Owais Crawford
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the world's largest single terminal building, serving as a major transportation hub connecting three continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe. With 200 million passengers projected to travel through each year, the airport offers various amenities to accommodate travellers with long layovers. If you're looking for a place to sleep in Istanbul Airport for free, here's a guide to help you navigate your options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | International terminal, near Gate D |
| Facilities | Semi-reclined seats, round couches, lounge chairs, charging stations, showers, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shopping, ATMs, banks, currency exchange |
| Sleeping Options | Nap Zones, sleeping pods, onsite hotel (YOTEL), nearby hotels |
| Sleeping Pod Details | Compact and comfortable, equipped with a bed, pillow, blanket, reading light, and power socket, cost: €10-€15 per hour |
| Onsite Hotel Details | One of the largest airport hotels in the world, 451 rooms, rates starting from $200-$350 per night |
| Nearby Hotels | Village of Arnavutkoy, metro line of IST Airport |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Istanbul Airport's free Nap Zones
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the world's largest single terminal building, with eight concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H). The airport offers several options for travellers with long layovers or those who need to catch some rest before their next flight.
The airport has "Nap Zones" in the International terminal equipped with semi-reclined seats. These can be found in Gates A, B, C, E, F, G, and a few other areas. Gate B15, for example, has a quiet gate area with reclined chairs, tables with built-in charging ports, and it's all free to use. There are also round couches at Gate B9, B17, and B18, and 20+ lounge chairs with a bamboo privacy wall at the upper level of the E1/E2 section.
Additionally, Istanbul Airport offers sleeping pods called "iGA Sleepods" or "IGA Sleep Pods," located airside in the international area next to the "D" gates. These pods provide a private space to recline, relax, and sleep, with each pod equipped with a bed, pillow, blanket, reading light, and power socket. They are designed for single or double occupancy and cost around $15 USD per hour, with additional charges for blankets and pillows.
If you prefer a more traditional hotel setting, YOTEL Istanbul Airport Hotel is located within the airport and offers compact and stylish rooms with high-speed Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and smart TVs. However, rates at YOTEL typically start at $200 to $350 per night.
For those travelling with children, PlayLand on the Departure Level can be a great option to keep the little ones entertained while you catch some rest.
Lastly, if you have a layover of more than 8 hours, you may consider leaving the airport to explore nearby sights and experience delicious Turkish cuisine. The airport is located in the Arnavutkoy Area, about 40km from the city centre, and it's recommended to allow ample time for heavy traffic and navigating the large terminal.
Edinburgh Airport: Buying a SIM Card
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleeping pods for rent
Istanbul Airport (IST) offers sleeping pods for rent, called "iGA Sleepods", which are located airside in the international area of the airport, next to the "D" gates. These pods are small cabins designed to provide travellers with a private space to relax and sleep during layovers or long waits at the airport.
Each sleeping pod is equipped with a bed, a small pillow, a blanket, a reading light, and a power socket for charging electronic devices. There is also a luggage compartment underneath the pod, which can fit up to two pieces of standard-size cabin baggage, shoes, and other smaller items. The pods have a retractable roof that can be pulled up and down to block out light and noise from the terminal. However, there are small openings in the roof, and it is not completely enclosed, as the pod area is "in the open".
The sleep pods can be rented by the hour, with rates starting at 12 EUR per hour between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, and 18 EUR per hour between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Blankets and pillows are available for an additional 6 EUR. Access to the pods is through a manned counter that acts as a reception, and staff are available to guide guests to their pod and clean after each use.
While there are no dedicated toilet or shower facilities inside the pod area, there are toilets nearby in the main concourse. Additionally, there is no dedicated Wi-Fi network, so users will need to rely on the general public Wi-Fi of Istanbul Airport, which offers only 1 hour of free internet access.
For travellers seeking a more traditional accommodation option, there is an onsite hotel called YOTEL, with locations both landside and airside. However, prices for this hotel can be high, ranging from $200 to $350.
