Sleeping in Airports

Hong Kong Airport Guide

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

we actually just slept on the floor because we were so tired and didn’t have time to look for somewhere better. My dad crawled under the seats so as to be out of the way. – Steve

HKG 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 Hong Kong International Airport.

What to Expect

Hong Kong Airport (code: HKG) is a massive complex featuring one terminal with two separate concourses (T1 Satellite Concourse and T1 Midfield Concourse). At the time of our October 2023 update, Terminal 2 had been demolished and will be rebuilt. The terminal should reopen by the end of 2024. While the concourses are connected by a driverless train, getting around may still require significant walking despite moving sidewalks. Wear comfy shoes! There are plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options throughout the airport. Head to Terminal 1 to shop at the SkyMart. Free WiFi and plenty of power outlets are available; however, they only take Hong Kong/English plugs and USB. For additional comfort, passengers can pay to use one of the 24-hour airport lounges, some of which offer showers. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for location and hours.

Hong Kong Airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of a Guest Traveller / November 2019)

Sleeping in Hong Kong Airport

This airport can get very busy with travellers, so it’s best to arrive early in the evening to secure a good spot to rest. There is limited seating in the landside/public areas, but you’ll find plenty more in the airside side of the terminal. You’ll come across numerous seats and benches, many of which do not have armrests. Some secluded areas offer a bit of privacy, but you will need to search for them. If you prefer sleeping on the floor, you can find decent spots away from foot traffic. It’s a good idea to bring an extra layer to use as cushioning on the hard floors.

Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:

  • A relaxing bed near Gate 214.
  • Terminal 1, at Gate 26, some permanently reclined lounge chairs are behind the bathrooms and water station, facing the tarmac.
  • Hong Kong Airport offers designated zones with comfortable rest chairs, perfect for tired travellers looking to relax and enjoy some stress-free time before their flight.
  • Take the stairs near Gate 23 to a relaxation room with comfortable reclining seats. It is often crowded, so keep your eyes peeled for a seat to open up.

The terminal remains busy at all hours and is considered very loud at night, especially when cleaning staff are about, so bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.

For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels at Terminal 1 and several others nearby that provide shuttle service. See locations in the  Airport Hotels section below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips or click here to write your review.

Good to Know

Be careful about staying landside. There have been multiple reports of scam artists preying on tourists, asking for money or beer.

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 Hong Kong 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 Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Hong Kong Airport Hotels & Day Rooms

Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
  • Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
  • Day Rooms: Yes
  • Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those looking to sleep comfortably at Hong Kong Airport.   If you are on a layover in Terminal 1, you don’t have to go through security as there are sleep cabins with short-term rates. In the public area, there is a hotel connected to Terminal 1 and several nearby hotels offering free airport shuttles.

Hotel at Hong Kong Airport
  • Regal Airport Hotel – Connected to Terminal 1 via an air-conditioned bridge. The hotel is a two-minute walk or 1-minute drive via scheduled airport shuttle. Day rooms are available for use from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport
  • Novotel Hotel Citygate – Free airport shuttle runs 6:00 AM – 11:40 PM. Departs from Terminal 1,  Car Park 1, Bay 11-14. » Check Rates
  • Sky City Marriott – A free airport shuttle runs from 05:00 AM – 12:45 PM. Departs from Terminal 1, Car Park 1, Bay 10/14. If you require assistance, you can find an Airport Representative at the B05 Marriott Counter in Terminal 1. » Check Rate

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Hong Kong Airport, search for deals and read traveller reviews.

Airport 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 learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Centurion Lounge  – Location: Terminal 1, airside, Level 7, near Gate 60. Showers are available. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 60) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Level 7, near Gate 60. Private resting areas ($) and showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 35) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Level 6, Gate 35. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 1) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Level 6, near Gate 1. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
  • Plaza Premium First Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, near Gate 1, Level 6, Departures Level. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
  • United Club – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, West Concourse, Level 7, before Gate 61. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.

