Ruth Haines
Auckland Airport (AKL) consists of two terminals: international and domestic. The international terminal is open 24 hours a day, while the domestic terminal is open from 4:30 am to 11 pm. Sleeping in the airport is possible, but it may not be comfortable. Travellers can sleep on the floor or on benches, particularly on the second floor of the international terminal. There are also pay-to-enter lounges, relaxation pods, and nearby hotels for those seeking more comfort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it possible to stay overnight at Auckland Airport? | Yes, it is possible to stay overnight at Auckland Airport. |
| Where can you stay overnight at the airport? | You can stay overnight at the International Terminal, which is open 24/7. However, certain areas airside partially close for a few hours each night (1:00 AM-4:00 AM). The Domestic Terminal closes overnight. |
| Are there any comfortable spots to sleep at the airport? | There are limited comfortable spots to sleep at the airport. The International Terminal has some benches and warm areas, but it is mostly tiled floors. |
| Are there any alternatives to sleeping at the airport? | There are pay-to-enter lounges, relaxation pods, and nearby hotels that offer more comfort and privacy. |
| Are there any facilities available at the airport during a layover? | The airport has eateries, cafes, arcades, massage chairs, and free WiFi. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport's international terminal
Sleeping in airports is never ideal, and while Auckland Airport's International Terminal is open 24 hours a day, it's not designed for comfort. The floor is made of stone tiles, and there is limited seating. However, if you're on a budget, it is possible to sleep there overnight.
The International Terminal is the place to rest, as the Domestic Terminal closes overnight. The best spots are said to be on Floor 2, in the hallway that houses the Air China office, where there is a warm, quiet area with an armrest-free bench towards the back and some nearby carpet. There are also six 4-seater benches and a patch of carpet near Rice and Noodles on Floor 2, which is quiet and comfortable. The area near Gates 34-50, near the free showers, has many benches and warm temperatures.
If you're looking for a more comfortable experience, you can book a relaxation pod in the Strata Lounge, which has a buffet, showers, and places to rest. Prices start from $66 for lounge-only access and $168 for the pods. The Ibis Budget hotel is also a cheap option, and there are other hotels adjacent to the International Terminal.
There are a range of eateries in the airport, including 24-hour options such as McDonald's, and free WiFi is available, although it runs out after 45 minutes.
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Sleeping in the airport's domestic terminal
Sleeping in airports is usually the last option for many travellers during a layover. However, for budget-conscious people, it is a legitimate consideration. Auckland Airport (AKL) consists of two terminals: international and domestic. The international terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while the domestic terminal is open from 4:30 am to 11 pm Monday to Friday and 5 am to 11 pm on weekends.
Sleeping in the domestic terminal is not recommended, as it closes overnight. However, if you are in the right place at the right time, it is possible to sleep in the airport. The domestic terminal has free showers and WiFi, but there are no official sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. There is also a lack of comfortable seating, and the floor is made of stone tiles.
If you need to sleep in the domestic terminal, reviewers suggest that the best places to sleep are airside. The Air New Zealand Domestic Lounge is located airside and opens at 4:30 am, closing after the last Air New Zealand domestic departure, typically around 10 pm. It has showers, but no dedicated rest zone or sleep facilities. You can access the lounge by purchasing a single-use lounge eVoucher or through a lounge membership program.
If you are unable to sleep in the domestic terminal, you can take the free inter-terminal bus to the international terminal, which runs every 15 minutes between 5 am and 11 pm. The international terminal offers more options for sleeping, with some travellers recommending airside near Gates 8-10 or landside on Level 2 near the observation deck. There are also first-class lounges in the international terminal that economy-class passengers can pay to access.
For a more comfortable option, you can book a relaxation pod in the Strata Lounge, which has a buffet, showers, and places to rest. Prices start from $66 for lounge-only access and $168 for relaxation pods. However, the lounge is only accessible to travellers on the airside of the international terminal.
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Sleeping pods and lounges in the airport
Sleeping in an airport is not always the most comfortable option. However, for budget-conscious travellers, it is a legitimate consideration. Auckland Airport consists of two terminals: international and domestic. The international terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while the domestic terminal is open from 4:30 am to 11 pm Monday to Friday and 5 am to 11 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Sleeping pods are available at Auckland Airport. For example, the Strata Lounge offers sleep pods, described as "bookable relaxation rooms" with prices starting from $63 to $66 for lounge-only access and $168 for the relaxation pods. The lounge includes a buffet, showers, and places to rest. However, it is only accessible to travellers on the airside of the international terminal.
