Roberta Aguirre
Spending the night at London's Gatwick Airport is possible, but it may not be the most comfortable experience. The airport remains open 24 hours a day, and there are a few options for places to sleep. There are benches and seats throughout the airport, but they are often full, and the airport can be bright, noisy, and chilly. There are also first-class lounges with more comfortable seating, some of which have showers, but these require additional fees or memberships. If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are two hotels inside the airport that offer day rooms and overnight stays, and several other hotels nearby that provide airport transportation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping in Gatwick Airport | Possible, but not recommended due to noise and discomfort |
| Location | Roughly 50 km southeast of Central London |
| Terminals | Two terminals, North and South, connected by an automated people mover |
| Amenities | Some shops and restaurants open 24 hours, free WiFi, first-class lounges with showers, benches, and seats |
| Hotels | YOTELAIR in the South Terminal offers day rooms and short-term stays, Bloc Gatwick is a budget hotel located inside the South Terminal |
| Lounges | Premium airline lounges and public lounges with various access methods |
| Tips | Bring a sleep mask, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and warm layers |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in Gatwick Airport's terminals
Spending the night at Gatwick Airport is possible, but it may not be the most comfortable experience. The airport is open 24 hours a day, and there are some shops and restaurants that remain open throughout the night. There are benches and seats available, but they are often full, and the airport can be bright, noisy, and chilly.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are two hotels inside the airport that offer day rooms and overnight stays. YOTELAIR, located in the South Terminal, offers day rooms that can be booked for stays of four to 24 hours. Bloc Gatwick is another budget hotel located inside the South Terminal, on the third floor, departures level, beside security.
There are also several other hotels located near the airport that offer airport transportation for a fee. One option is the Crowne Plaza London Gatwick Airport Hotel, which is just a five-minute drive from the airport and offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and satellite TV.
If you do decide to sleep in the airport terminals, it is recommended to bring a sleep mask, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and some warm layers to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
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Nearby hotels
There are several hotels near Gatwick Airport that offer a comfortable stay for travellers. Here are some options:
YOTELAIR
YOTELAIR is a budget hotel located inside Gatwick's South Terminal on the third floor, next to International Arrivals. It offers day rooms and hourly bookings ranging from four to 24 hours. The hotel provides super-fast WiFi and a no-pet policy, with an exception for guide and service dogs. It is conveniently located just minutes away from departures and arrivals.
BLOC Gatwick
BLOC Gatwick is another budget option located inside the airport. The hotel is situated in the South Terminal, with its reception directly opposite the entrance to the South Terminal security. It offers comfortable rooms and convenient access to and from the airport.
Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick Airport
The Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick Airport is a comfortable and quiet hotel that offers airport transportation at a reasonable price. It is an excellent choice for a restful overnight layover, with friendly and helpful staff and late-night food service.
Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel
The Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel offers a great location and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. It features quick check-in services, and the staff is highly praised for their hospitality.
Sofitel London Gatwick
The Sofitel London Gatwick is a comfortable and quiet hotel with convenient access to the airport. It offers breakfast and dinner options, and its proximity to the airport makes it ideal for early morning flights.
These are just a few of the many hotels near Gatwick Airport. Travellers can also explore other options, such as the Holiday Inn London-Gatwick Airport, Hilton London Gatwick Airport, and Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport, among others. These hotels provide a range of amenities and services to suit different budgets and needs.
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Lounges
London Gatwick Airport offers a range of lounges to enhance your travel experience. From premium airline lounges to accessible public lounges, there's something for every traveller. Access is available through various methods, including pay-at-the-door, prepaid lounge passes, lounge membership programs, or complimentary entry for eligible airline passengers and frequent flyers.
The No1 Lounge in the South Terminal offers a sports lounge, a child-free library area, free WiFi, and plush surroundings with table service. The lounge is open from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm, and entry costs £36.
The My Lounge, located in the South Terminal, is a more affordable option with hot and cold snacks, a self-service bar, and a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the runway. Smoking is permitted on the terrace attached to this lounge, the only exception to the airport's smoking policy.
The Plaza Premium Lounge in the North Terminal offers a fully tended bar, comfortable and stylish seating, and an exclusive buffet menu. This lounge is perfect for families, with a dedicated Kids Zone and games area.
The Aspire Lounge in the North Terminal has been designed to cater to everyone's needs, with a games room, large TV screen, free WiFi, and plenty of snacks and drinks.
