In Europe, air travel often entails dealing with early morning flights, significant layover times, or unpredictable delays, making the ability to rest in an airport a valuable skill for weary flyers. These 20 European airports garnered the most feedback from passengers, who detailed their triumphs (and failures) in finding decent rest amidst the challenge of trying to sleep in an airport. Their accounts detail designated rest areas, hidden hideaways, comfortable nooks, armrest-free seating, recliners, padded seating, dimmed lighting, PSA-free areas, security features, and other attributes that support snoozing. Our lineup of the 20 airports that received the most traveller feedback is ranked from the most to the least accommodating.
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport has many great sleeping spots in the airside of the terminal. ” – a traveller
If you want to catch some quality Zs in a European airport, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport might be your dream spot with its rest zones and diverse seating, from flat benches to loungers. Prime sleeping real estate can be found near Gates 12, 29, and 34-35, but these areas are popular and fill up fast. Travellers reported that the airport feels safe and maintains a comfortable temperature. However, some sleep surfaces are reportedly hard, so a pillow, blanket, or even an inflatable mattress might be the key to turning your airport stay into a restful experience. If you prefer some privacy, sleep pods are available in one of the lounges and a hotel is connected to the terminal on the landside.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotel connected to the terminal • Sleep Pods • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
“Sleeping in Zurich was definitely a good experience.” – a traveller
Travellers gave Zurich Airport high marks for being quiet, clean, and safe, making it amenable to decent snoozing. Some recommended the B gates area, particularly around B38, with armrest-free padded seating and charging facilities, making it ideal for overnight stays. Terminal D is reportedly less busy, with comfy seats for naps, though background music reportedly plays all night. For those on the landside, the Terminal 1 check-in area was cited as having a few comfy padded seats and dimmed lighting post-midnight. On the downside, 24-hour food is unavailable, so stock up before the concessions close for the night. Airport sleepers seeking more comfort can stay at the transit hotel on the airside. A capsule hotel and a major chain hotel are connected to the terminal on the landside.
Facilities/Amenities: Transit Hotel • Hotel connected to the terminal • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Munich Airport (MUC)
“Lots of lounge chairs in the terminal and quiet and clean relax areas with couches (near gates G16 and K18): if you get one of that and a travel pillow you could sleep quite well” – a traveller
For a good sleep at Munich Airport, you’re in luck if you happen to be airside in Terminal 2, where you’ll find loungers in the relaxation areas near Gates G16 and K18. Terminal 1 has ample seating downstairs but fewer armrest-free seats upstairs. Travellers were pleased to report a lack of sleep-disrupting public service announcements. However, construction noise might induce you to change spots. Bring a sleep mask for the lighting, and remember, the best rest zones are only accessible past security.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotel connected to the terminal • Sleep Cabins • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL)
After some wandering around I found a “Relax Zone” in the domestic terminal with padded reclining chairs and benches. – a traveller
Sleeping at Oslo Gardermoen Airport can be quite comfortable if you know where to look. The airport features designated “Relax Zones,” which offer padded reclining chairs. For landside sleeping, head to areas around baggage claim, where you will find some flat benches. The international terminal also has some good options with large, padded benches near shops, though the lights can be bright. Noise-cancelling headphones are a must-have due to PSAs and arrivals noise. If you prefer to sleep in a bed, a hotel is directly connected to the terminal.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotel connected to the terminal • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Comfy coushined leather benches are great for sleep, but there is very limited space. – a traveller
Sleeping conditions at Berlin Brandenburg Airport vary, but finding armrest-free seating is a consistent challenge. You’ll fare better airside in Terminal 1, where you might find some armrest-free seating and padded benches. Once a peaceful overnight retreat, the silent room is no longer accessible at night, but the nearby hallway area can be a quieter spot to sleep on the floor. Terminal 2 is smaller and less populated but not ideal for sleeping due to armrests limiting the ability to spread out. Come prepared to sleep on the floor.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotel connected to the terminal • Sleep Cabins • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH)
Slept around gate A25-A30, there are some flat long benches along the glass wall that are nice to sleep on. – a traveller
Travellers say the best sleeping real estate at Copenhagen Kastrup Airport is located airside in Terminal 2, where you should be able to find some soft benches. Airside in Terminal 3, travellers were able to push padded benches together for a makeshift bed. That said, come prepared to sleep on the floor, as decent sleep spots may already be taken. Temperatures can get cold, so bring a blanket or sleeping bag. Security might wake you if you’re sleeping on the floor after 4 a.m. For more comfort, a hotel is connected to the terminal.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotel connected to the terminal • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Istanbul Airport (IST)
There’s a plenty of benches without armrests, you just have to look for them. – a traveller
Are you planning to nap at Istanbul Airport? The airport offers six designated rest zones with recliners on the airside. Armrest-free and padded seating is scarce but scattered throughout the terminal. Be prepared for some noise from the overnight cleaning crews, and know that security might ask you to move if you’re sleeping on the landside. If you’re looking for some privacy while you nap, sleep pods and cabins are available on the airside, while sleep cabins are available on the landside.