LAX Airport: Buying Cigarettes Made Easy
You may want to see also
Explore related products
YOTEL Istanbul Airport Hotel
YOTEL Istanbul Airport (Landside)
YOTEL Istanbul Airport (Landside) is located on the Departures floor within the main terminal building, opposite terminal entrance #7 and next to check-in counter 'R'. The hotel is ideal for travellers looking for the convenience of a hotel stay within the airport. It offers flexible booking options, with rooms available for hourly rates or overnight stays. The hotel also provides a 24/7 reception, bar, and restaurant.
YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport (Airside)
YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport (Airside) is located airside, within the Duty-Free area of the terminal. This branch is designed for travellers with busy schedules or tight connections, offering hourly rates for those looking to relax during a layover or a short stay between flights. Guests staying at YOTELAIR (airside) must have a valid boarding pass for an international flight.
Amenities
Both YOTEL and YOTELAIR offer modern amenities. The rooms are equipped with comfortable beds, TVs, and desks, with access to shared or private shower facilities. The hotel also provides free, fast WiFi throughout the premises and has a gym, flexible meeting rooms, and a stylish bar and restaurant. YOTELAIR's Revolve lounge is the social hub of the hotel, serving food and drinks 24 hours a day.
Health and Safety
Exploring Xiamen: Navigating Gaoqi International Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nearby hotels outside the airport
If you're looking for a place to sleep near Istanbul Airport, there are a few hotels in the nearby village of Arnavutköy, including the Operla Airport Hotel, which has been praised for its cleanliness, breakfast, and quiet atmosphere. The village is also home to the Airport Forest Room, which is located 22 miles from Nef Stadium and offers a shared lounge, a garden, and views of the city. Another option in Arnavutköy is the Pilot Hotel, which is located 26 miles from Nef Stadium and offers air-conditioned rooms and a bar.
Other nearby hotels include the Dem Hotel Premium, which is within a 15-minute drive of the airport and offers snacks, water, and bright bathrooms with hair dryers. The La Casa De Airport Hotel is also convenient, although it is a bit more expensive. The Hampton By Hilton YOTEL Istanbul Airport Landside is another option, as well as the YOTEL Istanbul Airport, City Entrance, which is located just a 5-minute walk from the passport control point and offers air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport is located in the transit duty-free area at the Istanbul Airport main terminal departures floor and offers nice rooms. However, it is not cheap, with prices ranging from $200 to $350.
Airport Security and Tawas Powder: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Reclining seats and tables with charging ports
If you're looking for a place to rest in Istanbul Airport, head to Gate B15. Here, you'll find a quiet gate area with reclined chairs and tables with built-in charging ports. This area is free to use and could be a great option if you have a long layover.
The airport also has "Nap Zones" in the International terminal equipped with semi-reclined seats. These can be found in Gates A, B, C, E, F, G, and a few other areas. Some travellers have mentioned that the round couches at Gate B9, B17, B18 and 20+ lounge chairs (with a bamboo privacy wall) at the upper level of the E1/E2 section are good spots to relax.
Charging stations can be found at the check-in waiting areas and the seating areas near the gates. According to a traveller, mobile charging is available at every gate under the seats.
If you're looking for a more private and quiet space to rest, you might want to consider the airport lounges. The lounges offer a variety of amenities, including comfortable seating, high-speed internet, charging outlets, and food and drinks. However, access to the lounges comes at a cost, and you may need to purchase a pass or book in advance.
DFW Airport Dining: Can Visitors Access?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Istanbul Airport has "Nap Zones" in the international terminal with semi-reclined seats. These can be found in Gates A, B, C, E, F, G, and a few other areas. Gate B15 has a quiet gate area with reclined chairs and tables with built-in charging ports.
Yes, there are sleeping pods or "iGA Sleepods" available for rent by the hour. They are located in the International Departures Area and are equipped with a bed, pillow, blanket, reading light, and power socket.
Yes, there is an onsite hotel called YOTEL located in the international transit area on the departures floor. However, it is not cheap, with rates ranging from $200 to $350 per night.
Yes, there are several hotels in the nearby village of Arnavutkoy, which is about a 50-minute drive from the airport.
