Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Dublin 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.
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I was just settling down for a cozy nap when the snoring began 2 booths over. The snoring became so loud that it was vibrating our booth. -a traveller
DUB 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 Dublin International Airport.
What to Expect
Dublin Airport (Code: DUB) consists of two interconnected and walkable terminals, with the older Terminal 1 servicing mainly short-haul regional flights, while the much newer Terminal 2 handles most of the longer-haul international flights. There are plenty of airside shopping options in both terminals, while eateries can be found on both sides of security. However, the only 24-hour eateries are located in both terminals. While you wait, things are limited, but the airport’s free WiFi helps pass the time. Economy class passengers can enjoy additional comforts via fee-based entry into one of the airport lounges.
Sleeping in Dublin Airport
Staff and security generally tolerate airport sleepers, though security sometimes objects to people sleeping in the multi-faith prayer room. Most good sleeping spots are in or near cafes and restaurants that close for the night – you can push together chairs to get comfortable. Airside, gate seating is mostly equipped with armrests.
Here are a few sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- Terminal 1, Landside – post-COVID update indicates the once tolerable area no longer has McDonald’s or comfy seats in the food court. Be prepared to sleep on the floor.
- Terminal 1, Airside – you may find some couches around Gates 301-307, Gates 333-335, and at the end of the Duty Free area.
- Terminal 2, Arrivals – When the cafe closes for the evening you may be able to snag a comfy armchair for resting.
- Terminal 2, Airside – Look for the “PRM Room” near the water fountain and escalator at Gates 407-408. There are a few couches in here, and airport staff may already be inside snoozing on their breaks.
For uninterrupted sleep, some nearby airport hotels can easily be reached by foot or shuttle. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips.
Good to Know
US-bound passengers are pre-processed through U.S. Customs and Immigration at the airport’s Terminal 2, so you won’t have to do it upon your arrival in the States.
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 Dublin 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.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
In Terminal 1, once you pass through security, go through the duty-free shopping, and then pass through a restaurant on your left. You’ll come to a Starbucks with an escalator up to more restaurants. On the right is a rest zone with soft chairs and pods for sleeping.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Dublin Airport that provide airport shuttles:
- Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport – 10-minute walk to the airport. A free 24-hour airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
- Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport – A free 24-hour airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
- Carlton Hotel – A free 24-hour airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport – A free airport shuttle bus is available from 4:00 AM – 11:30 PM. Scheduled departures leave the hotel every half an hour on the hour and from the airport on the quarter hour. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Dublin 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 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!
Terminal 1
- T1 Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, adjacent to the security area and The Loop. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- The East Lounge – Location: Corridor connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Airline First/Business Class Ticket.
Terminal 2
- 51st & Green Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, after US Pre-Clearance, past US Departure Gates 405 and 406. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
- T2 Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Departures Level, near 400 gates. 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 lounge listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
- Terminal 2, Airside: Aer Lingus Lounge.
Related Pages: Dublin Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Water bottle refill stations are available free of charge throughout both terminals.
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. Locations:
- Terminal 1: Marqette Café (Airside) • Wrights Food Fayre (Car Park Atrium)
- Terminal 2: Coffee Daily (Arrivals).
If you’re heading home to Dublin and need to pick up some groceries, Spar has fresh food, household goods, and coffee and food to go. Location: T2, landside, Arrivals (Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM).
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Smarte Carte provides storage service. Rates are applied per item: €9.00 up to 4 hours • €15.00 up to 24 hours • €22.00 up to 48 hours • €28.00 up to 72 hours and then €6.00 for every subsequent day. Location: T1, Arrivals, Main Concourse. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Mobile Charging
Electrical outlets are available. Most charging points are integrated into workstations located throughout both terminals.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Freshen up before your flight with a shower at one of these locations:
- Terminal 1: T1 Lounge • The East Lounge ($)
- Terminal 2: 51st & Green Lounge ($)
WiFi/Internet
Unlimited free WiFi is available at Dublin Airport. Connect to the ‘Dublin Airport Free WiFi’ or ‘eircom’ networks. No registration required!
Security & Safety
Security staff will likely ignore overnight sleepers so you can get some rest. But they may wake up or question travellers who are particularly loud or disruptive, asking for travel plans and booting out anyone who isn’t travelling that day. Security checkpoints begin to open around 3:30 AM – 4:00 AM, so guards may wake you if the increasing terminal buzz hasn’t already.
