Sleeping in Airports

Perth Airport Guide

sleeping in perth airport
(photo courtesy of KittParker / April 2024)

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

If staying at night, in terminal 1, upstairs at the cafés and shops, are a few benches that can be used for sleeping when the shops are closed. -a traveller (Dec 2017)

PER 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 Perth Airport.

What to Expect

Perth Airport (Code: PER) consists of four primary terminals separated into two precincts (T1/T2 and T3/T4), with free 24-hour shuttle bus service between precincts and terminals. There are plenty of eateries and shops on both the airside and landside, with several offering 24-hour service. Some reviewers have noted that security screening line-ups are long and slow and that security staff can be unpleasant. WiFi is available to help pass the time. Free showers can be found in Terminals 1 and 3. Additional comfort can be found through fee-based access to one of the airport’s first-class lounges.

Sleeping in Perth Airport

perth airport guide

According to reviews, many travellers agree that Terminal 1 is the most comfortable if you want some shut-eye. With many seating options, including arm-rest-free benches and comfy sofas with headrests, you won’t be stuck for somewhere suitable to rest. Terminals 3 and 4, however, have minimal seating options and won’t be the best place to sleep. Consider stretching out on the floor for a nap regardless of the terminal. If you fancy it, bring a sleeping mat, bag, or blanket to save you from getting cold!

Here are some of the best spots travellers have reported as the best places to sleep in Perth Airport:

  • Terminal 1, Landside – Head towards the gallery, where you will find a dimmer and quieter hallway than other areas.
  • Terminal 1, Landside – The Arrivals area has couches with headrests.

Noise, such as the annoying “Beware of unattended baggage” intercom announcement, is a primary complaint, so bring earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones.

For uninterrupted sleep, there are sleep pods inside Terminal 1 and hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest 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 Perth 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

Terminal 1 (International): open 24 hours
Terminal 3 (Domestic Terminal): 3:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Terminal 4 (Qantas Domestic Terminal): 4:00 AM – 12:30 AM (Monday – Thursday & Saturday) and 4:00 AM – 2:30 AM (Friday & Sunday)

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Airport Hotels & Sleep Pods

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are sleep pods inside the terminal and more hotels near the airport:

Inside the airport

Sleep Pods – Sleeping pods can be booked by the hour. Location: Terminal 1, Domestic, Landside, ground floor, opposite Hudsons Coffee. Rates: from $12 for a basic one-hour package. A four-hour+ package includes a pillow, blanket and earplugs. Rate: $50. Max. stay is five hours.

Hotels near Perth Airport with airport shuttles

More hotels near the airport

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Perth 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 or through a lounge membership program (i.e. Qantas Club or Virgin Australia). Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Aspire Lounge – Multiple locations: International and Domestic Terminals. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (AUD 77 – International / AUD 24 – Domestic) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
  • Qantas Club – Multiple locations. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • Virgin Australia Lounge – Multiple locations – International and Domestic Terminals. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • Air New Zealand Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, Level 2, Departures Level. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.

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: The Emirates Lounge • Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Class Lounge.

Related Pages: Perth Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

Thirsty? Drinking water fountains are available free of charge. Locations: throughout the airport.

Food & Drinks

There are a few food concessions open landside in Terminal 1:

  • Maccinetta (Level 1, landside)
  • Local Food Store (Level 1, landside)

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Self-service luggage lockers are available for storage periods of up to six weeks at the following rates: $12 for a small locker (up to 24 hours), $14 for a medium locker (up to 24 hours), $16 for a large locker (up to 24 hours). Locations: T1 International, at the Short Term Car Park near the Public Arrivals Hall • Along the pathway between T1 Domestic and T2 Domestic • Along the walkway between T3 Domestic and the Short Term Car Park • Along the walkway between T4 Domestic and the Short Term Car Park. Oversized and odd-shaped items can be stored at the Baggage Services by SmarteCarte kiosk in T1 International, landside, Check-In Area, Ground Floor.

Mobile Charging

Seats with built-in power outlets are readily available in departure lounges throughout T1. In addition, mobile charging stations are available in T2 and on Level 1 in T3.

Showers

Freshen up before your flight with a shower. Locations: Terminal 1, International Arrivals Hall, Ground Floor, near check-in counter 40 • Terminal 1, Airside, International Departures, 2nd Floor, near Gate 54. A reader (hzeddy) tells us, “Warm water Showers with wall pump 2 in 1 shampoo/shower gel are located at International terminal next to Check in counter #40 on the ground floor behind the elevator. No towels provided but can be purchased at Baggage Storage store for $5.”

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Perth Airport. Select the “Perth Airport Free WiFi” network and register for access.

