Jazmin Li
Buffalo Airport (BUF) is a small, single-terminal airport that is open 24 hours a day. While it is possible to spend the night inside the airport, it is not the most sleep-friendly. The airport does not have designated sleeping areas or luggage storage, and the airside closes overnight, requiring passengers to relocate to the landside until security checkpoints reopen in the morning. However, there are padded, armrest-free benches throughout the airport, especially in the check-in and baggage claim areas. For a more comfortable option, there are hotels near Buffalo Airport that provide free airport shuttles, as well as park, sleep, and fly packages that include offsite parking and shuttle services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | BUF |
| Airport Hours | 24 hours a day |
| Security Checkpoint Hours | Closes at 9:00 p.m. daily |
| Sleeping Facilities | No designated sleeping areas or pods; padded, armrest-free benches available |
| Noise Level | Loud cleaning machines and announcements |
| Food Options | Vending machines during the night; various dining options during the day |
| Nearby Hotels | Yes, some with park-and-fly packages and free airport shuttles |
| Lounges | Yes, but sleep facilities are not available |
| Lockers | No |
| Luggage Storage | No |
| Attractions Nearby | Canalside, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo Museum of Science, Elmwood Village |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping inside the airport
Although Buffalo Airport is small, it is open 24 hours a day, meaning you can spend the night inside the airport if you have an early morning flight or if your flight is cancelled. However, Buffalo Airport is not the most sleep-friendly airport. While a few people plan to stay overnight before early morning flights, many end up staying overnight due to bad weather, particularly in winter.
Once the security controls close for the night, you will have to remain in the public area, such as the Baggage Claim and Check-In areas, where there are benches without armrests. However, reviewers have complained about noise from loud cleaning machines and announcements, so it is recommended that you bring noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs. You will also need a travel blanket or sleeping bag to keep warm, as the automatic entry doors let in cold air all night.
If you want a more comfortable experience, there are several hotels near Buffalo Airport, some of which provide free airport shuttles. These include the Anchor Bar, the reputed birthplace of the Buffalo chicken wing. There are also lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. However, these lounges do not offer sleep facilities.
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Nearby hotels
While it is possible to spend the night at Buffalo Airport, it is not the most sleep-friendly airport. If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are several hotels near the airport that provide free airport shuttles.
ParkSleepFly offers park-and-fly packages that include hotel stays, parking, and shuttle services to and from the airport. These hotels are located very close to the terminal building, offering the ultimate convenience.
Tripadvisor also provides a list of hotels near Buffalo Airport, which can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity.
Some specific hotels near Buffalo Airport include:
- Sleep Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport
- Club BUF – Located in the Main Terminal, between Gate 6 and Gate 7
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Lounges
While Buffalo Airport does not have any airline lounges, it does have a lounge called The Club, which is open to all passengers. You can purchase a day pass or pay at the door, which costs $50. You can also access the lounge through an annual membership program. The Club Lounge is located in the main terminal, airside, between Gate 6 and Gate 7. It is open from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The lounge offers complimentary food and beverages, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. If you have lost an item in the lounge, it will be held for 72 hours before being handed over to the airport's lost property department.
If you are looking for a place to sleep, the most comfortable spots in the airport are located in the baggage claim and check-in areas, where you can find padded benches without armrests. It is recommended that you bring noise-canceling headphones or earplugs, as the airport can get noisy at night due to loud cleaning machines and announcements. Additionally, it can get cold in the airport, so it is advised to bring a sleeping bag or blanket.
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Food options
If you're spending the night at Buffalo Airport, you might be wondering about your options for food. While there are no 24-hour dining options inside the airport, there are a few choices available at different times. Here is some information to help you plan your meal options during your time at the airport:
The airport has a variety of dining options, including the Anchor Bar, the reputed birthplace of the Buffalo chicken wing. This could be a great place to enjoy a meal before the restaurants close for the night. Most food concessions throughout the terminal close around 8:00 PM, so it's advisable to purchase your food beforehand. After the restaurants and shops close, vending machines are the only snack option available inside the airport, located in the baggage claim area.
If you're looking for a hot meal, the Lake Erie Pub opens at 5:00 AM and is located pre-security. This could be a good option if you're spending the night and want a meal in the morning before your flight.
For those seeking a more comfortable dining experience, there are several hotels near the airport with restaurants. The Buffalo Airport Hotel, for example, features a sports bar offering food, drinks, and numerous televisions for watching sporting events. Additionally, some hotels provide shuttle services to and from the airport, allowing you to explore off-site dining options.
While you may face some limitations with dining options during your overnight stay at Buffalo Airport, planning ahead and being aware of the available choices can help ensure you have a pleasant experience.
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Things to do on a layover
Buffalo Airport is a small, single-terminal airport that is open 24 hours a day. While it is possible to spend the night at the airport, it is not the most sleep-friendly place. The airside closes overnight, so you will have to relocate to the landside until the security checkpoints reopen in the morning. There are padded, armrest-free benches throughout the airport, especially in the Check-In area, but reviewers have complained about noise from loud cleaning machines and announcements. If you sleep in the Check-In area, you will need a travel blanket or sleeping bag to keep warm.
If you would prefer a more comfortable place to sleep, there are several hotels near the airport that provide free airport shuttles. These include the Buffalo Airport Marriott, the Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Airport, and the Sleep Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport. These hotels offer park-and-fly packages, allowing you to safely park your car at the hotel for your entire trip at no extra cost.
If you decide to leave the airport during your layover, there are a few attractions nearby that you can visit. These include:
- Canalside: Enjoy a romantic waterfront stroll with scenic views of Buffalo's harbor, and outdoor activities like paddle boating and concerts.
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery: A renowned art museum showcasing a diverse collection of modern and contemporary masterpieces.
- Buffalo Zoo: Explore habitats from around the globe and engage in interactive experiences.
- Buffalo Museum of Science: Discover hands-on exhibits covering a range of topics, from dinosaurs to the solar system.
- Elmwood Village: A trendy neighborhood with unique boutiques, cafes, and street art, perfect for wandering and people-watching.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Buffalo Airport is open 24 hours a day, so you can sleep overnight in the airport enclosure. However, the airport isn't the most sleep-friendly, and you will have to remain in the public area once the security controls close for the night.
There are padded, armrest-free benches throughout the airport, especially in the Baggage Claim and Check-In areas. If you sleep in the Check-In area, you will need a travel blanket or sleeping bag to keep warm.
Yes, there are hotels near Buffalo Airport that provide free airport shuttles. Some websites, such as Tripadvisor and ParkSleepFly, allow you to compare hotels near Buffalo Airport and book the best deal.
No, there are no luggage storage offices or lockers inside the Buffalo Airport enclosure.
