Ruth Haines
Abu Dhabi International Airport is a busy airport with three terminals that are open 24 hours. Travellers with long layovers or early morning flights often choose to stay overnight inside the airport. While the airport does not provide cots, there are several options for travellers seeking a good night's sleep. These include sleeping pods, airport hotels, and nearby hotels. The airport also offers free showers and WiFi, as well as reclining seats for those looking to rest between flights. However, it is important to take precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and your valuables when sleeping in any airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Hours | 24 hours |
| Noise Level | Noisy |
| Temperature | Cold |
| Reclining Seats | Available in open areas |
| Hotels | AUHotel, Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport, Aerotel, GoSleep Sleep Lounge, etc. |
| Hotel Location | Inside the airport, opposite the airport, or within a few miles |
| Hotel Amenities | Rooftop pool, free shuttle, 24-hour reception |
| Lounges | Pearl Lounge, Al Dhabi Lounges, etc. |
| Lounge Amenities | Showers, dedicated rest zones, sleep pods |
| Lounge Location | Terminal A, Airside, Level 1, Terminal 3, etc. |
| Lounge Rates | Pay-per-use, prepaid passes, lounge memberships, etc. |
| Safety | Risk of theft, video cameras, security office |
| Visa | Not needed if staying at the airport |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pods in Terminal 3
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) is a hub for Etihad Airways and consists of three passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1A and T1B), Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. The airport is open 24 hours and offers free resting zones with reclining seats for passengers to rest between flights. However, these areas can be noisy and may not provide a peaceful sleep.
For added comfort and privacy, travellers can opt for sleeping pods located in Terminal 3. These pods are a paid service, and it is unclear whether they need to be booked in advance or can be used on a first-come, first-served basis. The sleeping pods are located near a free shower in the restroom close to Gate 3.
In addition to the sleeping pods, travellers can also find sofas and couches in Terminal 3 that can be used for lying down and sleeping. These sofas offer flexibility in that the back cushion can be removed to make a more comfortable sleeping surface.
Travellers seeking a more traditional accommodation option can choose from a range of hotels located inside and near the airport. AUHotel is located inside the transit area of Terminal 3 and offers overnight and short stays ranging from 3 to 12 hours. Alternatively, the Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport provides a free shuttle service to Terminal A.
Other nearby hotels include the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, and Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi, all located within a few miles of the airport. These options may be ideal for travellers seeking a more comfortable stay during extended layovers or early morning flights.
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Sleep lounges and hotels
Abu Dhabi Airport is open 24 hours and offers areas with reclining seats for passengers to rest between flights. However, these areas are often noisy and cold, so travellers seeking a more comfortable sleep can opt for sleep lounges or hotels.
Sleep Lounges
The GoSleep Sleep Lounge is a capsule hotel located in Terminal 3's transit area, just 0.1 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport. It offers single and twin rooms with internet access, and rates start at $41 per stay.
Sleep pods are also available in Terminal 3, located on the upper level after passport control. These pods are self-contained, single-bed-sized mini chambers, and they cost $13 per hour, $25 for two hours, $36 for three hours, and $46 for four hours.
The Pearl Lounge in Terminal A, Airside, Level 1, near Gate D43, is open 24 hours and offers shower rooms and quiet areas. However, it does not have dedicated sleep facilities. Access to the lounge costs AED 210 per person for three hours, and payment can be made at the door or through various lounge membership programs.
Hotels
The Airport Hotel is located inside the airport in Terminal 1's transit hall, making it a convenient option for travellers who do not want to go through immigration. However, it can be expensive.
The Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport is another option, located opposite Terminals 1 and 3 and connected by the Skypark retail corridor. It offers a budget-friendly alternative with a rooftop pool, and guests can take advantage of the free shuttle service to Terminal A.
Other nearby hotels include the W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Olaando Hostel, and Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi, most of which offer shuttle services.
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Safety precautions
Abu Dhabi airport is open 24 hours and offers areas with reclining seating for people to rest between flights. However, these areas are generally in open spaces that may be noisy and cold, so it's recommended to bring earplugs and a coat.
