Dublin Airport: Best Places To Sleep

where to sleep at dublin airport

Dublin Airport is a busy hub with many flights and connections, and it's not uncommon to see late-night passengers waiting for their plane to depart. If you're planning to spend the night at the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it can get quite cold at night, so make sure to bring a sleeping bag or blankets. While security staff usually ignore overnight sleepers, they may ask for your passport or tickets to let you stay. The best places to rest are in the public area of the terminals, before the security checkpoint. You can find seats with movable armrests in the food courts, or head to the prayer room or PRM lounge in Terminal 2. There are also VIP lounges, but they close at night. If you're looking for more comfort and privacy, there are hotels within the airport grounds and nearby, some of which offer free shuttle services.

Characteristics Values
Airport Hours 24 hours, 364 days a year
Security Guards may wake you up if you are a disruptive sleeper; they may ask for your passport or tickets to let you spend the night
Sleeping Areas Public area of the terminals before the security checkpoint; food courts; Multi-Faith Prayer Room; PRM lounge; VIP lounges; sleep pods in Terminal 1
Nearby Hotels Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport; Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport; Carlton Hotel; Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport; Metro Hotel Dublin Airport; Dublin Airport Premier Inn
Hotel Amenities Free 24-hour airport shuttle; free high-speed wireless internet; tea/coffee making facilities; laptop-size safe; flat-screen TV; kitchenette; secure underground parking

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Sleeping in the airport vs. a hotel

Dublin Airport is located about 30 minutes outside of Dublin. The airport is open 24 hours a day, 364 days a year, closing only for a 24-hour period on Christmas Day. Sleeping in the airport is a good option for budget travellers who want to save some money and avoid the hassle of travelling from Dublin city centre to the airport for an early morning flight. However, sleeping in the airport may not be the most comfortable option.

Sleeping in the airport

Dublin Airport has designated rest zones, particularly 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. There are also sleep pods located after security in Terminal 1, although some travellers have reported that these are not very comfortable. Security staff will likely ignore overnight sleepers, but they may wake or question travellers who are particularly loud or disruptive. Security checkpoints begin to open around 3:30 am to 4:00 am, so guards may wake you if you haven't already been disturbed by the increasing terminal buzz.

Staying in a hotel

There are several hotels near Dublin Airport, including the Clayton Hotel, Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport, Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport, Carlton Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport, and Dublin Airport Premier Inn. These hotels offer airport shuttles, some of which run 24 hours a day. Staying in a hotel will provide you with a more comfortable and uninterrupted sleep compared to sleeping in the airport. However, it will also be more expensive.

Sleeping in Dublin Airport can be a practical and economical choice for budget travellers. However, it may not be the most comfortable option, and you may be disturbed by increasing terminal buzz or security guards. If you're looking for a good night's sleep and can afford it, staying in a hotel near the airport is likely a better option.

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Terminal 1 vs. Terminal 2

Dublin Airport has two terminals, with the older Terminal 1 servicing mainly short-haul regional flights and the newer Terminal 2 handling longer-haul international flights. The terminals are interconnected and within walking distance of each other. Both terminals offer 24-hour food options, free WiFi, and designated rest zones with comfortable seating. Here is a breakdown of what to expect in each terminal when looking for a place to sleep.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 has sleep pods, located after you pass through security, that are reasonably priced and can be booked on the spot or in advance. This terminal also has a variety of seating options, including couches around Gates 301-307, Gates 333-335, and near the end of the Duty-Free area. There are also soft chairs for sleeping in a rest zone located after passing through duty-free shopping and a restaurant on your left, followed by an escalator to more restaurants. For those looking for a quieter place to rest, there is a prayer room in Terminal 1. Additionally, Burger King in Terminal 1 is open from 4:00 am to 8:30 pm, and Cafe Bar is open from 4:00 am until the last flight of the day. Marqette Café and Wrights Food Fayre are also 24-hour food options in this terminal.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 offers comfortable armchairs in the Oak Café Bar, especially if you can snag two together. The PRM Room near Gates 407-408 also has a few couches, and airport staff has been known to nap there during breaks. The upstairs level of Terminal 2, where the 24-hour McDonald's is located, is a popular choice for travellers due to the food options and cushioned benches. Additionally, the 51st & Green Lounge in Terminal 2 offers shower facilities accessible for a fee or with a Priority Pass. Coffee Daily in Terminal 2, Arrivals, offers snacks and beverages for odd-hour travellers.

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Security and safety

When sleeping at Dublin Airport, it is important to take precautions to ensure the security and safety of yourself and your belongings. While the airport is open 24 hours a day, security checkpoints do not open until around 3:30 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Therefore, if you plan to sleep at the airport, it is recommended to arrive early and be aware of your surroundings.