The Ambassador Transit Lounge offers access to a small private room with a bed, showers, and snacks. A six-hour stay costs about $155. The sleep pods typically include a fully reclinable lie-flat bed, storage for luggage, a table, desk, and free Wi-Fi.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Capsule Transit Sleep Lounge offers nap rooms with single beds and shower access. The first hour costs $25, and $17 for every hour after that.
For those who would prefer not to sleep in the airport, there are several nearby hotels, including Ibis Budget Auckland Airport, Novotel Auckland Airport, and Sudima Hotel Auckland Airport, which provide free airport shuttles.
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Nearby hotels
While it is possible to sleep in Auckland Airport, it may not be the most comfortable option. The airport does have a good range of shops and restaurants, but there are no 24-hour options. The international terminal is open 24 hours a day, and travellers have reported that the best places to sleep are airside, specifically on Floor 2. However, there are limited benches and wall plugs, and the floor is made of stone tiles.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are several hotels near the airport that may be a better choice. Here are some options:
- Ibis Budget: Travellers have recommended this hotel, describing it as "cheap, easy and just what [they] needed".
- Ibis Hotel: This is another Ibis hotel located at the airport, which is likely to be one of the more affordable options.
- Novotel: This hotel is located right next to the terminal, but expect to pay more for the convenience.
In addition to these hotels, there are also other hotels adjacent to the international terminal and others nearby that are connected by shuttles.
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Things to do during a layover
Auckland Airport's international terminal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, although not all facilities remain open throughout. The domestic terminal, on the other hand, closes overnight. If you have a long layover in Auckland, there are plenty of things to do to keep yourself entertained. Here are some suggestions:
Explore Auckland City
If you have a long layover, you can leave the airport and explore Auckland's city centre. You can take a bus or an Uber to get around, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to enjoy. Visit Mangere, a suburb of Auckland that's just a 5-10 minute Uber ride away from the airport. You can find a variety of restaurants and cafes in Mangere, including Burger and Green, which offers a range of burgers and vegetarian options, as well as New Zealand staples like kumara fries and flat white coffee.
Enjoy the Views
Auckland is known for its stunning views. You can take a 15-minute ferry ride across the harbour to Devonport, which is known for its architecture and panoramic urban views. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try bungee jumping from the Sky Tower. For nature lovers, hiking up Mount Eden, the highest volcanic peak on the mainland, offers beautiful harbour views as well.
Visit Local Attractions
Auckland has a wealth of local attractions to explore during your layover. You can visit the Auckland Museum or the Howick Historical Village, which showcases how Auckland's first settlement looked and felt. The Strata Lounge in the airport also offers bookable relaxation rooms (sleep pods) if you need a private space to rest.
Dining and Shopping
Auckland Airport offers a wide range of dining options, including traditional New Zealand cuisine, sushi, Mediterranean, American, and healthy choices. For a sit-down meal, try Wondertree, Blue Marble Lane, or Ahora Cafe & Bar. If you're looking for a quick bite, international chains such as Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, and McDonald's are also available. The airport also has a variety of shops, including both international and New Zealand-based retailers, so you can pick up some unique gifts or souvenirs.
Remember to allow enough time to get back to the airport and catch your next flight, especially if you're storing your bags at the airport or need to go through security again.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to stay at Auckland Airport overnight. The International Terminal is open 24 hours, but certain areas airside partially close for a few hours each night (1:00 AM–4:00 AM). The Domestic Terminal is open from 4:30 am to 11 pm Monday to Friday and 5 am to 11 pm on weekends.
Travellers have reported a good number of decent sleeping spots, particularly on Floor 2 of the International Terminal. Some seats and benches are armrest-free. The area near Gates 34-50, near the free showers, has many benches and warm temperatures.
For added comfort, travellers can book a relaxation pod in the Strata Lounge, which has a buffet, showers, and places to rest. Prices start from $66 for lounge-only access and $168 for relaxation pods. First-class lounges can also be paid for by economy-class passengers.
Yes, there are hotels adjacent to the International Terminal and others nearby that are connected by shuttles. The Ibis Budget hotel is the cheapest option for a room, while Novotel is right next to the terminal but more expensive.
