Istanbul Airport: Sleep Or No Sleep?

can you sleep at istanbul airport

If you have a long layover at Istanbul Airport, there are various options for getting some sleep. The airport has sleep pods, which are small cabins with USB ports, sockets, and storage for belongings. They are located in a quiet zone of the International Departures Area. These sleep pods can be rented by the hour, with prices ranging from €6 to €18 per hour, depending on the time of day. There are also hotels within the airport, such as YOTEL, which offers rooms both landside and airside, but these can be expensive, ranging from €150 to €300, or $200 to $350. If you're looking for a cheaper option, you may want to consider the nearby village of Arnavutkoy, which has several hotels, or check for hotels on the metro line. It's important to keep in mind that sleeping in any airport comes with certain risks, especially for solo travellers, so taking precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables is essential.

Characteristics Values
Sleeping pods Available for rent by the hour
Sleeping pods price €6-€9 per hour or €12 per hour between 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM and €18 between 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Sleeping pods facilities Bed, pillow, blanket, reading light, power socket, USB port, storage space for luggage
Hotels Yotel Istanbul Airport, with prices between €150 and €300 or $200 to $350
Safety Reports of pickpocketing; security office, video cameras, and security personnel can advise on safe places to sleep

shunhotel

Sleeping pods/cabins

Istanbul Airport offers dedicated sleep pods, also known as "iGA Sleepods", for travellers who need quiet and comfort between flights. These compact and comfortable pods provide a private space to recline, relax, and sleep in between flights. Each pod is equipped with a bed, a pillow, a blanket, a reading light, and a power socket for charging electronic devices. The pods are designed to accommodate a range of travellers, including families, solo travellers, and business travellers, with options for single or double occupancy.

The sleep pods are located airside in the international area of Istanbul Airport, next to the "D" gates. There are about 25 of them in a segregated area within the main concourse. The pod area is physically cut off from the main hall, but there are no walls, so it is "in the open". Access is through a manned counter that acts as a reception, and another staff member takes care of guiding guests to the pod and cleaning after someone leaves. Each pod has a luggage compartment underneath, which is large enough to fit up to two pieces of standard-size cabin baggage, shoes, and smaller items like a laptop. However, there is no lock on the compartment, as it is assumed that the owner of the luggage will be present at all times.

The pods can be rented hourly at a rate of 12 EUR per hour between 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM and 18 EUR between 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM. Blankets and pillows cost an additional 6 EUR. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel times, but walk-in availability may be possible depending on demand.

It is important to note that there are no dedicated toilet or shower facilities inside the pod area, and there is no specific area to change clothes. There is also no dedicated wifi network, so you will need to rely on the general public wifi of Istanbul Airport, which offers only 1 hour of free internet access.

shunhotel

Hotels

Istanbul Airport has a hotel called YOTEL, which offers rooms both landside and airside. The hotel is ideal for travellers with early morning or late-night flights, providing compact yet stylish rooms with high-speed Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and smart TVs. However, it is not a cheap option, with prices ranging from $200 to $350.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, there are several hotels located near the airport in the nearby village of Arnavutkoy, which can be accessed by taxi. Additionally, if you are flying with Turkish Airlines and have a layover of at least four hours, you may be eligible for a free stay in a sleep cabin or a hotel.

For those seeking a quick nap, Istanbul Airport offers sleep pods, which can be rented by the hour. These pods provide a private and comfortable space for travellers to rest, with full-length bedding and charging options. Blankets and pillows can be purchased separately.

Some travellers also opt for the "quiet zone" behind the restaurants, which offers basic reclined chairs for resting. However, it is important to note that this area can be noisy and may not provide adequate sleep.

Overall, while there are various accommodation options available near and at Istanbul Airport, the choice depends on your budget and preferences for a comfortable rest.

shunhotel

Safety

If you're looking for a safe place to sleep at Istanbul Airport, there are a few options available. Firstly, it's important to note that landside sleeping is discouraged, and security may wake travellers citing a no-sleep policy in public areas. However, there are designated \"nap areas\" or \"nap zones\" where sleeping is allowed. These areas are located around the airport, and you can try to find a comfortable spot there.

For a more private and secure option, the airport offers sleep pods or sleep cabins, known as "iGA Sleepods," which can be rented by the hour. These pods provide a quiet and comfortable space to rest and include a bed, pillow, blanket, reading light, and power sockets for charging devices. They are located in a calm and special zone in the International Departures Area. The hourly rates for these pods vary, with some sources stating 12 EUR per hour during the day and 18 EUR at night, while others mention rates ranging from €6 to €9 per hour.

