Berlin Airport: Sleep Or No Sleep?

can you sleep at berlin airport

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is open 24 hours a day and operates flights throughout the night, so sleeping in the terminal areas is common. While it's not an ideal experience, there are amenities and facilities available to travellers wishing to rest overnight. The most comfortable spots for sleeping are in Terminal 1, where you'll find flat benches, armrest-free seating, and couches outside Starbucks. Sleeping cabins are also available in the airport's train station, and there is a hotel located within the airport.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Airport Operating Hours 24 hours
Sleeping Facilities Sleeping pods/cabins (NapCabs), benches, couches, hotel rooms
Sleeping Cabin Location Train station, Level U1
Sleeping Cabin Rates €17/hour (6 am-10 pm), €12/hour (10 pm-6 am), minimum charge €34
Hotels Steigenberger Airport Hotel Berlin, InterCityHotel Berlin Brandenburg Airport, hotels near the airport
Safety Precautions Keep valuables out of plain view, sleep near other travellers or security
Amenities Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour bakery, shower facilities, baby care, chapel, ATMs, prayer room

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Berlin Brandenburg Airport has sleeping cabins

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is open 24 hours a day, with flights operating even at night, so sleeping in the terminal areas is common. The airport offers various options for travellers looking to rest or sleep while awaiting their flights.

In addition to the sleeping cabins, Berlin Brandenburg Airport also offers other options for travellers seeking a place to rest. Terminal 1 provides seating without armrests, making it a more suitable location for those looking to sleep. Outside the chapel and in front of Gate A2, travellers can find more comfortable benches. Additionally, some restaurants, such as Burger King in Terminal 1, offer cushioned benches.

For those seeking more privacy and comfort, there are VIP lounges available, although they close at night. Berlin Brandenburg Airport also has a hotel located inside the airport, the Steigenberger Airport Hotel Berlin, which is within walking distance of the terminals. This hotel also offers a state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa for travellers looking to relax and rejuvenate before or after their journeys.

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There are benches and seats available in the terminals

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is open 24 hours a day, with flights operating even at night, so sleeping in the terminal areas is common. The airport's modern facilities are generally well-heated and air-conditioned. While sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone, there are several seats and benches available in the terminals.

Terminal 1 (T1) offers the most comfortable sleeping spots, with flat benches, armrest-free seating, and couches outside Starbucks (though recent reports suggest they lock up the couches at night). Some travellers have also reported sleeping on the cushioned benches in restaurants such as Burger King in Terminal 1. Terminal A stays open all night, so sleeping there between 12:00 am and 3:30 am might be a good option. The customs and police areas in Terminal A also offer straight benches for sleeping.

If you're looking for a quiet place to rest, there is a "Room of Silence" open to all travellers, regardless of religious denomination. This room is located in the check-in area on Gallery Level E2, but it closes overnight and reopens at 4:00 AM.

To ensure your safety and the security of your valuables, it's important to take certain precautions. Know where the security office is located, look for video cameras near your sleeping spot, and ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night. If you're travelling alone, stay near other travellers or close to security. Hide your valuables, and if you're a deep sleeper, consider padlocking your bag to something or sleeping with your bag up against a wall.

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There are nearby hotels, some with free shuttles

Berlin Brandenburg Airport is open 24 hours a day, with flights operating even at night, so sleeping in the terminal areas is common. However, if you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are nearby hotels, some of which offer free shuttle services for their guests.

The Steigenberger Airport Hotel Berlin is located within Airport City, just 50-900 metres from the airport, depending on the source. The hotel offers a state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa, and Sanctifly members can use their points to access these facilities without booking a room.

The InterCityHotel Berlin Brandenburg Airport is another option, situated 200-250 metres from Terminals 1 and 2.

For travellers seeking a quiet space to relax within the airport, there is a “Room of Silence” located in the check-in area on Gallery Level E2. This room is open to all travellers, regardless of religious denomination, but it closes overnight and reopens at 4:00 am.

