The Best Ways & Places To Sleep At London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow Airport is one of the world’s busiest international airports and welcomes travelers from all corners of the globe. For many, Heathrow is not only a transit point but also a place where layovers and flight delays can stretch into uncomfortable hours. Finding a relaxing place to catch some rest can be daunting, but we have compiled a guide to help you find the best ways and places to sleep at London Heathrow Airport.

Sleeping at Heathrow

London’s Heathrow Airport is known to be reasonably accommodating of airport sleepers. Although it remains bustling during the day, it does quiet down slightly in the evening, making it a more feasible time for some shut-eye as the airport does not have any scheduled flights after 22:55 and before 04:40. However, keep in mind that different terminals offer varying comfort levels and sleeping options.

Photo: Heathrow Airports Limited

In Terminal 2, known as the Queen’s Terminal, you will find plenty of sleep-friendly seating. However, privacy and dim lighting might be scarce, so having an eye mask handy can be beneficial. Available lounges include the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, and United Club.

Terminal 3 offers designated rest zones with sofas and lounges, making it an excellent option for sleeping. It is important to note that overnight, security may guide people to one central area, potentially affecting your sleep quality. Those traveling through Terminal 3 might also be interested in several lounge options, including the American Airlines Admirals Club, Centurion Lounge, Club Aspire, No. 1 Heathrow Lounge, Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge, and the Regus Express Business Lounge.

For the best sleep options in Terminal 4, consider the landside section, as the airside may close overnight. If you’re not an EU resident and are trying to sleep landside, you might be directed to Terminal 3, so plan accordingly. Lounge options here include Art & Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge, and SkyTeam Lounge. Terminal 5 offers a rest zone with couches and snack machines alongside the Aspire Lounge & Spa, Plaza Premium Lounge, and Club Aspire.

Hotels

London Heathrow offers several hotels at the airport, including Aerotel London Heathrow, located inside the airport in Terminal 3. Private napping areas with beds are also available in the Plaza Premium Lounges and No. 1 Heathrow, with packages starting at 3-hour rates.

Other hotels located outside the terminals but still within very close proximity include Sofitel (direct access to Terminal 5 via a covered walkway), Premier Inn (near Terminal 4), and Hilton London Heathrow (direct Terminal 4 access via a covered walkway).

Photo: Jonathan E. Hendry | Simple Flying

The surrounding area is also home to a large number of hotels. Many offer an airport shuttle or have agreements with existing shuttle hoppers that carry passengers between the airport and various local hotels. However, the bus can often take longer than a private car or cab, given the number of stops it has to make.

Other amenities

Aside from areas for catching some rest, London Heathrow also provides a wide variety of amenities to help make connections more pleasant. The airport features free WiFi, ample charging stations, and a vast selection of restaurants. Terminal 5 even offers an airport hair salon. Passengers looking to connect between airlines will have to account for extra time to travel between terminals, which often involves leaving security and walking or taking a train.

Take a look at our Guide to connecting between Heathrow terminals

Additionally, those with kids can take advantage of children’s play areas located in Terminal 2A, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5A. There is also a pre-order baby milk service available through Boots, allowing parents who ordered milk at least two days in advance to free up luggage space.

What other rest options exist at London Heathrow? What are your favorite amenities there? Let us know in the comments below.