To enhance your security and comfort while sleeping at the airport, consider the following tips:

  • Choose a secure location: The public area of the terminals before the security checkpoint is generally considered a safe option. The food courts have movable seats that can be adjusted to create a more comfortable sleeping arrangement.
  • Protect your belongings: Always keep your valuables secure and within sight. Lock your bags and never leave them unattended, even when you are sleeping.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Dublin Airport is a busy transportation hub, and it can get crowded, especially around 4:30 a.m. Pay attention to your surroundings and keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times.
  • Consider using a hotel: If you feel uncomfortable sleeping in the airport, there are hotels located near the airport, such as the Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport and the Radisson BLU Hotel Dublin Airport, which offer complimentary shuttle services for their guests. These hotels can provide a more secure and comfortable sleeping environment.
  • Use sleep pods or lounges: Dublin Airport offers sleep pods in Terminal 1 and lounges in both terminals that can be booked for a more comfortable and secure sleeping experience.
  • Follow airport guidelines: The airport police may ask for your passport or tickets to allow you to spend the night on the premises. Have these documents readily available and follow any instructions provided by the airport staff.

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can enhance your security and safety when sleeping at Dublin Airport. Remember to be considerate of other travellers and airport staff, and choose a location that makes you feel comfortable and secure.

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Nearby hotels

If you're looking for a good night's sleep near Dublin Airport, there are several hotels in the vicinity that can be easily reached on foot or by shuttle. Here are some options:

Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport

The Maldron Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the airport and offers a free 24-hour airport shuttle service. The hotel provides convenient access to the airport and Dublin city centre attractions.

Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport

The Radisson Blu Hotel is another convenient option, also offering a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle. This hotel is located on the airport grounds, making it an excellent choice for easy access to the terminals.

Metro Hotel Dublin Airport

The Metro Hotel is just a 7-minute drive from Dublin Airport and provides an airport shuttle service for its guests. The hotel boasts 88 newly refurbished guest rooms with modern amenities, including high-speed wireless internet, tea/coffee making facilities, and flat-screen TVs. It also offers a variety of room options, from double rooms to spacious family suites.

Carlton Hotel

The Carlton Hotel is a short distance from the airport and provides guests with a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service.

Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport

The Holiday Inn Express is a little further afield but still offers a convenient airport shuttle bus that operates from 4:00 am to 11:30 pm.

Dublin Airport Premier Inn

For those on a budget, the Dublin Airport Premier Inn is a more affordable option, with free shuttle buses available to and from the airport.

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Airport facilities

Dublin Airport offers a range of facilities for passengers with layovers or those looking to rest before their flight. The airport consists of two interconnected and walkable terminals, with Terminal 1 servicing mainly short-haul regional flights and Terminal 2 handling most of the longer-haul international flights.

Both terminals offer 24-hour food options, and there are several seating options with armrests in the food courts, which can be moved to create a more comfortable resting area. Terminal 2 has a quiet catering area on the first floor, with leather chairs, which is usually quiet between 10 pm and 5 am. There is also a Multi-Faith Prayer Room in the airport, although travellers have reported being kicked out by security guards, so it may be best to avoid this area. There are also VIP lounges in the terminal, but these are closed at night. There are two hotels within the airport grounds, and many more in the surrounding area, which offer free shuttle buses for their guests.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are several areas in the departures hall where you can sit down and rest. You can also go through security and rest at the gates or in the shopping and food areas. The airport is very busy from around 4:30 am onwards, so it may be difficult to find a quiet spot at this time. Security checkpoints begin to open around this time, so you may be asked to move by staff.

Dublin Airport offers unlimited free WiFi, and there are mobile charging points available. There are also ATMs, internet kiosks, baby-changing facilities, and prayer rooms. The airport is open 24 hours, 364 days a year, so you can access these facilities at any time.

Frequently asked questions

The most comfortable spots to sleep at Dublin Airport are in the public area of the terminals, before the security checkpoint. In Terminal 2, there is a prayer room and the PRM lounge, which are ideal for getting some sleep. There are also sleep pods in Terminal 1, though these require you to curl up into a ball.

Yes, there are two hotels within the airport grounds: the Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport and the Radisson BLU Hotel Dublin Airport.

Yes, there are several hotels near Dublin Airport that provide airport shuttle services, including the Metro Hotel Dublin Airport, Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport, and the Carlton Hotel.

Yes, Dublin Airport can get quite cold at night, so it is recommended to bring a sleeping bag or blankets. Also, protect your belongings at all times, as theft can occur.

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