Facilities/Amenities: Sleep Pods and Cabins • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Vienna Airport (VIE)
I was delighted to see the amount of people who were also sleeping there (safety in numbers!) – a traveller
It may take some effort to find a cozy place to catch some sleep at Vienna Airport, but there are various seating options, from armrest-free seats to flat benches and sofas. Travellers say it can get a bit chilly, so don’t forget to bring a warm layer! While the airport is generally safe, with many others sleeping there, noise and light can be disruptive, especially in Terminal 1. Sleep pods and a hotel connected to the terminal are available on the landside.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotel connected to the terminal • Sleep Pods • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
There are 3 rows of lounge chairs I’m Termimal 3 between gates E12-14. – a traveller
Sleeping at Rome Fiumicino Airport can be challenging, depending on where you are. First, it won’t be easy to find seating without armrests, but you can find recliners in a few areas on the airside. On the landside, you’ll likely be sleeping on the floor, so come prepared. On that note, security doesn’t always take kindly to floor sleepers and may wake you up or tell you to sit in a chair if you’re in the way. For additional comfort, sleep cabins and a hotel are connected to the terminal on the landside.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotel connected to the terminal • Sleep Cabins • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Between Privium Express Lounge and KLM Crown Lounge amazing soft couches and no people, quiet and even soundscape of flowing water and birds is available from the nearest hall. Feels safer than expected.” – a traveller
Travellers at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport highlighted its armrest-free seating, quiet areas, and comfortable temperatures. The non-Schengen zone, in particular, was cited for offering soft couches and a peaceful setting with ambient sounds. However, the facility apparently conducts occasional alarm tests, and a mouse issue might make floor sleeping less appealing. If the airport’s conditions are too much, splurge on a night at the transit hotel or sleep cabins on the airside.
Facilities/Amenities: Transit Hotel • Hotel connected to the terminal • Sleep Cabins • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Dublin Airport (DUB)
There are incredibly comfortable armchair free padded benches outside Cuan Cafe in Terminal 1 (near gates 202-204).” a traveller
Planning to sleep at Dublin Airport? Travellers reported limited armrest-free seating options and few benches on which to lie down. Come prepared to sleep on the floor. Staff is often ok with night travellers resting in the terminals, and people reported feeling safe. Be prepared for bright lights and loud cleaning machines, which make earplugs and eye masks essential.
Facilities/Amenities: Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF)
I sleep in a metalic bench in the departure part, before security. It was cold, but I had several layers with me, and put my sleeping bag between me and the bench and was ok. – a traveller
Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport received mixed reviews for sleeping. On the positive side, it offers armrest-free seating. Travellers generally considered it safe, with some reporting undisturbed sleep on the floor or benches, particularly in areas like the C and D gates on the airside. However, significant drawbacks include cold temperatures and varying enforcement of sleeping policies by security, which can be strict or lenient depending on the time and location within the airport. Overall, if you come prepared with warm clothing, you might manage some decent sleep.
Facilities/Amenities: Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
There are soft benches in transit area of Terminal 2F next to the gates F27-F33. It’s quite comfortable to sleep as one can lie down. – a traveller
At Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, airport sleepers say Terminal 2E or 2F offer the best spots for napping. In 2F, there are comfy benches without armrests next to the windows. Over in 2E, the corridor to YotelAir is said to be carpeted and has power outlets for recharging your devices. Food concessions close at night, so get supplies before the vendors shut down. Travellers report that you may need to be wary of sketchy characters wandering about if you’re stuck on the landside. Several paid sleeping options are available with sleep cabins on the airside (2E) and several hotels on the airport grounds.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotels connected to the terminal • Sleep Cabins • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Lisbon Airport (LIS)
There are a lot of armrest free benches but they’re all at the main walk way. – a traveller
Need to sleep at Lisbon Airport? Conditions on the landside are challenging for those travellers facing overnight slumbers. Seating is not conducive to sleep, leaving many on the cold floor. One traveller even reported bedbugs—Yipe! On the airside, there are some benches and armrest-free seats. The airport has 24-hour food concessions, and passengers said they felt safe. A couple of hotels are within walking distance from Terminal 1 if you prefer to sleep comfortably.