Sleeping in any airport comes with a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. To ensure your safety and the security of your valuables, it's important to take certain precautions. Here are some safety tips to follow when sleeping in Abu Dhabi airport:
- Know where the security office is located and look for video cameras in the area where you plan to sleep.
- Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
- Keep your valuables on your person or in a secure bag. Don't leave them unattended.
- Stay in well-lit areas with other people around. Avoid sleeping in isolated areas of the airport.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep your belongings close to you.
- Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch to store your cash, credit cards, and other valuables.
- Keep an eye on your personal items, especially in busy areas such as security lines and baggage claim.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches that may attract unwanted attention.
In addition to these safety precautions, there are also several options for a more comfortable sleep at Abu Dhabi airport. The airport hotel is located inside the airport in Terminal 1, and there is also the Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport, which offers a free shuttle to Terminal A. Additionally, sleep pods are available in Terminal 3, and the GoSleep Sleep Lounge is located near Terminal 3. These options can provide a more secure and comfortable sleeping environment than the public areas of the airport.
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Free showers and WiFi
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) is a hub for travellers, with many passing through on long layovers or early morning flights. The airport is open 24 hours and offers free showers and WiFi to travellers.
Free Showers
Free showers can be found near Gates 32 and 37, or near Gate 35 (down the stairs). There are also free shower facilities in Terminal 3, in the restroom close to Gate 3. If you prefer more privacy, the Pearl Lounge in Terminal A offers 10 shower rooms, but this requires a fee for lounge access. Towels, shampoo, shower gel, and a hairdryer are provided in the Pearl Lounge.
Free WiFi
Abu Dhabi Airport offers free WiFi with a speedy connection. Connect to the "Zayed Airport Free WiFi" network. There are also 50 free internet kiosks located in the Departure Lounges of all three terminals.
Sleeping at Abu Dhabi Airport
The airport offers reclining seats for passengers to rest in open areas, but these can be noisy. There are also free resting zones available. The airport is a silent airport, with no loudspeaker announcements in some areas, making it easier to sleep. If you prefer more privacy and comfort, there are hotels connected to Terminals 1 and 3, including the Aerotel, which offers a 30-minute shower package for AED 75.
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Transit visa requirements
If you are planning to visit the UAE, you may need to apply for a visa, even if you are just transiting through Abu Dhabi. The visa you need will depend on the length of your trip. The UAE issues two types of transit visas: one for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. The 48-hour transit visa is issued free of charge, while the 96-hour transit visa costs AED 50. Both visas must be applied for in advance through a UAE-based airline and are non-extendable and non-renewable. To be eligible for a transit visa, you must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity and a confirmed ticket travelling into Zayed International Airport and onwards from Abu Dhabi to a third destination. In addition, you must provide a 6x6cm photograph with a white background and at least 80% of your face visible, as well as a colour copy of your passport. If you are travelling with a child, you must also submit a birth certificate in English or Arabic.
It is important to note that citizens of certain countries, such as those on the "Green List", do not require a visa, permit, or sponsorship to visit Abu Dhabi. They only need to present their passport or national ID card at the UAE's point of entry. Additionally, some nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry to the UAE. If you are not eligible for any of these options, you will need to obtain a transit visa through a UAE-based airline before entering the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Abu Dhabi Airport is open 24 hours and offers areas with reclining seating for people to rest in between flights. However, these areas are often noisy and cold.
Yes, there are hotels inside Abu Dhabi Airport, including the Airport Hotel in Terminal 1, Aerotel in Terminal 1, and AUHotel in the transit area. There are also several hotels nearby, such as the Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport, which offers a free shuttle to Terminal A.
Yes, there are sleep pods available in Terminals 1 and 3. There are also lounges with dedicated rest zones and showers, such as the Pearl Lounge in Terminal A, which can be accessed by paying at the door or using a lounge membership program.
It is recommended to bring earplugs and a coat to block out noise and stay warm. It is also important to keep an eye on your belongings at all times and know where the security office is located.
Yes, there are several other hotels and hostels nearby, including the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, and Olaando Hostel. These options typically offer shuttle services to and from the airport.
