding passes within six hours of their scheduled departure time.

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Nearby hotels

If you're looking for a place to stay near Barcelona Airport, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, the airport itself offers some possibilities for rest and sleep. You can seek out closed cafes and restaurants, which may have chairs that can be moved around to form a makeshift bed. The children's play areas usually have soft, cushioned floors. However, it's important to keep an eye on your belongings, as safety and security may be concerns. Alternatively, you can book a room in the Sleep & Fly Hotel, located inside Terminal 1. These rooms offer double beds, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and other amenities. They can be booked for day use or overnight stays.

If you prefer more privacy and comfort, there are several nearby hotels that provide accommodation options:

  • Best Western Hotel Alfa Aeropuerto: This hotel offers a free airport shuttle service during specific time slots (5:00 AM-10:30 AM and 6:15 PM-12:30 AM).
  • Sala VIP Pau Casals: Located in Terminal 1, Level 2, this lounge is accessible for a fee (from €41.15) or through lounge membership programs. It offers showers, a dedicated rest zone, and sleep facilities.
  • Sleep&Fly, El Prat de Llobregat: This hotel is conveniently located near the airport and has received positive reviews for its cleanliness, comfortable rooms, and helpful staff. It is an excellent choice for catching early morning flights, and it provides a quick check-in process.

These hotels offer varying levels of comfort and convenience, depending on your specific needs and budget. It's always a good idea to check the latest reviews and information before making a booking. Additionally, some accommodation within the city is serviced by shuttle buses to and from the airport, providing additional options for places to stay near Barcelona Airport.

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Safety and security

Barcelona El Prat Airport accommodates many overnight sleepers, so you won't be the only person looking for a place to sleep. However, safety and security of belongings can be an issue, so it's best not to sleep alone. Keep your passport and tickets handy in case security staff ask for them.

Terminal 1 tends to be very crowded, so finding a place to sleep can be difficult, although there are cushioned benches near the B gates. Terminal 2 has some comfortable (if scarce) seating at the food outlets. The children's play areas generally have soft, cushiony floors, but a loud announcement to watch your luggage is made every hour. In addition, at 4 am, airport workers sweep through the terminal and wake everyone up.

If you want added comfort and privacy, you can pay to access first-class lounges or stay in a private room in Terminal 1 or another hotel nearby.

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Lounges and VIP rooms

Barcelona El Prat Airport has several VIP lounges, three located in Terminal 1 and one in Terminal 2, plus the Business Centre Premium VIP lounge in Terminal T1. The lounges in Terminal 1 are the Pau Casals, Joan Miró, and Colomer lounges, and the lounge in Terminal 2 is the Canudas lounge.

Passengers can access the VIP lounges if their plane ticket corresponds to First Class, Preferred Class, or Business Class. They can also pay at the door or through a lounge membership program. Prices vary depending on the lounge and the method of access, with entry fees ranging from €25 to €41.15.

The Sala VIP Pau Casals lounge, for example, offers day beds and bedrooms for a fee, showers, a dedicated rest zone, and complimentary food and drinks. The lounge is open from 5:00 AM until the last flight (typically around 9:30 PM).

The Joan Miró VIP Lounge offers showers for €30, while the Pau Casals VIP Lounge offers showers for €35.

The Premium VIP Lounge in Terminal 1 offers day beds and bedrooms for a fee, showers, a dedicated rest zone, and complimentary food and drinks. This lounge is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The Sala VIP Canudas in Terminal 2 does not offer sleep facilities but provides showers, a dedicated rest zone, and complimentary food and drinks. This lounge is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (7:00 AM on weekends).

It is important to note that the maximum stay in the VIP lounges is three hours, and a smart or smart casual dress code is required.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Barcelona El Prat Airport is open 24 hours a day and accommodates many overnight sleepers. However, most seats are uncomfortable and have armrests.

Yes, Sleep & Fly is located in Terminal 1 and offers rooms with double beds, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, telephones, robes, and slippers. Rooms can be booked for day use (3-6 hours) between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, or overnight.

Yes, there are VIP lounges in both terminals. Lounges can be accessed by paying at the door, through a lounge membership program, or by purchasing a prepaid lounge pass.

Yes, there are eateries in both terminals that remain open throughout the night. However, travellers report exceptionally high prices, so it may be more cost-effective to bring food from outside the airport.

Yes, there are several hotels nearby that provide free airport shuttles, such as the Best Western Hotel Alfa Aeropuerto.

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