Heathrow Airport: Best Places To Sleep Over

Heathrow Airport is one of the world's busiest airports, with over 60 million passengers travelling through in 2022. The airport is open 24 hours a day, but the protocol may vary depending on your arrival time and terminal. Each of the four terminals (T2, T3, T4, and T5) offers different comfort levels and sleeping options.

For example, Terminal 2, also known as the Queen's Terminal, has plenty of sleep-friendly seating, but privacy and dim lighting might be scarce. Terminal 3 offers designated rest zones with sofas and lounges, and security may guide people to one central area overnight. Terminal 4's airside may close overnight, so the landside section is a better option. Terminal 5 offers a rest zone with couches and snack machines, as well as lounges with additional amenities.

In addition to these options within the terminals, there are also several hotels located inside and near the airport, as well as lounges that offer short-term or overnight stays for a fee.

Sleeping spots in Terminal 2

Terminal 2, also known as the Queen's Terminal, offers plenty of sleep-friendly seating. However, privacy and dim lighting might be scarce, so it's recommended to bring an eye mask.

For a more secluded spot, there is a quiet zone when walking to gates B31-B49 from the A gates. To find it, don't get on the escalator and instead, take the lift down.

If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are sleep cabins in Terminal 2. The Plaza Premium Lounge offers private resting suites, a spacious and peaceful atmosphere, and unlimited WiFi and charging facilities. The No1 Lounge is another option, which also offers a peaceful escape with a library area and unlimited WiFi and charging.

Sleeping spots in Terminal 3

Terminal 3 offers designated rest zones with sofas and lounges, making it a good option for sleeping. However, it's worth noting that overnight, security staff may guide people to one central area, which could affect your sleep quality.

One good sleeping spot in Terminal 3 is above Departures, near Pret a Manger, where you'll find padded, armrest-free benches and plenty of power outlets.

If you're looking for more comfort, Terminal 3 has several lounge options, including the American Airlines Admirals Club, Centurion Lounge, Club Aspire, No. 1 Heathrow Lounge, Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge, and the Regus Express Business Lounge. These lounges offer private napping areas with beds and packages starting at 3-hour rates.

For uninterrupted sleep, there's a hotel in the Arrivals area of Terminal 3.

Sleeping spots in Terminal 4

If you're looking for a place to sleep in Heathrow's Terminal 4, there are a few options to consider. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you find a comfortable spot to rest before your flight:

• Yotel Heathrow Airport: Located inside Terminal 4, Yotel offers trendy purple cabins that can be booked by the hour, ranging from 4 to 24 hours. The rooms are compact but well-equipped, with amenities like complimentary tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a monsoon shower. It's a perfect choice if you want to be just a stone's throw away from departures.
• Landside section of Terminal 4: The airside section may close overnight, so the landside area is recommended for sleeping. However, if you're not an EU resident, you might be directed to Terminal 3. This area offers lounges like Art & Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge, and SkyTeam Lounge.
• Hotels near Terminal 4: There are several hotels within walking distance or a quick transfer from Terminal 4. The Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Premier Inn, and Holiday Inn Express are connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. These hotels offer comfortable rooms, dining options, and other amenities to make your stay convenient and relaxing.
• Lounges in Terminal 4: If you're looking for a place to rest and relax, consider the lounges available in Terminal 4. Options include Art & Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge, and SkyTeam Lounge. These lounges often provide comfortable seating, refreshments, and other facilities to enhance your airport experience.
• Nearby Heathrow Hotels: If you don't mind staying a bit further away from the terminal, there are affordable hotels nearby. The Ibis Heathrow, for example, offers free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour bar, and a restaurant. The Mercure Hotel Heathrow is another option, featuring a free gym, kids' club, and comfortable rooms. These hotels usually require a short transfer or shuttle ride to reach Terminal 4.

Sleeping spots in Terminal 5

Heathrow Airport is open 24 hours a day, but the protocol may vary depending on your arrival time and your specific terminal. The airport does not have any scheduled flights after 10:55 pm and before 4:40 am, so it does quiet down slightly in the evening, making it a more feasible time for some shut-eye.

The floor above Departures

The floor above Departures has some armrest-free benches near the G area.

VIP Lounges

VIP lounges have showers available if you want to clean up and have a more private and comfortable space, but they close for the night, so this is more of an option for long daytime stopovers.

Sofitel (Terminal 5)

Luxury hotel with 605 rooms, two restaurants, and conference facilities. Sofitel is just a short walk via a covered walkway from Terminal 5.

Hilton London Heathrow (Terminal 5)

Hilton London Heathrow is another hotel option, located within walking distance of Terminal 5.

Aspire Lounge & Spa (Terminal 5)

The Aspire Lounge & Spa in Terminal 5 offers a rest zone with couches and snack machines.

Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 5)

The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 5 also has showers and private resting suites available for a fee.

Hotels near Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport is located 3.6 miles from Hounslow city centre. There are several hotels within a mile of Heathrow Airport, including:

• Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminal 2 and 3 – This hotel offers free WiFi, a restaurant, a fitness centre, and is within walking distance of the airport.
• Leonardo London Heathrow Airport – This centrally-located hotel offers free WiFi, a restaurant, and a fitness centre.
• Holiday Inn Express London Heathrow T4 – This hotel is within walking distance of the airport and offers free breakfast, free WiFi, and two restaurants.
• Aerotel London Heathrow T2 & T3 – This hotel is centrally located and offers free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk.
• Radisson Blu Heathrow Hotel & Conference Centre, London – This centrally-located hotel offers free WiFi, two restaurants, and a spa.

There are also several hotels connected to the airport terminals, including:

• Aerotel – Located in Terminal 3 Arrivals, this hotel offers 82 guest rooms that can be booked in blocks of 6, 9, or 12 hours, or overnight.
• Sofitel – This luxury hotel is connected to Terminal 5 via a covered walkway and offers free transfers to the other terminals.
• Hilton – Located within a 10-minute walk of Terminal 4 via a covered walkway, this hotel also offers a bus service to the other terminals.
• Premier Inn (T4) – This hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Terminal 4 and is accessible via the same covered walkway as the Hilton. A bus service also connects the hotel to the other terminals.

Frequently asked questions