Roberta Aguirre
Gatwick Airport is open 24 hours, and while there are no dedicated sleeping areas, travellers can sleep in the terminal buildings. However, seating is designed to discourage sleeping, and the airport is reportedly cold and noisy. Some travellers have reported feeling unsafe, and security guards may ask to see your ID and travel tickets. For a more comfortable sleep, there are several hotels inside the airport or connected by shuttle, including Bloc Gatwick, located inside the South Terminal, and YOTELAIR, a Japanese-style pod hotel located inside the arrivals hall at the South Terminal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping areas | No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Informal spots with padded seating are available. |
| Cots | Not offered to stranded travellers. |
| Hotels | Two hotels inside the airport offer day rooms and overnight stays. Several nearby hotels offer airport transportation for a fee. |
| Safety | Travellers report feeling safe. Security guards may ask to see your ID and travel tickets, depending on where you set up camp for the night. |
| Security checkpoints | Close overnight based on flight schedules: ST (1:00 AM–4:00 AM), NT (1:00 AM–4:30 AM). |
| WiFi | Free unlimited WiFi is available. |
| Power outlets | Plug sockets are available on walls and in dedicated areas. |
| Smoking | Smoking and vaping are permitted outside the terminal in designated areas only. |
| Luggage storage | Excess Baggage is available just before leaving the airport. |
| Check-in | For long-haul flights, you can check in luggage up to four hours before departure. For European flights, check-in is three hours before departure, and for flights to the UK and Ireland, it's two hours. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in Gatwick Airport's terminals
Airport Rules and Facilities
Gatwick Airport is open 24 hours on the landside for both the North and South Terminals. Security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules, generally from 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet zones, or rest zones, but there are informal spots with padded seating available. The airport staff and security guards generally don't bother sleepers, and travellers report feeling safe. However, it's important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Know where the security office is located, look for video cameras near your sleeping area, and consider keeping an eye on your belongings at all times.
Finding a Comfortable Spot
The seating in the terminals is designed to discourage sleeping, with many benches having armrests that make lying across them difficult. Softer seats that could be suitable for sleeping are often occupied quickly, so it's best to arrive early if you want to secure one of these spots. Alternatively, you can bring your own sleeping gear, such as a light sleeping bag and a pillow, to make yourself more comfortable on the floor or in a corner. The floor can be cold, so insulation is recommended. If you're in the South Terminal, there is a designated corner with comfortable chairs near security that is reserved for early morning travellers, offering a more peaceful sleeping environment.
Food, Drinks, and Amenities
Gatwick Airport offers a variety of options for food and drinks. M&S and WHSmiths are open until midnight and then again from around 4 am. There are also vending machines and free water fountains available throughout the airport. Plug sockets can be found on walls and in dedicated areas, making it convenient to charge your devices. Free unlimited WiFi is also available by connecting to the "Gatwick Free WiFi" network.
Alternative Options
If you're looking for a more comfortable and private sleeping experience, there are hotels inside and near the airport. YOTELAIR, located in the South Terminal, offers Japanese-style pod rooms that can be booked for as little as four hours or for a full overnight stay. Bloc Gatwick is another budget-friendly option located inside the South Terminal on the 3rd Floor, Departures Level, beside security.
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Staying in a hotel inside the airport
If you're looking for a comfortable and convenient place to sleep at Gatwick Airport, there are a few hotels located inside the airport itself. These include:
YOTEL
YOTEL is located inside the South Terminal and offers day rooms for short-term stays of four hours or more. The hotel is just minutes away from departures and arrivals and offers a choice of cabins, including premium cabins with a double bed and storage space under the bed for one regular suitcase or two cabin suitcases.
BLOC Gatwick
BLOC Gatwick is a budget hotel located inside the South Terminal on the 3rd Floor, Departures Level, beside security. It is the closest hotel in the world to an airport security gate, with its reception directly opposite the entrance to the South Terminal security.
Hilton London Gatwick Airport
The Hilton hotel is connected to the South Terminal via a covered walkway and is also within easy access of the North Terminal through a free 24-hour monorail link. The hotel offers a range of dining options, as well as a fitness centre.
Courtyard by Marriott
Located a short walk from the South Terminal, the Courtyard by Marriott features an on-site restaurant and a well-equipped fitness centre.
