Owais Crawford
London's Gatwick Airport is open 24 hours a day, and while there are no rules against sleeping there, it's not necessarily the most comfortable option. The airport does not provide dedicated sleeping areas, cots, or rest zones, and travellers have reported issues with noise and temperature. However, there are some padded seats available, and the airport offers 24-hour shops and restaurants, free WiFi, and lounges with showers. For those seeking more comfort, there are hotels connected to both terminals, including Bloc Gatwick and YOTELAIR, and several nearby hotels offer airport transportation for a fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport closing at night | No, the airport is open 24 hours. |
| Sleeping facilities | No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Informal spots with padded seating are available. |
| Cots | Not offered to stranded travellers. |
| Hotels | YotelAir in the South Terminal offers day rooms for short-term stays. Bloc Gatwick is a budget hotel located inside the South Terminal. |
| Lounges | Premium airline lounges and accessible public lounges are available through various access methods. |
| Noise level | Noisy due to travellers and televisions. |
| Temperature | Cold. |
| Comfort | Uncomfortable. |
| Cleanliness | Cleaners may disturb your sleep. |
| Power outlets | Available on walls and in dedicated areas. |
| Food and drinks | Vending machines, free water fountains, Pret A Manger, Wagamama, and airport restaurants are available. |
| Showers | Available at first-class lounges and the Wellness Centre. |
| Luggage storage | Excess Baggage is available just before leaving the airport. |
| Nearby hotels | Several hotels offer airport transportation for a fee. |
| Transportation | Trains to London or Brighton are available. |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping at Gatwick is free, but noisy and uncomfortable
- There are no dedicated sleeping areas, but padded seating is available
- There are hotels connected to both terminals, including Bloc Gatwick and YOTELAIR
- The airport is open 24 hours, but trains stop running around midnight
- If you're staying for longer than 24 hours, it's better to get a hotel
Sleeping at Gatwick is free, but noisy and uncomfortable
Sleeping at Gatwick: Free, but Noisy and Uncomfortable
Sleeping at Gatwick Airport is possible, and it won't cost you anything. However, it's not the most comfortable option, and you should expect some disturbances throughout the night.
Firstly, the airport is open 24 hours, so you can enter and exit as you please. There are no rules against sleeping at the airport, and you can find a spot to rest for a few hours. However, the airport does not provide dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. The benches and seats are often full, and while there are padded seats, they may not be the best option for a good night's sleep.
If you do choose to sleep at the airport, you might want to bring a light sleeping bag and a woolly hat, as the floor can be cold. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones could also be useful to block out the noise from televisions or fellow travellers.
For a more comfortable option, you can book a day room at a hotel inside the airport, such as YotelAir, or choose from a range of nearby hotels that offer airport transportation. These options will provide you with a more peaceful and relaxing sleep before your flight.
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There are no dedicated sleeping areas, but padded seating is available
London Gatwick Airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. However, travellers can find padded seating in informal spots, which can be used for sleeping. The airport is open 24 hours, but security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules. So, if you plan on sleeping at the airport, it is best to arrive early and find a suitable spot to rest.
While there are no designated sleeping areas, travellers have reported finding comfortable benches or chairs to sleep on. Some have suggested that the North Terminal has a designated corner with comfortable chairs near security, reserved for early-morning travellers, which may offer more peace and quiet. Additionally, the South Terminal has comfortable padded benches, armrest-free benches, and lounge chairs, some with footrests.
If you are looking for a more comfortable option, there are hotels connected to both terminals. The YotelAir in the South Terminal offers day rooms that can be booked for short-term stays of four hours or more. Bloc Gatwick is another budget hotel located inside the South Terminal on the third floor, next to security. Several nearby hotels also offer airport transportation for a fee.
It is important to note that Gatwick Airport does not provide cots or similar accommodations for stranded travellers. If you plan to sleep at the airport, it is recommended to bring a light sleeping bag and a woolly hat to keep warm. The floor can be quite cold, so insulation is essential. Additionally, earplugs can be useful to block out noise from televisions or other travellers.
While spending the night at Gatwick Airport is possible, it may not be the most comfortable option. Travellers have reported disturbances from loud noises, bright lights, and oblivious fellow travellers. Therefore, if you have a long layover or prefer more comfort, it may be worth considering a hotel, either near the airport or in London, which is accessible by train.
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There are hotels connected to both terminals, including Bloc Gatwick and YOTELAIR
If you're looking for a comfortable place to sleep at Gatwick Airport, there are hotels connected to both terminals. The airport is open 24 hours, but the security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules: ST (1:00 AM–4:00 AM), NT (1:00 AM–4:30 AM).
Bloc Gatwick is a budget hotel located inside Gatwick's South Terminal on the 3rd Floor, Departures Level, beside security. YOTELAIR is another budget option located in the South Terminal next to International Arrivals. They offer day rooms that can be booked for short-term stays from four hours to 24 hours. However, transit passengers will need valid entry into the UK to stay at YOTELAIR.
If you're looking for a more upscale option, the Sofitel London Gatwick is a luxury hotel with direct corridor access to Gatwick's North Terminal. They offer culinary delights from four delicious restaurants, and a hot buffet breakfast is served daily. The Club Millesime rooms offer runway views and access to the exclusive Club Lounge with all-inclusive drinks and bites.
While it is possible to sleep for free within the airport, it may not be the most comfortable option. There are benches and seats available, but they are frequently full, and the airport can be noisy and cold. If you do choose to sleep in the airport, it is recommended to bring a woolly hat and a light sleeping bag to stay warm.
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The airport is open 24 hours, but trains stop running around midnight
London Gatwick Airport is open 24 hours a day, but the trains servicing the airport stop running around midnight. This means that if you are planning to sleep at the airport, you will need to arrive before midnight. While there are no rules against sleeping at the airport, it is not necessarily a comfortable option. The airport can be noisy and cold, and the seats may be crowded with other travellers. If you are planning to sleep at the airport, it is recommended that you bring a sleeping bag and a woolly hat to keep warm. Earplugs can also help to block out the noise.
There are some benches and padded seats available, but these can be uncomfortable and are often full. There are also some first-class lounges with more comfortable seating, but access may require a fee or membership. Additionally, there are hotels connected to both terminals, such as the YotelAir in the South Terminal, which offers short-term stays. However, these options can be more expensive.
If you are looking for a more comfortable option, it may be better to book a hotel near the airport or in London, which is just a 40-minute train ride away. There are various hotels near Gatwick Airport, including budget options, that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity. Additionally, the Sofitel London Gatwick, located directly connected to the North Terminal, offers convenient access and luxurious amenities.
Overall, while it is possible to sleep at Gatwick Airport, the experience may not be ideal due to the noise, cold temperatures, and limited comfortable seating. If you can arrive before midnight, there are options for a place to rest, but you may want to consider the alternative of booking a hotel, especially if you require a longer stay.
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If you're staying for longer than 24 hours, it's better to get a hotel
While it is possible to sleep at Gatwick Airport, it is not recommended for longer than 24 hours. The airport is open 24 hours, but the security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules, so you will need to stay in the public area of the terminal, which can be noisy and uncomfortable. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, and the benches and seats are often full.
If you are staying for longer than 24 hours, it is better to get a hotel. There are several hotels connected to or located near the airport, offering comfortable rooms and convenient amenities. Some hotels, such as YOTELAIR, offer day rooms that can be booked for short-term stays of 4 to 24 hours. Bloc Gatwick is a budget hotel located inside the South Terminal, providing easy access to departures and arrivals.
If you are looking for a more luxurious option, the Sofitel London Gatwick is a luxury hotel located near the North Terminal, offering direct corridor access to the terminal. The hotel features spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, and various meeting rooms. The Club Millésime rooms offer exclusive access to the Club Lounge, with all-inclusive drinks and bites, as well as runway views.
Additionally, there are other hotels near Gatwick Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity. These hotels may offer airport transportation for a fee, allowing you to rest and relax before or after your flight without the hassle of staying at the airport for an extended period.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at Gatwick Airport. There are no rules in place that forbid sleeping at the airport, and you will be able to find somewhere to rest for a few hours. However, the airport does not provide dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones.
Sleeping at Gatwick Airport is not recommended. The airport is open 24 hours, noisy, and cold. There are some padded seating areas, but they are frequently full. If you are looking for a quiet corner, you may find more peace and comfort near security.
Yes, there are hotels connected to both terminals at Gatwick Airport. YOTELAIR in the South Terminal offers day rooms that can be booked for short-term stays from four hours. Bloc Gatwick is a budget hotel located inside the South Terminal on the 3rd Floor, Departures Level, beside security. The Sofitel London Gatwick is a luxury hotel located in the North Terminal with direct corridor access to the terminal.
Yes, there are several other hotels near Gatwick Airport that offer airport transportation for a fee. You can also visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Gatwick Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity.
