Sachin Walls
London Stansted Airport is open 24 hours, but there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. While some people do sleep in the airport, staff are reportedly less tolerant of sleepers than they used to be, and may wake you up. If you're looking for somewhere comfortable to sleep, there are two hotels connected to the airport by covered walkways: the Hampton by Hilton and the Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport. There are also several other hotels nearby, including the Premier Inn London Stansted Airport, which is a 10-minute drive away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping in the airport | Not allowed by airport officials |
| Sleeping equipment | Not allowed |
| Sleeping on the floor | Not allowed |
| Sleeping upright in a chair | Allowed |
| Hotels in the airport | Hampton by Hilton, Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport |
| Nearby hotels | Premier Inn London Stansted Airport hotel |
| Free Wi-Fi | Available for four hours |
| Safety | Generally safe, but watch out for pickpockets and petty theft |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport vs. nearby hotels
London Stansted Airport is open 24 hours, and sleeping there overnight is possible, though not necessarily pleasant. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones, but there are some benches and padded seats available. The airport is small, crowded, and brightly lit, so it is recommended that you bring a sleeping mask, headphones, or earplugs. Some areas of the terminal may be closed at night, and you may be asked to move to the Arrivals area or bus waiting lounge. In addition, security staff may wake you up to check your pass.
If you are not prepared to sleep on the floor, there are a couple of hotels connected to the airport by covered walkways. These include the Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport and the Hampton By Hilton London Stansted Airport, which are both just a five-minute walk from the terminal. The Radisson Blu offers day rooms for four and eight-hour blocks between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport is 1.8 km/1.1 miles away and offers a paid shuttle service for £4 per person. Other nearby hotels include the Desalis Hotel London Stansted, Old Thatch Bambers Green, Stanwell Stansted Airport, and Warmans Barn.
If you are looking for a quiet place to sleep, a hotel might be a better option than the airport. The tannoy announcements in the airport start early, around 03:00, and other passengers may talk on the phone or make noise. However, hotels near the airport can be expensive, with the Radisson Blu charging £150 for a family room, and the Premier Inn Tottenham Hale costing £150 per night.
If you are on a budget, you might consider sleeping in the airport and bringing your own sleeping gear, though be aware that the use of sleeping bags is not permitted. You could also follow the advice of one budget traveller, who suggests heading to a nearby McDonald's, which is usually open late, heated, and has food.
Whatever you decide, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables, as sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone.
Victoria, BC: Airport Accessibility and Travel Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Tips for sleeping in the airport
London Stansted Airport is open 24 hours, but it does not have dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. The airport's official policy discourages overnight sleeping, and staff actively wake sleepers to enforce this. If you're looking for a place to sleep, there are informal spots with benches and padded seats available. However, there are also reports of limited seating, with most seats equipped with armrests.
- Keep your valuables safe: Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It's important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep.
- Consider staying in a nearby hotel: If you're not prepared to sleep on the floor or in a chair, there are hotels connected to the airport or nearby that you can consider. These include the Hampton by Hilton and Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport, both a five-minute walk from the terminal via covered walkways. Several other nearby hotels offer airport shuttles for a fee.
- Be prepared for noise: Tannoy announcements in the airport start early, around 3:00 AM, and other passengers may talk on their phones or make noise. If you're a light sleeper, consider bringing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
- Bring a sleeping bag or blanket: While not officially allowed, some travellers have reported using sleeping bags and blankets without being stopped by airport staff. These can provide additional comfort and warmth while sleeping in the airport.
- Arrive early to find a good spot: The airport can get busy, especially the floor space landside. If you want a quiet spot, it's better to arrive early and secure a comfortable place to rest.
Airport Extreme Router Address: How to Find It
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Annoyances of sleeping in the airport
Sleeping in an airport is never ideal, and London Stansted Airport is no exception. Here are some annoyances you may encounter if you plan to sleep in the airport:
Lack of Comfort
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones at Stansted Airport. While there are informal spots with benches and padded seats, these may not be very comfortable for sleeping, especially if you have a long layover or overnight stay. You may find yourself sleeping on the floor or in a chair, which can be uncomfortable and leave you with a sore neck.
