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Birmingham Airport (BHX) is a busy airport that stays open 24 hours a day. If you're looking for a place to sleep in the airport, there are a few options available. The airport does not provide cots or dedicated sleeping areas, and the seats are reportedly uncomfortable for sleeping. However, you may find some quiet spots and flat surfaces for rest in closed restaurants or near certain cafes and shops. The airport is noisy and brightly lit, so it is recommended to bring noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs, and an eye mask. If you prefer a more comfortable option, there are several hotels within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the airport, including the Novotel Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport, and Ibis Budget Birmingham Airport. These hotels offer convenient accommodations and essential amenities for a restful overnight stay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | BHX |
| Location | Birmingham International Airport, UK |
| Facilities | Lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels |
| Seating | Uncomfortable, limited armrest-free benches |
| Safety | No dedicated sleeping areas, bright lights, noise |
| Nearby Hotels | Novotel Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport, Ibis Budget Birmingham Airport, Travelodge Birmingham Airport Hotel |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping inside the airport
Birmingham Airport is open 24 hours a day, but once the security checkpoints close for the night, passengers are restricted to the landside area. The terminal is noisy, with bright lights throughout the day and night, so a sleeping mask, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are recommended. Seats are also uncomfortable and challenging to find, so your best option may be to lie on the floor, preferably with a sleeping bag or travel mat. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones.
There are VIP lounges available, but these close at night. One traveller found a nook of comfortable seating on the Landside near the ticketing counters, and another recommended the Arrival area downstairs, where they slept near a Starbucks with access to charging points and bathrooms. If you're travelling alone, it's recommended that you stay near other travellers or close to security. Make sure you know where the security office is located, and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. Hide your valuables, as sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, and you don't want to make yourself a target for theft.
If sleeping in the airport doesn't sound appealing, there are several hotels within walking distance of the airport, including Novotel Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport, Ibis Budget Birmingham Airport and Travelodge Birmingham Airport Hotel. These hotels offer a more comfortable sleeping environment and may be a better option if you're looking for uninterrupted sleep. Additionally, some travellers have reported being offered a hotel voucher if their flight was cancelled or delayed, so it's worth checking with your airline.
Finally, keep in mind that there is no left-luggage service available overnight, so you will need to stay with your bags until check-in time the next morning. The only food options open in the evening are Costa and Greggs cafes in the Arrivals area, so be sure to purchase any water or snacks you may need before things shut down for the night.
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Nearby hotels
If sleeping at the airport doesn't sound appealing, there are several nearby hotels to choose from. Birmingham Airport is located 13km from Birmingham city centre, so there are plenty of accommodation options in the area. Here are some of the closest hotels to the airport:
- Novotel Hotel – A 2-minute walk from the terminal.
- Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport – A 4-minute walk to the terminal, and they provide a free shuttle service.
- Ibis Budget Birmingham Airport – A short walk from the terminal.
- Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport – NEC – Offers a complimentary shuttle bus service to and from the airport.
- Arden Hotel and Leisure Club – Provides a free shuttle service.
- Premier Inn Birmingham NEC Airport – Features a complimentary shuttle service.
- Crowne Plaza Solihull – Offers a free shuttle service, making it a good choice for business and leisure travellers.
These hotels provide comfortable accommodations and essential amenities for a restful overnight stay. By choosing one of these spots, you can ensure a more relaxing layover experience at Birmingham Airport.
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Safety precautions
Birmingham Airport is generally considered a safe place to spend the night, and airport staff tolerate overnight sleepers. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. Here are some safety precautions to consider when sleeping in Birmingham Airport:
Safety First
It is recommended to know where the security office is located and to look for video cameras near your chosen sleeping spot. Asking security personnel for advice on the safest places to sleep is also a good idea.
Don't Seclude Yourself
If you are travelling alone, it is best to stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help deter potential thieves and make you feel more secure.
Hide Your Valuables
It is important not to leave valuables out in the open, as this could make you a target for theft.
Stay Alert
If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, it is best to stay alert and awake. Drinking caffeinated beverages can help keep you awake, and you can always catch up on sleep during your flight.
In addition to these precautions, it is worth noting that the airport is brightly lit and noisy at all hours, so eyeshades and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are recommended for a better night's sleep.
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Sleeping gear
If you're planning on sleeping at Birmingham Airport, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, the airport is open 24 hours, but once the security checkpoints close for the night, passengers are restricted to the landside area. The terminal is noisy and brightly lit, so it's recommended to bring a sleeping mask, earplugs, or noise-cancelling headphones. The seating is described as uncomfortable and challenging to find, so you may want to consider bringing a sleeping bag or travel mat if you're planning on sleeping on the floor.
- Sleeping bag or travel mat: As the floor may be your best option for sleeping, a comfortable sleeping bag or travel mat is essential.
- Eye mask: To block out the bright lights, an eye mask will help you get some uninterrupted sleep.
- Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones: To block out the noise, don't forget to pack earplugs or your favourite noise-cancelling headphones.
- Valuables protection: It's important to keep your valuables safe. Consider bringing a money belt or a hidden pouch to keep your passport, money, and other important items secure.
- Lightweight clothing: Airports can get chilly at night, so pack a lightweight jacket or a travel blanket to stay warm.
- Travel pillow: If you're used to sleeping with a pillow, bring a small, inflatable travel pillow for added comfort.
- Toiletries: Basic toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and face wash can help you feel refreshed in the morning.
Remember to always keep an eye on your belongings and stay in well-lit, busy areas if you're sleeping in the airport.
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Food and drink
Birmingham Airport offers a wide variety of food and drink options for travellers. If you're looking for a quick bite or something on the go, there are several cafes and coffee shops to choose from, including Costa Coffee, Starbucks, World News Cafe, Cafe Ritazza, and Caffe Nero. These cafes offer a range of hot and cold drinks, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Greggs is also available and is open 24 hours a day for hungry travellers.
For a more substantial meal, there are pubs, fast food outlets, and restaurants available. Burger King, Factory, and Franky and Bennie's offer classic American diner options like burgers, chips, and pizzas. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, Shelby & Co. Bar + Kitchen, All Bar One, and Wetherspoon Bar and Restaurant offer a more sophisticated atmosphere with a variety of food and drink options, including brunch, burgers, salads, and alcoholic beverages.
If you're arriving at the airport and need to pick up some groceries, there is a Spar supermarket located near the entrance of the main Arrivals terminal, as well as an M&S Simply Food store. M&S Simply Food offers a deli section, snacks, and drinks, while Spar provides a range of hot and cold sandwiches, takeaway meals, and general groceries. Both stores are open 24 hours a day.
It's important to note that food and drink options may vary between terminals, and some outlets may operate on different schedules. Additionally, while there are no 24-hour dining options at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport, you can find a variety of food concessions throughout the terminal, including the Scoreboard Bar and Cafe, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and The Great American Bagel.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Birmingham Airport is open 24 hours a day, so you can sleep in the public area once the security checkpoint closes at night. However, the airport is known for its loud noise and bright lights, so it is recommended that you bring a sleeping mask, earplugs or headphones.
No, there are no hotels inside Birmingham Airport. However, there are several hotels within walking distance or a short shuttle ride away, including the Novotel Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport, Ibis Budget Birmingham Airport, Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport, Arden Hotel and Leisure Club, Premier Inn Birmingham NEC Airport, and Crowne Plaza Solihull.
Sleeping on the floor with a sleeping bag or travel mat is likely to be more comfortable than the airport seats, which are hard and uncomfortable for sleeping. The upstairs massage machines in Terminal 1 are also quieter and more comfortable.
