Lois Larson
Dublin Airport is located about 30 minutes outside of Dublin, and many budget travellers opt to sleep in the airport to save money. While there are airport hotels available, they can be expensive. There are several other options for sleeping inside the airport, including cushioned benches and seats, comfortable chairs, and designated rest zones. Dublin Airport has two terminals that are interconnected and walkable, with Terminal 1 servicing mainly short-haul regional flights and Terminal 2 handling most long-haul international flights. Terminal 1 also has super-futuristic sleep pods that are reasonably priced and accessible only to outgoing passengers. If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are hotels near the airport that provide airport shuttles, such as the Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport and the Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Hotels | Maldron Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel, Carlton Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, etc. |
| Sleep Pods | Available in Terminal 1 after passing through security |
| Designated Rest Zones | Available in Terminal 1 with comfortable seating |
| Multi-Faith Prayer Room | Available in Terminal 2, but security may object to people sleeping there |
| Terminals | Terminal 1 for short-haul regional flights and Terminal 2 for long-haul international flights |
| Lounges | The T1 Lounge, The Liffey Lounge, The 51st & Green Lounge, The Martello Lounge, etc. |
| Airport Opening Hours | 24 hours, 364 days a year |
| Security | Security staff will likely ignore overnight sleepers but may question loud or disruptive travellers |
| Noise and Light Management | Use earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, and eye masks |
| Safety Tips | Stay in well-lit areas, keep valuables secure, and be aware of your surroundings |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep pods in Terminal 1
Dublin Airport has designated rest zones, especially in Terminal 1, where travellers can find a quiet place to rest. These areas are equipped with comfortable seating and are perfect for those looking to catch some sleep without booking a hotel or sleep pod. The airport authorities installed super-futuristic sleep pods in Terminal 1, accessible only if you are flying out of Dublin Airport. These seating and sleeping pods were partly inspired by the Disney/Pixar movie 'Up', recreating the colourful balloons in the movie. The sleep pods can be booked on the spot or in advance, and the price is usually quite reasonable.
Dublin Airport (Code: DUB) consists of two interconnected and walkable terminals, with the older Terminal 1 servicing mainly short-haul regional flights and the newer Terminal 2 handling most long-haul international flights. The airport is open 24 hours, 364 days a year, closing only for 24 hours on Christmas Day. However, many restaurants, cafes, and shops close in the evening and reopen early in the morning. If you are looking for a quick nap before your flight, there are a few spots in Terminal 1 that offer a more comfortable sleeping experience.
Upstairs, near Starbucks, there is a spot where people often set up for the night, and security usually doesn't mind if you have a sleeping bag. There are also couches around Gates 301-307, Gates 333-335, and near the end of the Duty-Free area. If you want to freshen up, there are shower facilities available in the airport lounges, but these may require a fee or a Priority Pass.
When sleeping in the airport, it is important to manage noise and light. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce noise from announcements and cleaning crews. An eye mask can block out the terminal lighting, which stays on all night. Security is also a concern. Stay in well-lit areas with regular foot traffic and keep your valuables secure. Consider sleeping with your bag against a wall or secured to your body. Be aware that security checkpoints start to open around 3:30 am to 4:00 am, so you may be woken up.
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Prayer room in Terminal 2
Dublin Airport has a Multi-Faith Prayer Room in Terminal 2, which is open 24 hours. It is a peaceful place for prayer and meditation for passengers of any religion. The room has chairs and prayer mats, a Wudu area, a Quran, and a Sajadah. It is located in the Departures area, just before the boarding card area.
The Multi-Faith Prayer Room is a good option for sleeping in the airport, but it is not without its risks. While security staff generally tolerate sleepers, they sometimes object to people sleeping in the prayer room. Some travellers who tried sleeping in the Multi-Faith Prayer Room at the direction of airport security were later kicked out by other security guards.
If you do choose to sleep in the Multi-Faith Prayer Room, it is important to be respectful of other people who may be using the space for prayer or meditation. The room is used by people from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds, so be mindful of your surroundings and keep the space clean and tidy.
It is also worth noting that the airport's free WiFi, comfortable spots in or near cafes and restaurants, and designated rest zones in Terminal 1 are other good options for sleeping in the airport.
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Upstairs by McDonald's
If you're looking for a place to sleep in Dublin Airport, one option is to head upstairs from the main terminal to the floor where McDonald's is located. Here, you'll find a variety of cushioned benches and seats that can provide a comfortable spot to rest or even snuggle up on if you arrive late at night. Many travellers opt to rest here, and it can be a good way to save money on accommodation, especially if you have an early morning flight or a long layover.
