Sleeping in Airports

Cincinnati Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Cincinnati 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.

I almost went to sleep on the electric cart! – Amanda

CVG Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

What to Expect

Cincinnati Airport (code: CVG) has a main terminal with two concourses (A and B), connected by an underground train and walkway. The main terminal is where you will find check-in, baggage claim and a meeting point. There are several shops and restaurants, all of which are closed overnight. If you’re staying late into the evening, buy some snacks and drinks for later. While amenities are limited, WiFi is available to pass the time. For added comfort, economy class passengers can pay to use one of the first class lounges. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and access information.

Sleeping in Cincinnati Airport

cincinnati airport guideIf you find yourself with an overnight layover at Cincinnati Airport, there are a few good spots worth seeking out. The area around the Concourse A Starbucks is a favourite as it has curved, comfortable couches free of armrests. There is also a rest area in Concourse B by the McDonalds, with padded chairs and plenty of power outlets. A grassy area near the Limousine Parking Lot is nice on warmer days. It’s worth bringing some warm layers and a sleeping mask, as a few travellers have reported cold air conditioning and bright lights overnight. If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep, there is a hotel directly connected to the airport and others nearby that are connected by shuttles.   See Airport Hotels in the guide below or read traveller 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 website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Cincinnati 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 are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

  • The Club at CVG –The lounge has a designated rest zone. Location: Airside, Concourse A, between Gates A8 and A10. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Escape Lounge at CVG – The lounge has comfortable seating, fast WiFi and a variety of food and beverages. Location: Airside, Concourse B, between Gates B21 and B23. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (USD 45) • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs. Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Sun-Fri) and 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Sat).

Airline Lounges (Members only)

  • Delta Sky Club – Location: near Gate B14. Lounge Access: Elite Status • Lounge membership programs.

Military Lounge

  • USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Locations: Concourse A, Airside, Gate A11 • Concourse B, Airside, Gate 23 (Temporarily Closed).

Related Pages: Cincinnati Airport Lounges

airport hotelsAirport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Cincinnati Airport that provide free airport shuttles:

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Cincinnati Airport Hotel – The only on-site airport hotel. Free airport shuttle on demand.  » Check Rates
  • Cincinnati Airport Marriott – Free airport shuttle is available on request.  » Check Rates
  • Hampton Inn Cincinnati Airport North – Free airport shuttle is available upon request.  » Check Rates
  • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Free airport shuttle is available.  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Cincinnati Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

wifiAirport WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Cincinnati Airport in the ticketing, baggage claim areas, and gate areas.

more 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 check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside.

Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available in the Baggage Claim, Terminal Garage and pre-Security. Rate: $5 per cart.

Chapel – If you need a moment for prayer or silent reflection, an interfaith room is available. The room includes literature, reading areas and prayer rugs. Location: Concourse B, near Gate 14.

Currency Exchange – 5/3 Bank offers currency exchange services. Location: Concourse B, Gate 12. Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM.

Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside near Gate 12. In addition, a small selection of retail stores and newsstands is available throughout the terminal. The Gaslight Market at Gate A17 or Over the Rhine Market at Gate A4 may be handy for last-minute snacks and drinks.

Family Services

  • Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to one of the children’s play areas. Locations: Airside, Concourse A, Gate 4 • Airside, Concourse B, Food Court.
  • Diaper Changing Facilities – If you are travelling with an infant, family washrooms with diaper-changing tables are available. Location: Concourse A, near Gate 11 • Concourse B, near Gate 13.
  • Nursing Suites – Two Mamava Pods are available which offer a private space to breastfeed and include a place to sit, AC and USB outlet for charging plus enough space for a small family. Locations: Concourse A, near Gate 4 • Concourse B, near Gate 15.

Fitness – Need to burn off some energy before your flight? Follow one of the four marked Fitness Paths.

Food & Drinks – Most food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options. Vending machines are also available, both Landside and Airside.

Information Desk – Have any questions? There are information desks available to provide assistance. Locations: Landside, Baggage Claim Area • Airside, Concourse A, Food Court • Airside, Concourse B, Food Court. Hours: unknown.

Luggage Storage & Lockers – Not available.

Mobile Charging – At the time of this update we can confirm that mobile charging is available in the Concourse B Food Court. If you know of additional charging points, click here to update this airport guide.

Postal Services – Drop off your last minute postcards at the airport’s mailbox. Location: Ticketing area.

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.

Rest Zones – Relax in comfy seats while you recharge yourself and your electronics. Location: Concourse B, Food Court area.

Water Stations – Thirsty? Water bottle refill stations are available throughout the airport terminal.

Work Zones – The airport offers private workbooths (jabbrrbox) for rent in several locations. The booths are equipped for video conferencing and private calls and each has its own secure Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth connectivity, speakers and a camera. Rates: $15 for 30 mins • $30 for 60 mins • $45 for 90 mins • $60 for 120 mins. Locations: Concourse B at Gate 16 • Concourse A at Gate 2.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours. The TSA security checkpoint schedule can be found on the TSA PreCheck website.

Keep in mind that TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the secure area (airside) until the morning.

airlinesAirlines

Cincinnati airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Alaska Airlines • Allegiant Airlines • American Airlines • Apple Vacations • Breeze • British Airways • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • Southwest Airlines • Sun Country Airlines • United Airlines • Vacation Express • Viva Aerobus.

transportationAirport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

The Airporter is a fast and economic express bus service between CVG airport and downtown Cincinnati or downtown Covington. Bus fare is only $1.50 per person (cash) and $3.50 per person for unlimited day pass. For route maps and schedules, visit the TANK website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies can be reached via direct-dial courtesy phones in the baggage claim area: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Sixt • Thrifty • Zipcar. Courtesy shuttles run between the airport and the car rental lots every 5 – 10 minutes.  Visit our travel partner at Tripadvisor to search for car rentals deals.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service:  Comfort Inn Airport Turfway Road   •   Comfort Suites Cincinnati Airport   •   Courtyard Cincinnati Airport   •   Doubletree Cincinnati Airport Hotel   •   Hampton Inn Cincinnati/Airport South   •   Hilton Cincinnati Airport   •  Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport   •   Hyatt Place Cincinnati Airport/Florence   •   La Quinta Inn & Suites Cincinnati Airport Florence   •   Marriott Cincinnati Airport   •  Quality Inn & Suites CVG Airport  •    Tru by Hilton Cincinnati Airport South Florence.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in the ground transportation area of the terminal on a 24-hour basis. All taxis are metered and reservations are not required. At the time of this update, a one way fare from the airport to downtown Cincinnati is $34. Executive van and car service is also available, with service desks located in the baggage claim area.

Cincinnati Airport Photos

Related Pages: Cincinnati Airport Photos

Last updated: 2024-02-06

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.