Sleeping in Airports

Jeddah Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Jeddah 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 have personally had one immigration officer FALL ASLEEP while checking my documents. He actually left his post to go splash water on his face, but then fell back asleep immediately upon return. – a traveller

JED Airport Overview

jeddah airport guideTo help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (Code: JED).

What to Expect

There are three terminals at the Jeddah airport: New Terminal 1, North & Hajj. The new Terminal 1 is said to be modern, with several amenities such as gardens and lounges. According to Wikipedia, Saudia and Etihad are currently operating out of Terminal 1. The North Terminal handles all flights on foreign airlines (except Ethiad). While the Hajj Terminal handles the traffic for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Sleeping in Jeddah Airport

Sleeping in Jeddah Airport (JED) can be quite challenging. While Terminal 1 is relatively new with many seating options and 24/7 food services, the airport is described as being noisy and cold with bright lights and frequent announcements. Finding a comfortable spot to sleep is tough; most seats have armrests, leading many to sleep on the floor. A transit hotel inside Terminal 1 is now available. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Good to Know

  • Several female reviewers reported being placed in separate, longer security lines.
  • Complaints about this airport are frequent and varied. You may want to read traveller reviews to understand better what you may be facing.

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 Jeddah 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.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

A reader tells us, “There are 4 inclined chairs in gate A29. It’s the only free rest zone available in the Airport”. (August 2022) To add more locations, write a review or click here to update this guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a transit hotel inside Terminal 1 and other hotels nearby:

  • Aerotel Transit Hotel – Terminal 1, located inside the transit area. » Check Rates
  • Clarion Hotel – No airport shuttle.  »Check Rates
  • Mena Airport Hotel Jeddah – Located close to the International Terminal.  » Check Rates

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

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

  • First Class Lounge – Location: North Terminal, Airside. Hours: Open 24 Hours. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, International Departures, near Gate 39. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.

Related Pages: Jeddah Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

Food & Drinks

There are restaurants and coffee shops available. Hours are not known, but options are available both landside and airside.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

As of the last update, luggage storage facilities are available. Further information is currently unknown.

Mobile Charging

A traveller (August 2018) has advised us that mobile charging (Huawei Super Charge) is available in the International Terminal South. The charging stations offer USB, iPhone charging and traditional power socket charging.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Jeddah Airport in Terminal 1 and the North Terminal.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

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 & North Terminal.

Banking Services – ANB Bank • Alahi Bank • Alinma Bank • Al Rajhi Bank all provide full-service banking inside the airport. Locations are available in both terminals.

Currency Exchange – Alamoudi Exchange provides services in both Terminals. Full banking services are also available (see above) and may also offer currency exchange.

Duty-Free & Shopping – Yes, Duty-Free is available (note, alcohol is not allowed to be sold), as well as a variety of other shops.

Pharmacy – Alnahdi Pharmacy is available in both Terminals.

Prayer Room – Yes, a large mosque is available at the airport.

SIM Cards – A reader tells us, “Before you exit the airport, there are various SIM card shops. The three major brands to look out for in Saudi Arabia is STC, Zain and Mobily. STC is the best 5G coverage.” (April 2023)

Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Jeddah and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, there is an Altayyar travel agency with offices at the airport (both Terminals) that can probably be of assistance.

Airlines

Car Rental

The airport is served by 12 car rental agencies, including Avis • Best Car Rentals • Budget • Tajeer and more. The South Terminal provides the most options.

Hotel Shuttles

At the time of this update, no hotels provided airport shuttle service. See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area. There are no meters, so negotiate a fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rental

The airport is served by 12 car rental agencies, including Avis • Best Car Rentals • Budget • Tajeer and more. The South Terminal provides the most options.

Hotel Shuttles

At the time of this update, no hotels provided airport shuttle service. See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area. There are no meters, so negotiate a fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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.