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 website.

Terminal 1, Airside: Cathay Pacific The Bridge • Cathay Pacific The Deck • Cathay Pacific The Pier Business Class Lounge • Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge • Cathay Pacific The Wing Business Class Lounge • Cathay Pacific The Wing First Class Lounge • Hong Kong Airlines • VIP Lounge Club (Autus) • Qantas Lounge • Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Class Lounge • The Emirates Lounge.

Related Pages: Hong Kong Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

Thirsty? Drinking water stations are available free of charge. Each station dispenses hot and cold water, which is helpful in tea-making or preparing a cup of noodles! There are over 50 stations in the terminal located both Airside and Landside.

Food & Drinks

When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, 24-hour food concessions are available. Check out these vendors:

  • Terminal 1, Landside: Hung Fook Tong (Check-in Aisle F) • McDonald’s (Check-in Aisle F)
  • Terminal 1, Airside: Gordon Ramsay Plane Food to Go (Level 7, food court) • McDonald’s (Level 6, near gate 11) • Men Wah Bing Teng (Near Gate 11, Departures Level, L6)

For snacks and drinks through the night, 7-Eleven can be found Landside, End of Check-in Aisle E, Departures Level (L7) and Arrivals Hall, Arrivals Level (L5).

Luggage Storage & Lockers

If you want to relieve yourself from the burden of heavy baggage, luggage storage is available on an hourly and daily basis. Location: T1, Arrival Hall A, Level 5. Hours: 5:30  AM – 1:30 AM. Rates: HK$ 14 (hourly) • HK$ 1650 (daily).

Mobile Charging

More than 6,700 charging points are available throughout the airport. All use a 3-rectangular-pin fused plug (rated at 13A) or a USB connector, but if you don’t have either, Qi-certified wireless charging points are available at boarding gates 1, 15, 33 and 34.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

At the time of our last update, the rest zones were listed as permanently closed. If this information is incorrect, click here to update this airport guide.

Showers

Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Shower facilities are available in these locations:

  • Free showers are available in Terminal 1, Airside, Arrivals Level 5, near Gate 12 and Gate 43. Hours: Open 24 hours.
  • Showers are also available in a few of the lounges. See Airport Lounges above.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Hong Kong Airport. WiFi is available throughout all terminals, but the signals tend to be stronger in some areas. Connect to the “#HKAirport Free WiFi” or “#HKAirport Hi-Speed WiFi” network. No registration required!

Security & Safety

Airport staff tolerate sleepers, no matter the time of day or night. In general, there seems to be an overall feeling of safety and security on the airside, which are the most comfortable areas, especially for overnight sleeping.

We have received a few reports from travelers who dealt with sketchy characters in the landside/public areas of Terminals 1 and 2. One person in particular seems to be a sort of con man, looking for free beer, money, handouts, and even perhaps inviting people to his home.

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when traveling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First . It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself . If you’re traveling alone, we recommend you stay close to other travelers or close to safety. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables . It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travelers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert . It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travelers arrive for morning flights.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Airport Ambassadors – If you are lost and need to find your way, look for the friendly people in recognizable uniforms. The Airport Ambassadors will help you get to your desired location.

Caring Corner – The Caring Corner is a special area for disabled travellers, pregnant women and the elderly to relax in comfy seating with televisions. Locations: Terminal 1 (Airside, near Gates 36, Level 6.

Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available throughout the Departures and Arrivals areas of T1. A wide variety of retail shops throughout the airport sell high fashion, local delicacies, teas, traditional Chinese medicines, and whatever else you can think of, so welcome to shopper’s paradise!