Facilities/Amenities: Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
The entire concourse A, or at least the area between A20-A30 appears to have a mouse infestation. There are quite a few mouse traps and some can be seen running around occasionally.
Sleeping at Frankfurt Airport presents some unique challenges this year. Several travellers reported seeing mice in Terminal A, so squeamish airport sleepers will want to seek out an elevated sleeping spot. Armrest-free benches are available, though they’re becoming scarce. If cleanliness and comfort are priorities, consider alternative accommodations nearby. The airport’s current state is said to be poor, with ongoing renovations and hygiene issues. If these conditions sound too challenging, there are sleep cabins and a transit hotel.
Facilities/Amenities: Transit Hotel • Hotel connected to the terminal • Sleep Cabins • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Six recliner seats situated in terminal 4 next to gate 19. Hard plastic recliner seats with armrests – a traveller
Finding comfortable seating without armrests at London Heathrow Airport is probably going to be challenging. The seating is basic, but a few terminals have recliners scattered about. On the landside, expect noise from cleaning crews and cold temperatures, so dress warmly. Be cautious of sketchy individuals, especially late at night.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotel connected to the terminal • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)
After reading some of the reviews, I asked at the airport staff if there was any place where I could sleep and dont get robbed. The answer was clear: no! – a traveller
According to reviews, if you need to sleep at Barcelona El Prat Airport, you’ll want to prioritize safety by staying airside, if possible. There have been multiple reports of pickpockets in the public zone. You may also want to store your bags to avoid theft. On the airside, you’ll find some padded flat benches with charging ports, but for the most part, seating has armrests. Sleep rooms are available in Terminal 1 on the landside.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotel inside the terminal • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)
Too few lounge chairs, there are only twelve, people are sitting up chatting in them at 1am while some of us would like to sleep. Otherwise, armrests everywhere – a traveller
Madrid Barajas Airport has mixed reviews for sleeping. Most travellers said armrest-free seating was available on the airside but limited, so they ended up sleeping on the floor. On the landside, security will wake you around 4:30 a.m. when the terminal starts to open for the day. There was a report of theft, suggesting that you’ll need to keep your belongings close. Noise, cold temperatures, and bright lights are common grievances. Sleep rooms are available on the landside.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotel inside the terminal • Rest & Relaxation Zones • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY)
“There were lots of people trying to sleep on the benches and the floor in the arrivals hall. At around 2:40 am staff started waking everyone on the floor up. ” – a traveller
Planning to sleep at Bergamo Airport? Try to make it to the departure area as soon as possible. The airside area offers a quieter environment with some armrest-free seating, although seats are generally metallic. If you’re stuck in the arrivals area overnight, prepare yourself for a challenging experience—it’s noisy, can get chilly, and the staff might give you a nudge if they catch you trying to snooze. You will likely end up on the floor with a crowd, including some folks who call the airport home. Travellers say there are no free charging options in arrivals, so arrive with fully charged devices and turn on low-power mode. For an upgrade, sleeping pods are available on the landside.
Facilities/Amenities: Sleep Pods • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Showers • Free WiFi
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Never seen anything like this. Very small area to even sit, than sleep! You are stuck until 3:00 in the hall with hundreds of people. They are sleeping on the floor everywhere. – a traveller
If you’re thinking about catching some Zs at London Stansted Airport, brace yourself for a rough night. After 11 p.m., the airport confines everyone to a small area in arrivals with limited seating, forcing many to sleep on the floor. Pack a blanket—it’s chilly! If you’re airside, some old but movable benches have been spotted. Charging ports? The airport is said to have few charging ports, so ensure your devices are fully charged and on low-power mode before you arrive.
Facilities/Amenities: Hotel connected to the terminal • Pay-per-use Lounges • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage • Mobile Charging • Free WiFi
Results are based on traveller reviews, survey responses and sleep-friendly amenities available at each airport. To participate in our 2025 survey, click here.