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Safety precautions when sleeping in the airport
While it is possible to spend the night at Gatwick Airport, it is not recommended, especially for women travelling alone. Sleeping in any airport can be risky, and it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables.
First, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the airport layout and know where the security office is located. Look for video cameras in the area where you plan to sleep and ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night. Gatwick Airport security guards may ask to see your ID and travel tickets, depending on where you set up camp for the night.
If you are travelling alone, it is advisable to opt for a well-lit, busy area to sleep. Sleeping in a booth or corner with comfortable chairs, reserved for early morning travellers, may provide more peace and quiet. Alternatively, you can book a day room at YotelAir in the South Terminal for short-term stays of at least four hours.
Gatwick Airport is open 24 hours on the landside for both North and South Terminals, but security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules. The North Terminal security checkpoint closes from 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM, while the South Terminal security checkpoint closes from 1:00 AM to 4:30 AM.
If you have something important to do the next day, such as a job interview, it is advisable to book a hotel room instead. There are two hotels inside the airport that offer day rooms and overnight stays, and other nearby hotels are connected by shuttles.
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Sleeping in the airport vs. a hotel
If you're planning on sleeping at Gatwick Airport, there are a few things to consider. The airport itself does not forbid sleeping there, and both the North and South Terminals are open 24 hours a day. However, seating arrangements may not be comfortable for sleeping, and the airport can be noisy and cold. You may also have to worry about the security of your belongings.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are hotels inside the airport that offer day rooms and overnight stays. These include Bloc Gatwick, a budget hotel located inside the South Terminal, and YOTELAIR, a Japanese-style pod hotel located in the South Terminal. These hotels can be booked for short-term stays, and YOTELAIR offers amenities like 24-hour room service and adjustable lighting.
There are also several hotels nearby that offer airport transportation for a fee, such as the Premier Inn, Sofitel, and Travelodge. These hotels are within a five to ten-minute walk or shuttle ride from the terminals. Additionally, there are other budget options located right next to the airport that can be booked for around £80 per night.
Ultimately, the decision between sleeping in the airport or a hotel depends on your preferences and budget. Sleeping in the airport is free but may not provide a restful night's sleep. On the other hand, hotels can offer more comfort and privacy but come with an additional cost.
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Other airports where sleeping is possible
Sleeping in airports is not uncommon, and while it may not be the most comfortable option, it is a viable solution for those with early morning flights, long layovers, or flight cancellations. Here are some other airports where sleeping is possible:
- Helsinki Airport: This airport offers a hotel within the airport that is not too pricey, and there is also a bus that takes you to and from downtown Helsinki.
- Istanbul Airport: While some travellers have had to sleep on the floor here, others have reported staff providing them with blankets. There is also a Touristanbul program offered by Turkish Airlines, which provides a free city tour with free food or a free night in a hotel, depending on your ticket class.
- Minsk Airport: Travellers have reported sleeping in the corridors of this airport while waiting for flights.
- San Francisco Airport and Zurich Airport: Travellers have mentioned that some airlines offered them a night in a hotel when their flights were severely delayed or cancelled and they were placed on a flight the next day.
- London Heathrow Airport: One traveller mentioned sleeping here about 20 years ago.
When sleeping in any airport, it is important to keep in mind the level of comfort and safety. Airports with comfortable seating, accessible power outlets, and friendly staff can make the experience more bearable. Additionally, planning ahead with comfortable clothing, a large scarf that can double as a pillow or blanket, an alarm to ensure you don't miss your flight, and a small sleeping bag can greatly improve your airport sleeping experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to sleep at Gatwick Airport. The airport is open 24 hours, and there are no rules in place forbidding sleeping there. However, security guards may ask to see your ID and travel tickets.
No, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones at Gatwick Airport. However, there are some informal spots with padded seating available. There is also a designated corner with comfortable chairs near security in the South Terminal, reserved for early morning travellers.
Yes, there are hotels inside the airport, such as YOTELAIR in the South Terminal, which offers day rooms that can be booked for short-term stays from four hours. Bloc Gatwick is another option, located inside the South Terminal on the 3rd Floor, Departures Level, beside security.
It is recommended to bring a woolly hat and a light sleeping bag to stay warm. It is also important to take precautions for your safety and the security of your valuables. Knowing where the security office is located and looking for video cameras near your sleeping area can help ensure your safety.