Exhibitions – The airport offers a variety of activities, such as tea-making demonstrations, Chinese Medicinal Workshops and Art Exhibits with changing themes. The schedule varies every month. Various locations.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Located throughout the terminal are 33 nursing rooms, each equipped with infant feeding and diaper-changing facilities. There are 16 nursing rooms in Terminal 1, 4 in North Satellite Concourse, 11 in Midfield Concourse and 2 in SkyPier.
  • Children’s TV Lounges and Play Areas
    • TV Lounges – Colourful areas for watching cartoons and children’s shows used to be available. We could not confirm this at the time of our October 2023 update. If you know whether they are still there, click here to update this guide.
    • Play Areas – Four locations: T1, East Hall, Departures, Level 6. • Departures, Level 6, near Gate 31 • Departures, Level 6, near Gate 41 • Departures, Level 6, near Gate 62.
    • Dream Come True Education Park – An educational and interactive exhibit designed to let children experience real-life working situations through costumed role play. Location: T2, landside, Level 6 Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily).
  • Strollers – Free strollers offering additional space for small luggage are available.

Information Desk – 11 Customer Service Centres are located throughout the terminal for assistance with information on airport facilities, directions, maps and other inquiries. Help phones are available at each location to connect you to a 24-hour information call centre during off-hours. Locations: 11 locations found airside and landside in Terminal 1.

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from damage or theft by wrapping them in plastic. Kiosks are available in several check-in areas of both terminals. Rates: unknown.

Medical Services

  • Medical Centre – Need medical assistance? You can help at these two locations: Terminal 1, Landside, Departures L6. Hours: 24 hours • Terminal 1, Airside, near Gate 34. Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
  • Pharmacy – If you need last-minute general health supplies, Mannings has two locations in Terminal 1, both landside and airside. Hours vary, but most open at 9:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM.

Money

  • 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: Terminal 1.
  • Banking Services – Bank of China provides full-service banking and currency exchange services. Location: T1, landside, Arrivals, Level 5. Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon – Fri) • 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM (Sat).
  • Currency Exchange – 8 Global Exchange Desks and 8 Travelex Desks are available throughout the terminal (landside and airside). The following locations are open 24 hours:
    • Global Exchange – Terminal 1, Airside, Departures, L6 • Terminal 1, Landside, after customs, L5, Arrivals.
    • Travelex – Terminal 1, Airside, Departures, L6 • Terminal 1, Landside, after customs, L5, Arrivals.

Post Office – Send your last-minute postcards to friends and family from the airport’s post office. Location: T1, landside, Check-In Hall, near Check-In F Hours: unknown. Additionally, two mailboxes can be found throughout the terminals.

Prayer Rooms – Peaceful areas for prayer and meditation are available. A Qiblah (directional sign) and foot washing basin are available in all prayer rooms. Locations:

  • Landside: Terminal 1, Check-in Isle A, Departures L7
  • Airside: Terminal 1, near Gate 42, Departures L6 • North Satellite Concourse, near Gate 13-21, L5 • Midfield Concourse, near Gate 211, L6.

Smoking – Smoking is permitted in designated locations, including smoking lounges.

Spa & Salon Services – Feel your stress melt away with a massage, available at the Marriott’s signature Quan Spa. A free airport shuttle runs from 05:00 AM – 12:45 PM. Departs from Terminal 1, Car Park 1, Bay 10/14.

SIM Cards – SIM Cards can be purchased in the following locations: 1010 (T1, Arrivals Level) • 7-Eleven (T1, Level 4, 5, and 7) • Nobletime AV & Telecom (T1, Departures, level 6) • Relay (T1, Departures, Level 5 and 6 • T1, Arrivals, Level 5).