Noise and Announcements
The airport is open 24 hours, and tannoy announcements start early in the morning (around 3:00 am). Other passengers may also be talking on their phones or making noise, making it difficult to get a peaceful night's sleep.
Security Checks and Staff Interruption
Security staff may wake you up to check your pass or ticket, especially if you are sleeping in the secure area of the terminal. Airport staff seem to be less tolerant of overnight sleepers and may interrupt your sleep as the airport is trying to prevent people from sleeping there.
Limited Facilities
While the airport offers basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and mobile charging points, there are no cots or other sleeping accommodations provided for stranded travellers. You may need to bring your own sleeping bag or blanket, and finding a comfortable place to sleep can be challenging.
Safety and Security Concerns
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. You need to be vigilant about your belongings due to the risk of pickpockets and petty theft. It is essential to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras near your sleeping area.
California's Airports: Location and Travel Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hotels connected to the airport
If you're looking for a place to stay that's connected to Stansted Airport, there are a few options available. Firstly, the Hampton by Hilton hotel is connected to the terminal via a covered walkway and is just a five-minute walk away. The Radisson Blu Hotel is also a five-minute walk from the terminal via a covered walkway, and they offer day rooms for four and eight-hour blocks between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
While not directly connected to the airport, several other nearby hotels offer convenient access to the airport. The Novotel London Stansted Airport, for example, is a six-minute bus ride away, while the Days Inn is just a five-minute drive. The Linden Stansted, located in Stansted Mountfitchet, is a seven-minute walk from the station and offers non-smoking rooms and free WiFi.
If you're looking for a quiet place to rest before or after your flight, these hotels connected to or near the airport can provide a more comfortable alternative to sleeping in the airport itself. The airport staff have been known to be less tolerant of overnight sleepers, and the early tannoy announcements can be disruptive.
London's LTN Airport: All You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$45.99 $59.99
$29.99 $31.99
$39.98
$28.79 $35.99
Other nearby hotels
While there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones at London Stansted Airport, there are several hotels nearby. Here are some options for places to stay near the airport:
- Novotel London Stansted Airport — Features a stylish bar and offers modern bedrooms. It is a 6-minute bus ride from the airport terminal.
- The Linden Stansted — Located in Stansted Mountfitchet, it is a 7-minute walk from Stansted Mountfitchet Station. It offers a terrace, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi.
- Days Inn — Just a 5-minute drive from the airport and close to the M11. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception.
- The Stables — Located in Takeley, it is 4.5 miles from Stansted Mountfitchet Station and 11 miles from Audley End House.
- The Dairy — Also in Takeley, it is 4.4 miles from Stansted Mountfitchet Station and 11 miles from Audley End House.
- The Chancellor's House — Features Victorian architecture and furnishings. It is located in Braintree, about 15 minutes from the airport.
- Bespoke 1 Bedroom Barn by Stansted Airport & Holiday Parking — Located 5 minutes from the airport, it offers breakfast and dinner at the hotel restaurant.
- Foxglove House & Hot Tub Stansted Airport — Provides accommodations with access to a hot tub. It is 5.6 miles from Stansted Mountfitchet Station.
- One Granary Barns — Offers a garden and accommodations in Elsenham. It provides access to a terrace, free private parking, and free WiFi.
Exploring Bogota Airport: Things to Do and See
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep overnight at Stansted Airport. However, staff may wake you up to check your passes, and some travellers have reported feeling annoyed by those sleeping in the airport. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, but there are informal spots with benches and padded seats available.
Yes, there are two hotels connected to the airport by covered walkways: Hampton by Hilton and Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport. There are also several nearby hotels, such as the Premier Inn London Stansted Airport, that offer airport shuttles for a fee.
Yes, there are numerous other options available, including B&Bs and Airbnb. There are also 24-hour coach services available.
Yes, it is recommended to sleep in the public area of the terminal, as there is more space and you are less likely to be woken up by staff checking passes. It is also a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep.