If you're looking for a quiet space to relax, the Regus business lounge offers showers and a co-working space.
While Gatwick Airport doesn't have any rules forbidding sleeping in the airport pre-flight, they are strict about those staying longer than 24 hours. If you plan to spend the night, consider booking a hotel, either at the airport or in London, which is just a 40-minute train ride away.
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Tips for sleeping in the airport
Spending the night at Gatwick Airport is possible, but it may not be the most comfortable experience. Here are some tips to make your stay a little more manageable:
Choose the Right Terminal
Gatwick Airport has two terminals, North and South, connected by an automated people mover. The South Terminal is generally considered the better option for sleeping, with more comfortable seating and amenities. The North Terminal can be draughty and poorly lit, with limited seating and food options.
Find a Quiet Spot
Look for a quiet corner near security, preferably upstairs, where you can find comfortable chairs reserved for early morning travellers. Avoid sleeping near televisions or busy walkways to minimise noise and disturbances from other travellers.
Prepare for the Elements
The airport can be chilly, with cold floors and drafts, so bring warm layers, including a woolly hat and a light sleeping bag or coat to keep you cosy. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones and a sleep mask can also help block out unwanted noise and light.
Make Use of Amenities
Take advantage of the airport's 24-hour shops and restaurants, as well as free WiFi. If you need to freshen up, there are first-class lounges with showers, and a Regus business lounge with a quiet space and a co-working area.
Consider Nearby Accommodations
If you're looking for more comfort and privacy, there are hotels connected to both terminals, including budget options like Bloc Gatwick and YOTELAIR, which offer day rooms for short-term stays. Nearby hotels also provide airport transportation for a fee.
While sleeping at Gatwick Airport is possible, it's important to prioritise your safety and comfort. Always keep an eye on your belongings, and if you're travelling alone, consider the additional risks and whether booking a hotel might be a safer option.
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Other airports with sleep spots
London's Heathrow Airport offers sleep cabins in Terminal 2, a hotel in the Arrivals of Terminal 3, and other hotels connected to Terminals 4 and 5. Several nearby hotels also offer airport shuttles for a fee. Heathrow Airport is open 24 hours a day, but the protocol may vary depending on your arrival time and terminal. For example, in Terminal 3, security staff will relocate all overnight sleepers to one designated area until around 4:00 am. There are some quiet spots in T5A, at the end by The Crown Rivers pub, where you can pull some benches together to get some rest.
JFK International Airport in New York City features GoSleep pods in JetBlue's Terminal 5. These pods were initially meant for business lounge guests but are now accessible to all travellers, regardless of their airline. Each pod includes a long leather mattress topped with a lockable, breathable screen, a pillow, a blanket, a reading light, and power outlets. The rental cost varies, with an option to use the pod for free for the first 20 minutes, followed by a fee ranging from $10 to $15 per hour.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport has incorporated Minute Suites into its amenities, conveniently located airside in the Atrium, near the entrances of Concourse B and C. These suites offer a private space to relax and come in various sizes to accommodate one to four travellers. Each suite is equipped with a daybed, complimentary internet, and television options. A minibar stocked with food and drinks is also available for purchase. Pricing is flexible, with a one-hour stay starting at $48 plus tax.
London's Gatwick Airport has two terminals, North and South, with a variety of lounges to enhance your travel experience. The YotelAir in the South Terminal offers day rooms that can be booked for short-term stays of four hours or more. Several nearby hotels offer airport transportation for a fee. Bloc Gatwick is a budget hotel located inside Gatwick’s South Terminal on the 3rd Floor, Departures Level, beside security.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep in Gatwick Airport. However, it may be noisy, bright, and chilly. If you plan to sleep in the airport, it is recommended that you bring a sleep mask, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and some warm layers.
Yes, there are seven on-site hotels at Gatwick Airport, including the YOTELAIR, which offers day rooms for short-term stays of 4-24 hours.
There are reports of padded, armrest-free benches and lounge chairs, some even with footrests. If you are looking for a more comfortable option, there is a designated corner with comfortable chairs near security in the South Terminal.
Yes, there are several hotels near Gatwick Airport that offer airport transportation for a fee, including the 4-star Crowne Plaza London - Gatwick Airport, which is located just 5 minutes away from the airport by car.