Airlines
Hong Kong Airport is served by the following airlines: Aeroflot • Air Astana • Air Busan • Air Canada • Air China • Air France • Air India • Air Mauritius • Air New Zealand • Air Niugini • Air Seoul • AirAsia • All Nippon Airways • Asiana Airlines • Bangkok Airways • Batik Air Malaysia • British Airways • Capital Airlines • Cathay Pacific • Cebu Pacific Air • China Airlines • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern • Eastar Jet • Egyptair • EL AL Israel Airlines • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • Etihad Airways • EVA Air • Eznis Airways • Fiji Airways • Finnair • Garuda Indonesia • Greater Bay Airlines • Hainan Airlines • Hebei Airlines • HK Express • Hong Kong Airlines • IndiGo • Japan Airlines • Jeju Air • Jetstar • Jiangxi Air • Jin Air • Juneyao Airlines • KLM • Korean Air • Lanmei Airlines • LOONGAIR • Lucky Air • Lufthansa • Malaysia Airlines • Mandarin Airlines • MIAT Mongolian Airlines • Myanmar National Airlines • Nepal Airlines • Pacific Airlines • Peach Aviation • Philippine Airlines • Philippines AirAsia Inc • Qantas Airways • Qatar Airways • Qingdao Airlines • Royal Air Philippines • Royal Brunei Airlines • Royal Jordanian • S7 Airlines • Scoot • Shandong Airlines • Shanghai Airlines • Shenzhen Airlines • Sichuan Airlines • Singapore Airlines • SpiceJet • Spring Airlines • Swiss • T’way Air • Thai AirAsia • Thai Airways • Thai Smile Airways • Turkish Airlines • United Airlines • Urumqi Air • VietJet Air • Vietnam Airlines • Virgin Atlantic Airways • West Air • Xiamen Airlines.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Airport Express

The Airport Express train travels between the airport and central Hong Kong in 24 minutes, departing daily in 10 – 12 minute intervals from 5:54 AM – 12:48 AM. Passengers can download the MTR “Next Train” app for live, up-to-date train schedules. Many “freebies” are included with the Express Train: free porter service; free flight check-in service if travelling from Hong Kong and Kowloon stations (available 90 minutes to 24 hours before flight departure); free shuttle service to area hotels and transportation hubs when arriving into Hong Kong and Kowloon stations. For more information on fares, schedules and routes, visit the MTR website.

Buses

The airport bus terminal is outside and down the ramp to the right of the Arrivals Hall exit. Several different types of buses are available: “A” Routes (Airbus service), “E” Routes (External Bus services), “NA” routes (Overnight Express Bus services), “N” routes (Overnight Bus services), “S” routes (Shuttle Bus service to the airport). Bus announcements are spoken in Mandarin, Cantonese and English. Passengers need exact fare or an Octopus card. For more information on schedules, routes and fares, visit the Citybus or Long Win Bus websites.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels near Hong Kong Airport offer free shuttle service, including Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel   •   Novotel Citygate Hong Kong. Vigor Airport Shuttle Services provides a hotel coach service between the airport and major hotels in Hong Kong. Tickets can be purchased in Terminal 1 from Counter B18 in Arrivals Hall B. Buses depart from the coach station. See also Airport Hotels above.

Ride Sharing

Uber operates throughout Hong Kong. A ride to the city centre will cost you about HK$250 – HK$280.

Taxi

Taxis can be found at the airport’s Taxi Station, located outside near the ramp to the left of the Arrivals Hall exit. Three different colour-coded taxis are available:

  • Urban (red) taxis serve Hong Kong (except Tung Chung Road and roads in south Lantau).
  • New Territories NT (green) taxis serve the New Territories, North-Eastern, and North-Western parts.
  • Lantau (blue) taxis serve only on Lantau Island and Chek Lap Kok.

Baggage fees are charged for all luggage placed in the baggage compartment of the taxi and luggage over 140cm placed in the passenger compartment. Most taxis can hold up to three pieces of regular-sized luggage.

Mainland China

Please note: Be sure to have all necessary identification, travel documents and visas before boarding any transportation travelling between Hong Kong and mainland China. For transportation options to mainland China, including bus, ferry, and limousine service, visit the Hong Kong Airport website.

Layover Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing?  Check out our Hong Kong Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Hong Kong on Tripadvisor.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

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.