If you prefer a more traditional accommodation option, there is an onsite hotel called YOTEL, located both landside and airside. However, it tends to be on the more expensive side, with prices ranging from $200 to $350. Additionally, if you are flying business class with a Star Alliance carrier, the Turkish Business Lounge offers sleep rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis.

When it comes to safety, there have been reports of pickpockets at Istanbul Airport, mainly targeting vulnerable and solo travellers. To ensure your safety, it is recommended to take certain precautions such as knowing the location of the security office and looking for video cameras near your sleeping area. Travelling solo can increase risks, so it is advised to stay near other travellers or close to security. Keeping your valuables hidden and out of sight is also important.

shunhotel

Nap areas

If you're looking for a place to nap at Istanbul Airport, there are several options available. The airport has introduced sleep pods, also known as "iGA Sleepods" or "nap pods", which are compact capsules that provide a private space for travellers to rest or sleep during layovers or long waits. These pods are equipped with beds, pillows, blankets, reading lights, and power sockets for charging devices. They are located in a calm and quiet zone within the International Departures Area, near the C, D, and E gates. The hourly rates for these pods range from €6 to €18, with blankets and pillows available for an additional €6.

In addition to the sleep pods, Istanbul Airport also offers lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door, starting from €35 plus VAT. These lounges provide various amenities, including dedicated rest zones, sleep facilities, showers, and buffet dining.

For those seeking a more affordable option, there are several "nap areas" located around the airport, where travellers can stretch out and rest. These areas include the round couches, although centre pieces have been installed, limiting their comfort. There are also seats at empty gates that may provide a more comfortable sleeping arrangement. It is recommended to opt for airside Nap Zones to avoid unwanted interruptions from security, as landside sleeping is generally discouraged.

Lastly, there is an onsite hotel called YOTEL, located both landside and airside, but it tends to be on the more expensive side, with prices ranging from $200 to $350.

shunhotel

Lounges

Istanbul Airport has seven lounges across its Domestic and International Terminals, including options from Turkish Airlines and iGA. The airport lounge service is available 24/7. The IGA Premium Lounge is the only paid-entry lounge at Istanbul Airport, with prices starting from €35 + VAT. However, other lounges can be accessed with a business class ticket or elite status memberships. For example, if you're flying business class with Turkish Airlines or have Star Alliance Gold status, you can access the Turkish Airlines lounges. Alternatively, anyone can access the iGA Lounges with a pay-per-use option or through programs like Priority Pass or DragonPass.

The IGA International Lounge can accommodate more than 600 guests and is located on the Departures Floor at the International Terminal side. It offers travellers a range of services, including food, refreshments, showers, a smoking area, baby care rooms, workstations, a TV area, billiards, duty-free shopping, and a prayer area. The IGA Lounge also offers sleeping pods for rent, which are located in a calm and special zone on the International Departures Area. These sleep pods are small yet comfortable for a quick snooze or some rest and privacy. Each pod is equipped with a bed, a pillow, a blanket, a reading light, and a power socket for charging electronic devices.

The airport also offers "Nap Zones" in the International terminal equipped with semi-reclined seats. These can be found in Gates A, B, C, E, F, G, and a few other areas.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there is an onsite hotel in the airport called YOTEL, with rooms both landside and airside. However, it is not cheap, with prices ranging from $200 to $350. There are also off-site hotels located nearby the airport.

Yes, there are several free sleeping options at Istanbul Airport. You can sleep on the floor, on the seats at empty gates, or in the reclining seats and Nap Zones around the airport. However, landside sleeping is discouraged and security may wake travellers citing a no-sleep policy in public areas.

Yes, Istanbul Airport has sleeping pods called iGA Sleepods or sleep cabins, which can be rented by the hour. These pods provide a private space to sleep and relax, with some offering additional amenities such as USB ports, electrical outlets, and luggage compartments. The hourly rates for the sleep pods vary depending on the time of day, ranging from €6 to €18 per hour.

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. There have been reports of pickpockets at Istanbul Airport, with vulnerable and solo travellers being the main targets. It is recommended to take precautions such as knowing where the security office is, staying near other travellers or security, and hiding your valuables.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment