Long-haul international flights are almost synonymous with inconvenient stopovers. Late night arrivals, early morning departures and full day layovers. If hours of wandering the airport or sitting at the departure gate don’t take your fancy during your stopover, then perhaps a nap will?
Luckily, there are a few airports around the world that provide great facilities for those wanting a short nap, or even a full 8 hours sleep (if your stopover allows). Offering sleep options from dedicated rest zones to private sleep pods, these are our top 5 picks for the best airports to sleep in.
1. SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT, SINGAPORE
Changi Airport, Singapore - plenty of free places to have a little shut-eye. (Image courtesy of Getty)
Topping a lot of lists for “Airport Bests”, Changi Airport is one of the best in the world for you to catch a few winks between flights. Travellers will find the armrest-free seating at the gates, complimentary massage chair and the free-to-use rest zones throughout Terminals 1, 2 and 3, which have reclining loungers, are perfect for a quick catnap.
There are also some options that will cost a few bucks, including pay-per-use lounges that have dedicated nap rooms, and several transit hotels where you can stay anywhere from a few hours to the whole night.
2. INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SOUTH KOREA
Incheon Airport, South Korea - lots of complimentary massage chairs or pay for a half or full day stint at the Airport Transit Hotel. (Image courtesy of Getty)
South Korea’s largest airport offers a weary travellers a number of Rest and Relaxation lounges where you will find comfortable reclining chairs and complimentary massage chairs. Alternatively you can visit Spa on Air and pay to use one of the private sleeping rooms (maybe followed by a sauna or a massage), or head to the Incheon Airport Transit Hotel, located within the departure lounge, and pay for a room for a half day or a full day.
After your nap, there are also plenty of free showers to use, free of charge. It’s the perfect wake-up before you get onto your next flight.
3. HELSINKI AIRPORT, FINLAND
Helsinki Airport, Finland - there are small sleeping pods at just 6 Euro or a nearby transit hotel for more facilities. (Image courtesy of Getty)
Naps are taken to the next level at this Finnish airport, with futuristic GoSleep Sleeping Pods that offer a secure place to keep your hand luggage, a pull up cover to isolate you from the lights and sounds of the airport, a power point for charging, and of course, a recliner for your sleep on – from just €6 per hour.
If you’re after a more solid rest, then you can also choose to head to the Hotel GLO Helsinki Airport in Terminal 2, or the Hilton Hotel next to the terminal.
4. MUNICH AIRPORT, GERMANY
Munich Airport, Germany - Be sure to seek out the Napcabs in this state of the art airport. (Image courtesy of Getty)
If a sleep pod isn’t your thing, then how about a sleep cabin?
Munich Airport’s Napcab sleeping cabins offer travellers a comfortable bed, privacy and a place to store their luggage. Prices start at €10 per hour for these sleep cabins. If you’re on more of a budget, then you will also find the comfortable gate seating and the spacious chairs and recliners in the designated relaxation areas good enough for a quick airport nap.
5. TALLINN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ESTONIA
Tallinn Airport, Estonia - Plenty of convivial and cosy places to hang out. (Image courtesy of Getty)
As the self-proclaimed “coziest” airport in the world, Tallinn International offers a number of sleep-friendly options, including armrest-free benches, bean bag chairs, free sleep pods, and comfortable couches and armchairs throughout the airport.
There are also several hotels near the airport you can stay at, or you can purchase entry to an airport lounge if you are not already a member.
Whether you choose to nap in a reclining chair, a sleep pod or a hotel room, just remember to set an alarm to wake you up in time to get to your next flight! Maybe even leave yourself enough time to shower, freshen up or grab a coffee before you have to board.