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The airport has free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food options

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is open 24 hours a day, operating flights throughout the night. The airport offers free Wi-Fi, which can be used to check flight information, access the internet, and check terminal maps. There are also 24-hour food options available at the airport. Currently, only one bakery is open 24 hours a day, located in the train station. If you don't fancy baked goods, vending machines are also available throughout the night.

If you're looking for a place to sleep, Berlin Brandenburg Airport has a few options. Terminal A stays open all night, so sleeping there between 12:00 am and 3:30 am is a good option. Terminal 1 also has some comfortable sleeping spots, with seating without armrests and flat benches. However, due to high passenger traffic, finding a suitable spot to sleep can be challenging. Most of the seats are metal and curved, so bringing an extra layer for added comfort is recommended. Additionally, some travellers have reported sleeping on the couches outside Starbucks, but recent reports suggest that these couches are locked up at night.

For a more comfortable option, the airport offers sleeping cabins called "NapCabs" located in the train station. These cabins are equipped with a single bed and fresh bed linen. The cost of using a NapCab is €17 per hour from 6 am to 10 pm and €12 per hour from 10 pm to 6 am, with a minimum charge of €34. If you prefer a traditional hotel, the Steigenberger Airport Hotel Berlin is located outside Terminal 1 and is a short walk from the airport. There are also a couple of other hotels near the terminals, some of which provide free airport shuttles.

While sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone, Berlin Brandenburg Airport is considered safe. It's important to take precautions such as knowing where the security office is, staying near other travellers or close to security, and keeping your valuables hidden.

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Safety tips for sleeping in any airport

Sleeping in an airport may not be ideal, but it can be a manageable and comfortable experience with the right preparation. Here are some safety tips to help you sleep soundly in any airport:

Know the Airport Policies

Before your trip, check if the airport allows overnight stays. Some airports close at night, requiring you to make alternative arrangements. Understanding the airport's layout and amenities, such as nearby hotels or sleep pods, ensures you're prepared. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), for example, is open 24 hours, but it's good to know that there are hotels within walking distance and sleep cabins inside the terminal.

Choose the Right Spot

Look for designated sleeping areas or quiet zones within the airport. At BER, there is a "Room of Silence" that is open to all travellers regardless of religious denomination. If you're looking for a place to nap, opt for locations with minimal foot traffic to avoid disturbances, but stay within well-populated areas for safety. At BER, you may have more luck finding a comfortable spot in Terminal 1, with flat benches or armrest-free seating.

Prioritize Safety and Security

If you're travelling alone, stay near other travellers or close to security to feel more secure and deter potential thieves. Know where the security office is located, and consider asking security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night. Hide your valuables and avoid leaving them in plain view. If you're a deep sleeper, consider padlocking your bag or sleeping with your bag against a wall to prevent theft.

Prepare for Comfort and Hygiene

Bring essentials like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs to create a cozy sleeping environment amid the airport's noise and light. Respect other travellers and airport staff, and be mindful of your personal hygiene. If you need to freshen up, some airports, like BER, offer shower facilities, although they may not be complimentary.

By following these tips, you can turn a potentially stressful situation into a restful and money-saving opportunity during your travels.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Berlin Brandenburg Airport is open 24 hours and operates flights throughout the night, so sleeping in the airport terminal area is common.

Sleeping spots can be hard to find due to high passenger traffic. Terminal 1 has the most comfortable sleeping spots, with flat benches, armrest-free seating, and couches outside Starbucks. There are also cushioned benches in some restaurants, such as Burger King in Terminal 1.

Yes, there are sleeping pods or cabins available in the airport's train station, provided by NapCabs. These cost €17 per hour from 6 am to 10 pm and €12 per hour from 10 pm to 6 am, with a minimum charge of €34.

Yes, there are a couple of hotels near the airport terminals, including the Steigenberger Airport Hotel Berlin, located 900 metres from the airport, and the InterCityHotel Berlin Brandenburg Airport, located 200-250 metres from the terminals.

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It's important to keep your valuables hidden and to stay near other travellers or close to security. You should also keep your passport and plane ticket at hand in case they are requested by security staff.

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