Sleeping At Heathrow: A Comfortable Layover?

Heathrow Airport is open 24 hours a day and offers various options for travellers looking for a place to sleep. All terminals have free resting zones with comfortable seats, though the quality and location vary. For example, Terminal 2 has a relatively secluded quiet zone, while Terminal 3 has padded benches without armrests and plenty of power outlets. Terminal 4 has a 24-hour cafe, and Terminal 5 has a quiet area near Gate A11. Additionally, there are sleep cabins and hotels inside and near the airport, as well as nearby hotels with airport shuttles.

Sleeping spots in each terminal

Heathrow Airport has four terminals (T2, T3, T4, and T5) with varying facilities and services. Here are some sleeping spots in each terminal:

Terminal 2

A relatively secluded quiet zone can be found when walking to gates B31-B49 from the A gates. Avoid taking the escalator and instead, take the lift down to access this area. There are also some armrest-free benches near the G area on the floor above Departures. Additionally, travellers can access sleep cabins in Terminal 2 for uninterrupted sleep.

Terminal 3

Above Departures, near Pret a Manger, there are padded benches without armrests and plenty of power outlets. There is also a designated resting zone in Terminal 3. For uninterrupted sleep, there is a hotel in the Arrivals area of Terminal 3.

Terminal 4

On the landside, there is a 24-hour cafe where travellers can stay for extended periods if they purchase something. Terminal 4 also has sleep-friendly seating.

Terminal 5

There is a quiet area next to Gate A11 in Terminal 5. Additionally, there are some armrest-free benches near the G area on the floor above Departures.

Sleeping in public areas

Spending the night at Heathrow Airport is possible, as the airport is open 24 hours a day. However, it's important to note that the experience may not be very comfortable, as the terminals remain at full brightness throughout the night, and there is constant movement and noise. If you plan to sleep in the public areas of the airport, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Seating availability and comfort: There is a good amount of seating available throughout the terminals, but the quality varies. You can expect to find metal chairs with armrests and benches with or without armrests or padding.
• Designated rest and relaxation zones: There are designated rest and relaxation zones in Terminals 2, 3, and 5. Terminal 2 has a relatively secluded quiet zone near gates B31-B49. Terminal 3 has padded, armrest-free benches and power outlets above Departures. Terminal 5 has armrest-free benches near the G area on the floor above Departures.
• Cafés and restaurants: Terminal 4 has a 24-hour café where you can stay if you purchase something to eat or drink. There are also 24-hour coffee shops in all terminals.
• Showers and VIP lounges: If you want to take a shower or have a more private and comfortable space, all terminals offer VIP lounges with showers. However, these lounges close at night.
• Hotels: For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels connected to Terminals 3, 4, and 5, as well as several other options nearby. The Aerotel London Heathrow in Terminal 3 offers single, double, and family rooms and allows bookings by the hour, for day or night use only.
• Safety and security: While airport staff and security are generally tolerant of travellers sleeping in the airport, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Stay in well-lit and busy areas, keep your valuables hidden, and be vigilant to avoid theft.
• Luggage storage: If you need to store your luggage, there are left-luggage services in all terminals, but they are only open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Hotels inside the airport

Heathrow Airport is home to several hotels, with options to suit a range of budgets.

Terminal 2

The closest hotel to Terminal 2 is the Aerotel in Terminal 3, which can be reached via the underground walkways. This hotel offers rooms by the hour, making it ideal for those who want to freshen up before or after a long flight.

Terminal 3

The Aerotel in Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall is the only hotel inside the airport. It offers 82 guest rooms that can be booked in blocks of 6, 9, or 12 hours or overnight. The hotel features a restaurant and provides hourly rates, making it a convenient option for travellers with long layovers or unusual flight times.

Terminal 4

The Hilton London Heathrow Airport is the only hotel with direct access to Terminal 4, connected by a covered walkway. It offers free transport to the other terminals and features three restaurants and a fully-equipped fitness suite.

Terminal 5

The Sofitel is the only hotel with direct access to Terminal 5, also connected by a covered walkway. It boasts French sophistication and luxury, with 605 rooms, two restaurants, and conference facilities.

Other Options

In addition to the hotels inside the airport, there are several other hotels nearby that offer airport shuttle services for a fee. These include the Premier Inn, Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5, and Holiday Inn Express T5, among others.

Nearby hotels

If you're looking for a hotel near Heathrow Airport, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the closest hotels to the airport:

• Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminal 2 and 3: This hotel offers free WiFi, a restaurant, and a fitness centre. It is also within walking distance of the airport.
• Leonardo London Heathrow Airport: Leonardo London Heathrow Airport is another convenient option, offering free WiFi, a restaurant, and a fitness centre.
• Holiday Inn Express London Heathrow T4: This hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Terminal 4 via a covered walkway. It offers free breakfast, free WiFi, and two restaurants.
• Aerotel London Heathrow T2 & T3: Aerotel is located in Terminal 3 Arrivals and offers free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk.
• Radisson Blu Heathrow Hotel & Conference Centre: The Radisson Blu is a central option, offering free WiFi, two restaurants, and a spa.

Other nearby hotels include the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow T4, Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel, Sofitel London Heathrow, Holiday Inn London Heathrow Bath Road, and Premier Inn London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4. These hotels are all within a few miles of the airport and offer comfortable accommodations and convenient amenities.

Lounges and sleep cabins

Lounges

Heathrow Airport has several lounges that offer day rooms and sleeping facilities. These include:

• Plaza Premium Lounge: This lounge has locations in Terminals 2 and 4. It offers private resting suites, showers, and a variety of food and beverage options.
• United Club: Located in Terminal 2, this lounge offers showers and a range of beverages.
• American Airlines Admirals Club: Found in Terminal 5, this lounge provides showers and access to food and drinks.
• No. 1 Heathrow Lounge: Situated in Terminal 3, this lounge used to offer private rooms with beds at an extra charge. It also provides showers and a range of drinks and snacks.

Sleep Cabins

For those seeking more privacy and comfort, sleep cabins are available in Terminal 2. Additionally, there are hotels connected to Terminals 3, 4, and 5, offering short-term and overnight stays.

Hotels

• Aerotel London Heathrow: This hotel is located in the Arrivals area of Terminal 3 and offers single, double, and family rooms with private bathrooms, amenities, and free WiFi.
• Hilton London Heathrow Airport: Connected to Terminal 4 via a covered walkway, this hotel provides soundproofed rooms, blackout curtains, and various amenities.
• Sofitel: Offering direct access to Terminal 5 via a covered walkway, this hotel provides a convenient option for travellers.
• Premier Inn (T4): Within a ten-minute walk of Terminal 4, this hotel offers a more affordable option while still providing easy access to the terminal.

Frequently asked questions