Some travellers who tried sleeping in the Multi-Faith Prayer Room at the direction of airport security were later kicked out by other security guards, so head here at your own risk.
Homeless people and other vagrants may come into the landside areas at night, seeking shelter. Staff may take note and get them to leave, but if you’re feeling uncomfortable or harassed, notify the overnight security staff.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling 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 travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. 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 travellers 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 travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Baby changing rooms are located throughout both terminals next to the toilet facilities. For convenience, car seats, cradles, prams, and strollers can be rented from The Stork Exchange, located on airport grounds. Rental items can be picked up from The Stork Exchange or delivered to T1, T2, or on-airport car rental agencies.
- Children’s Area – At one point, there was a children’s play area featuring a kid’s gym with colourfully designed seating and tables. We could not confirm this at the time of our September 2023 update. If you know whether this service is still available, click here to update our guide.
Fast Track Service – As a premium service, customers with Fast Track security passes will be given priority service to keep waiting to a minimum. Cost: €7.99 to €12.99 depending on time of flight. Book on-line.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, an Information Desk is located in Terminal 1, Arrivals. You may also see customer care agents posted throughout the airport.
Luggage
- Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available free of charge.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic. Locations: both Terminals, Departures Hall, Landside, and Check-in areas. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Terminal 1) • 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Terminal 2). Rates: ￡16.00 (Basic) • ￡20.00 (Classic. Includes insurance) • ￡25.00 (Ultra. Includes insurance and tracking).
Medical Services
- Medical Services – First aid services are available. Contact an airport police officer or airport staff if you require assistance.
- Pharmacy – Non-prescription items are available at Boots. Location: Terminal 1, The Loop.
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: Departures • Baggage Hall • Arrivals. Terminal 2: Baggage Hall • Airside.
- Currency Exchange – International Currency Exchange (ICE) has money-changing outlets throughout the airport in these locations:
- Terminal 1: Arrivals Hall (Hours: 7:15 AM – 11:00 PM) • Departures Hall (Hours: 4:30 AM – 5:30 PM) • Airside (Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM).
- Terminal 2: Baggage Hall (Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM) • Check-In Hall (Hours: 4:30 AM – 4:00 PM) • Departures (Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM) • Arrivals (Hours: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM).
Prayer
- Church – Daily mass is held on airport grounds at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church. Mass is held Monday to Friday at 1:00 PM (11:00 AM on Sundays), and confessions are available immediately after. Location: The church is a 1-minute walk from the Arrivals Hall via the Short-Term Car Park Atrium.
- Multi-Faith Prayer Room – The Multi-Faith prayer room offers a peaceful place for prayer and meditation for passengers of any religion. Chairs and prayer mats are available. Location: T2, Departures Level, before the boarding area. Hours: Open 24 hours.
Sensory Room – Dublin Airport features a sensory room for people with autism, dementia, cognitive impairments, or other special needs. The space has relaxing music, bean bags, mood lighting, digital display panels, comfortable seating, and textured flooring. The room should be booked by calling (+353) 01-704-7783 or emailing prm@ocsireland.com. Location: Terminal 2, Airside, near gates 400.
Shopping – The Loop Duty-Free is located Airside in both Terminals. Hours: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Terminal 1) • 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Terminal 2). There is a good variety of other shops to pass the time.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking Area – According to a reviewer, smoking was permitted inside the Garden Terrace bar, in the airside area of Terminal 1. (October 2023
Spa – Not available.
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Dublin Airport Layover Sightseeing guide.
Buses and Coaches
Several companies operate daily bus and coach service to and from Dublin Airport. These buses and coaches travel to railway stations and destinations within Dublin City and its surrounding areas, as well as destinations within the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Tickets to all destinations can be bought at the ticket machines outside of the terminals. For details on the bus companies and their pick-up zones, visit the Dublin Airport website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies are available exclusively in Terminal 1: Sixt • Europcar. These car rental agencies have offices located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Carhire • Dollar • Enterprise • Europcar • Flizzr • Hertz • National • NewWay • Payless • Sixt • Thrifty.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport • Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport • Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport • Metro Hotel Dublin Airport • Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport • Premier Inn Dublin Airport hotel • Hilton Dublin Airport.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Ride Sharing
Uber operates in several areas in Ireland. A ride from the airport to Dublin city centre will cost you from €25 to $35.
Taxi
Taxis are a safe and reliable way to travel to and from Dublin Airport and destinations within 30km of the airport. Taxis are metered, and a receipt will be issued.
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.