Sleeping in Airports

Port Elizabeth Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Port Elizabeth Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

PLZ Airport Overview

port elizabeth airport guideTo help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Port Elizabeth International Airport.

What to Expect

Port Elizabeth Airport (code: PLZ)  has a small, modern terminal that handles domestic routes. Facilities include three eateries, two cafes, and a few shops. WiFi is free for four hours or 500MB, whichever you hit first. Economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for location and access information.

Sleeping in Port Elizabeth Airport

We do not yet have any sleep-related airport reviews.  Have a backup plan if you’re planning to spend the night.  For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s web site for current information.  For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Port Elizabeth Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Bidvest Premier Lounge – Location: Domestic Departures Terminal, Airside, 1st Level. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s web site.

  • SAA Baobab Domestic Premium Class Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal, Airside.

Related Pages: Port Elizabeth Airport Lounges

airport hotelsAirport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Port Elizabeth Airport:

  • Road Lodge Port Elizabeth Airport Hotel – 150 meters from the terminal. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
  • Pine Tree Guest Lodge – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
  • Nova Boutique Hotel – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Port Elizabeth, search deals and read traveller reviews.

wifiAirport WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Port Elizabeth Airport for up to 4 hours or 500MB, whichever comes first. Connect to the “Airports Free” network. Registration requires an email address and contact number. Once you have reached the maximum (hours or data) you may purchase additional service.

airport infoMore Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Location: in the hallway between Departures and Arrivals.

Baby Care Facilities – If you are travelling with an infant, changing facilities are available in some restrooms both airside and landside.

Duty Free & Shopping – There is no duty-free at Port Elizabeth. There is a central landside retail area with a few souvenir shops.

Food & Drink – At the time of this update, no 24-hour options are available. The airport offers 3 restaurants and 2 coffee shops.

Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit the airport’s information desk for assistance. Location: Arrivals area.

Luggage Storage & Lockers – Not available.

Medical Services – If you feel unwell or injure yourself, first aid services are available. Seek an airport staff member for assistance.

Mobile Charging – At the time of this update, we did not have any information about mobile charging availability. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Observation Deck – Relax and watch planes taking off and landing from the vantage point of the airport’s observation deck.

Pharmacy – The Mart Kiosk offers pharmaceutical products.

Postal Services – Drop off your last minute postcards to friends and family from airport’s mailbox. Location: Departures Hall.

Prayer Area – Yes. Seek an airport staff member for access to the prayer room.

Rest Zones – There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Showers – Not available.

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 5:30AM – 10:00PM (Mon – Fri & Sun) • 7:00AM – 7:00PM (Sat).

airlinesAirlines

Port Elizabeth airport is served by the following airlines: British Airways • Cemair • FlySafair • Mango Airlines • SA Airlink • South African Airways • South African Express.

transportationTransportation

Car Rentals

These car rental agencies offer services on-site: Avis • Bidvest Car Rental • Dollar • Europcar • First Car Rental • Hertz • Tempest • Thrifty • Woodford Car Hire.

Hotel Shuttles

See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Metered taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area.

Last updated: 2024-01-31

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.