Security & Safety

We’ve not been informed of any safety issues at PER. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential 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 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.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Feed and care for your baby in comfort and privacy in the airport’s Parenting Rooms. Changing tables, diaper disposal bins, high chairs, and additional amenities are available. Parenting Rooms are available landside and airside in all terminals. Loaner strollers are available upon request while you are in the airport.
  • Children’s Play Areas – There’s a soft, colourful play area for the little ones, and video gaming gives your big kids something to do. Conveniently located near seating and dining options so you can relax while you watch your children play. Location: T1 International, airside, Departures Level 2.

Business Services – Printing, faxing, and copying services are available for $3 per page. Location: Baggage Services by SmarteCarte kiosk in T1 International, landside, Check-In Area, Ground Floor.

Information Desk – There are no information desks, so if you have general questions about the airport or need urgent assistance, seek the help of a friendly Gold Coat Volunteer. Gold Coat Volunteers roam the airport and are easy to spot by their bright gold jackets. Maps, hotel information, and sightseeing brochures are available at the self-service tourism information kiosk. Location: T1 International, landside, Arrivals Hall, Ground Floor.

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Trolleys – Trolleys are free to use from T1/International Baggage Reclaim and Short Term Car Park areas or available for a $4 non-refundable fee from one of three locations: T1 Forecourt, T1/Domestic Baggage Reclaim • T3/T4 Forecourts • T4 Ground Floor.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Protect your luggage and its contents with shrink wrap. The cost is $11 per bag/item or $22 per oversized bag/item. Location: Baggage Services by SmarteCarte kiosk in T1 International, landside, Check-In Area, Ground Floor.

Medical Services

  • Medical Services – First aid and urgent medical assistance is available in one of these First Aid Room locations: T1/International, landside, Level 1 • T1/Domestic, landside, Ground Floor • T2/Domestic, landside, ground floor Check-In Hall • T3/Domestic, landside, ground floor Baggage Reclaim Hall • T4/, first floor, near arrivals stairs.
  • Pharmacy – Amcal Express Location: T1/Domestic, airside, Level 1.

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: T1, T2 and T3. Travelex foreign currency ATMs are available in T1 (International and Domestic terminals) and T3 Domestic.
  • Currency Exchange – Travelex kiosks offer currency services at nine locations throughout T1 (International) and T3. They are all open 24 hours. Travelex foreign currency ATMs are also available in T1 International, T1 Domestic, and T3.

Observation Deck – Get a panoramic view of all the action on the tarmac from the indoor Public Viewing Area. Location: T1, International, on Level 3. You can access this area from Departures Level 1, landside. Hours: open 24 hours. An outdoor viewing area on Dunreath Drive is also accessible to the public. Hours: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Oct-Mar) or 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Apr-Sept).

Quiet Room – A quiet room for prayer and meditation is available. Location: T1, landside, near the Arrivals Hall (ground floor).

Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in T1 International Terminal, on Departure Levels 1 and 2, and on Arrivals Level 1 (airside only). In addition, a small variety of gift shops, retail stores, and newsstands are available throughout the airport.

SIM Cards – A reader let us know that Optus, Vodafone and Telsim are available in Terminal 1.

Smoking Areas – Dedicated smoking areas are available outside of the terminals.

Airlines
Perth Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Asia • Air Mauritius • Air New Zealand • Airnorth • Alliance Airlines • Batik Air • Cathay Pacific • China Southern • Emirates • Garuda Indonesia • Jetstar • Malaysia Airlines • Malindo Air • Qantas • Qatar Airways • Regional Express Airlines • Scoot • Singapore Airlines • South African Airways • Thai Airways • Virgin Australia.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Transperth operates regular bus services between Perth Airport, Perth City and other local centres. For route stops, timetables and fare information, visit the Transperth website.

Car Rentals

Car rental desks are located on the ground floor of T1, T2, T3 and T4. The following agencies operates on-site: Avis • Budget • Europcar • Hertz • Redspot • Thrifty.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Vetroblu Airport ApartmentsSanno Marracoonda Perth Airport HotelQuest Perth AscotIngot HotelCountry Comfort PerthFlag Motor Lodge.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Shuttle

PER airport operates a free 24-hour shuttle service between the airport terminals. For schedules and more information, visit the Perth Airport website.

Shuttle

CONNECT Airport Shuttle offers service between the airport and five locations in central Perth: East Perth train station, WA Museum on Beaufort Street, Wellington Street (opposite YHA Backpackers Hostel), the Kings Perth Hotel and The Ambassador Hotel, Adelaide Terrace. The airport has a CONNECT shuttle stop within a short walk of T3 and T4, accessible from T1 and T2 via free airport terminals shuttle. At the time of this update, a one-way ticket is AU$15 per person, sold on board the shuttles.

Taxi

Taxi ranks are located at T1, T2, T3, T4 and Valentine Road. An AU$3 surcharge is added to all fares for trips leaving from the airport, and some drivers request payment of the total fare upfront. The following estimated one-way fares were current at the time of this update: Perth CBD AU$43.00; Armadale AU$65.00; Fremantle AU$67.00; Joondalup AU$97.00; and Mandarah AU$174.00.

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.