While the airport itself is open 24 hours a day, 364 days a year, the inner part with duty-free shops and lounges closes overnight. So, if you're looking for a place to sleep, you'll be limited to the landside areas. These areas can still offer some comfort, but you may find it challenging to find a truly comfortable spot to sleep. It's worth noting that security staff will likely ignore overnight sleepers, but they may question or wake up travellers who are particularly loud or disruptive.
To enhance your comfort, consider bringing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to block out any announcements or noise from cleaning crews. An eye mask can also help block out the terminal lighting, which remains on throughout the night. Additionally, you may want to bring a travel pillow or a light blanket to make your resting experience more pleasant.
While sleeping upstairs by McDonald's can be a convenient option, it's important to prioritise your safety and security. Choose well-lit areas with regular foot traffic to minimise risks. Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, and consider using a bag lock. Stay aware of your surroundings and try to rest near security checkpoints or other travellers. By following these tips and being mindful of your belongings, you can rest more peacefully.
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Nearby airport hotels
If you're looking for a comfortable sleep near Dublin Airport, there are several hotels in the vicinity that can be easily reached on foot or via a shuttle service. Here are some options for airport hotels:
Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport
Located within the airport grounds, this 4-star hotel offers a free 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport terminal. It's just a 10-minute walk to the airport, making it a convenient choice for travellers.
Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport
This hotel is conveniently situated within the Dublin Airport complex, just a short stroll from the airport terminal buildings. They also provide a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service for guests.
Carlton Hotel
The Carlton Hotel is another option that provides a free 24-hour airport shuttle service for its guests.
Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport
While this hotel is not within walking distance, it does offer a free airport shuttle bus service from 4:00 am to 11:30 pm. The shuttle departs the hotel every half hour and the airport every 15 minutes, ensuring convenient transportation for its guests.
Clayton Dublin Airport Hotel
The Clayton Dublin Airport Hotel offers a more affordable option with classically styled interiors. It also provides a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport terminals.
These hotels provide convenient and comfortable options for travellers seeking a good night's rest near Dublin Airport. Whether you choose to stay within walking distance or utilise the shuttle services, these accommodations can ensure a restful stay before or after your flight.
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Lounges in Terminal 1 and 2
Dublin Airport offers a variety of lounges to enhance your travel experience. From premium airline lounges to accessible public lounges, there is something for every traveller. The T1 Lounge in Terminal 1, Airside, Floor 2, is open from 4:00 am to 9:00 pm and offers showers, a dedicated rest zone, and comfortable seats. The T2 Lounge in Terminal 2 also offers similar amenities and is open during similar hours. Both lounges can be accessed through multiple methods, including pay-at-the-door, prepaid lounge passes, lounge membership programs, or complimentary entry for eligible airline passengers and frequent flyers.
In addition to the T1 and T2 Lounges, there are several other lounges in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 that provide a comfortable and quiet environment for travellers. The 51st & Green Lounge in Terminal 2 offers shower facilities and is accessible for a fee or with a Priority Pass. The East Lounge in Terminal 1 also offers showers and comfortable resting areas. The Aer Lingus Lounge in Terminal 2, Airside, typically offers access to business and first-class Aer Lingus passengers, but it is possible to pay for entry if arranged beforehand.
If you are looking for a quieter place to sleep, the prayer room in Terminal 2 allows people to sleep during the early morning hours when it is not in use. There are also designated rest zones in Terminal 1, equipped with comfortable seating, perfect for those looking to catch some sleep without booking a hotel or sleep pod.
For uninterrupted sleep, there are also airport hotels that can be reached by foot or shuttle.
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Frequently asked questions
Dublin Airport has a few options for sleeping arrangements. There are cushioned benches and seats near the McDonald's upstairs, and comfortable chairs in the Oak Café Bar in Terminal 2. There is also a multi-faith prayer room in Terminal 2, although security may ask you to leave. Terminal 1 has designated rest zones with comfortable seating. If you are flying out of Dublin Airport, you can book a sleep pod in Terminal 1.
There are airport hotels nearby, such as the Maldron Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express, which provide airport shuttles.
Yes, there are airport lounges in the airport that you can pay to access. These include The T1 Lounge, The Liffey Lounge, The 51st & Green Lounge, and The Martello Lounge.
The airport is open 24 hours, 364 days a year, but the inner part with the shops and lounges closes overnight. Security staff will likely ignore overnight sleepers, but they may ask disruptive travellers about their travel plans and remove anyone who isn't travelling that day. To ensure a restful sleep, manage noise and light with earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and an eye mask. Stay in well-lit areas, keep your valuables secure, and be aware of your surroundings.
