Auckland Airport: Sleep Or No Sleep?

can you sleep in auckland airport

Auckland Airport is a busy transport hub with two terminals: international and domestic. The airport does not have any official sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. However, travellers can sleep in the airport, particularly in the international terminal, which is open 24 hours. Sleeping in the airport may not be the most comfortable option, but it is a legitimate choice for budget-conscious travellers.

Characteristics Values
Is it possible to sleep in Auckland Airport? Yes, but it may not be comfortable.
Where can you sleep? International Terminal, airside, near Gates 8-10; landside, Level 2, near the observation deck; Floor 2 hallway that houses the Air China office; near Gates 34-50; Domestic Terminal, airside.
What to keep in mind The Domestic Terminal is open from 4:30 am–11:00 pm. Certain areas of the International Terminal airside partially close for a few hours each night (1:00 am–4:00 am).
Other options Relaxation pods in the Strata Lounge; hotels near the airport, such as Ibis Budget, Ibis Hotel, Novotel.

shunhotel

Sleeping in the international terminal

Sleeping in airports is a legitimate option for budget-conscious travellers. While it is possible to sleep in Auckland Airport, reviews suggest that it may not be the most comfortable option.

The airport's International Terminal is open 24 hours, but certain areas airside partially close for a few hours each night (1:00 AM–4:00 AM) per the flight schedule. There are no official sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones in the airport. However, travellers have suggested a few spots that are relatively quiet and comfortable.

On Floor 2, the hallway that houses the Air China office is quiet and warm, 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 another quiet and comfortable spot. The area near Gates 34–50, near the free showers, has many benches and warm temperatures.

If you prefer a more comfortable and private option, there are hotels adjacent to the international terminal and others nearby, such as Ibis Budget, Novotel, and Airport Hotels, that are connected by shuttles. There are also first-class lounges that economy-class passengers can pay to access, and the Strata lounge offers relaxation pods with a buffet, showers, and places to rest, starting at $66 for lounge-only access and $168 for relaxation pods.

shunhotel

Sleeping in the domestic terminal

There are no official sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones in the Domestic Terminal. However, travellers have reported sleeping on the floor or benches in the terminal. It is recommended that you bring a sleep mask, noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs, and warm layers to make your experience more comfortable.

If you are looking for more comfort and privacy, there are lounges that you can access by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program. The Air New Zealand Domestic Lounge is located in the Domestic Terminal and is open from 4:30 am until around 10:00 pm. It offers showers but no dedicated rest zone or sleep facilities. You can purchase single-use lounge eVouchers or use lounge membership programs to access this lounge.

For those on a budget, the Ibis Budget hotel is a cheap and easy option recommended by travellers. The Novotel is another option located a few hundred meters from the terminal doors, but it is more expensive.

shunhotel

Sleeping spots and comfort

Sleeping in an airport is not ideal, and many travellers opt for a hotel or airline lounge instead. However, if you're on a budget, Auckland Airport does have a few spots where you can get some rest. The airport consists of two terminals: international and domestic, with the international terminal being the preferred option for sleeping. The domestic terminal is open from 4:30 am to 11:00 pm, while the international terminal is open 24 hours, although certain areas airside partially close from 1:00 am to 4:00 am.

There are no official sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones in the airport. However, travellers have recommended a few spots that are relatively comfortable and quiet. In the International Terminal, Floor 2, the hallway near the Air China office is quiet and warm, with a 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 the same floor, which is another quiet and comfortable spot. The area near Gates 34-50 is also a good option, as it has many benches and warm temperatures, and it's close to the free showers.

If you're looking for more comfort and privacy, you can book a relaxation pod in the Strata lounge, which has a buffet, showers, and dedicated rest areas. Prices start from $66 for lounge access and $168 for the relaxation pods. There are also first-class lounges that economy-class passengers can pay to access, although these may not have dedicated sleep facilities.

If you do decide to sleep in the airport, it's recommended to come prepared with a sleep mask, noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs, and warm layers to stay comfortable. It's also a good idea to bring entertainment like books or audiobooks, as there aren't many restaurants or shops open overnight.

shunhotel

Lounges and hotels

While it is possible to sleep in Auckland Airport, it may not be the most comfortable option. The airport does not have any official sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. The domestic terminal is only open from 4:30 am to 11:00 pm, and while the international terminal is open 24 hours, certain areas airside partially close from 1:00 am to 4:00 am.

If you're looking for a more comfortable option, you can pay to access first-class lounges, some of which have showers. Prices start from $66 for lounge-only access. For example, the Strata lounge offers relaxation pods with a buffet, showers, and places to rest for $168. However, the Strata lounge is only accessible to travellers on the airside of the international terminal.

If you're looking for a hotel, there is an Ibis Budget hotel near the airport, which is a cheap and decent option for a few hours of rest. There is also a Novotel a few hundred meters from the terminal doors, but it is more expensive. You can also visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Auckland Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity.

shunhotel

Safety and security

While sleeping in Auckland Airport is possible, it is not necessarily safe or comfortable. Travellers have reported sleeping on the floor or on benches, but there are no official sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. The airport is a busy place with crowds of passengers and constant movement, which makes it susceptible to theft and other crimes. It is recommended that travellers bring their own sleep masks, noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs, warm layers, and entertainment such as books or audiobooks to pass the time.

If you are looking for a more comfortable and secure option, there are lounges and hotels available near the airport. Some lounges offer relaxation pods, showers, and buffet access for a fee, but they may only be accessible to travellers on the airside of the international terminal. There are also hotels adjacent to the international terminal and others nearby that are connected by shuttles. These options can provide a more restful and secure sleeping environment.

It is worth noting that the airport's domestic terminal is only open from 4:30 am to 11:00 pm, while the international terminal is open 24 hours with partial closures from 1:00 am to 4:00 am. This may impact your ability to access certain areas of the airport during your layover.

Additionally, consider the possibility of contracting travel assistance insurance that includes coverage for theft, accidents, and other issues. This can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of any unforeseen events during your stay at the airport or during your trip.

Overall, while sleeping in Auckland Airport is possible, it may not be the most comfortable or secure option. Consider your own needs and preferences, and if possible, opt for a nearby hotel or lounge to get a more restful sleep during your layover.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but it's not the most comfortable option. The airport does not have any official sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones.

Travellers tend to sleep airside in the International Terminal, which is open 24 hours. There are benches on the second floor, and the hallway that houses the Air China office on Floor 2 is quiet and warm, with an armrest-free bench towards the back.

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.

Yes, there are hotels adjacent to the international terminal and others nearby, including Ibis Budget, Novotel and Airport Hotels.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment