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Can you stay overnight at Barcelona airport?
If your flight is delayed or have a long wait, you may be wondering if you can stay overnight at Barcelona Airport. Keep reading!
Picture this: your flight leaves at six in the morning, but you don’t want to pay for a hotel just to get a few hours of sleep. Or worse, your connection is delayed and you have to wait for hours at the airport. The question becomes inevitable: is it possible to stay overnight at Barcelona airport? The short answer is yes. The long answer is all in this guide.
Sleeping at Barcelona-El Prat doesn’t come with five-star luxury, but there are ways to make it work. You’ll find quiet corners, rest pods, and nearby hotels with free shuttles. In this guide, we’ll cover how to get some rest at the airport, what to pack, and options if you want a more comfortable break outside the terminal.
Keep reading and turn your wait into a strategic break.
Can you stay overnight at Barcelona Airport?
Yes, you can sleep at Barcelona-El Prat airport, whether in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. That said, there are a few important things to keep in mind to make sure your stay goes smoothly.
The airport is open 24 hours a day, so you can stay on the premises overnight. However, security staff may ask to see your boarding pass, especially in restricted areas. It’s a good idea to keep your boarding pass or flight reservation handy at all times.
When it comes to sleeping areas, there’s no official overnight zone, but some spots are popular with travelers. These include the ground floor of Terminal 1 in the public area, or the quieter gates in T2B.
Tips and options for staying overnight at Barcelona Airport
If you decide to spend the night inside Barcelona airport, it’s important to know the best spots to rest and come prepared. While there are no beds or areas specifically for sleeping, many travelers manage to get a few hours of rest by choosing the right spot and taking some simple precautions.
Here’s everything you need to know to get some rest at El Prat airport, including practical tips, the best spots to sleep, and paid options if you want extra privacy and comfort.
Tips for staying overnight at Barcelona Airport
Sleeping at the airport can be either an adventure or a complete hassle, depending on how well you plan. The key is to arrive early, ideally before midnight, to secure a good spot, especially during peak season.
Make sure your boarding pass is easy to access since security may ask for it if you stay in one place for a while. Keep your belongings close, and if you are traveling alone, use your luggage as support while you rest or secure it to a chair for peace of mind.
Although the airport is generally safe, it’s wise to stay alert and avoid the busiest areas or spots near the main gates, where noise and foot traffic never stop.
What to pack in your suitcase if you plan to sleep at Barcelona Airport
To get a better night’s sleep, it’s a good idea to put together a “mini sleep kit” in your carry-on luggage. We recommend including:
- Comfortable clothing and a coat (the air conditioning can be strong at night).
- A small blanket or large scarf.
- Travel pillow or inflatable pillow.
- Earplugs and eye mask.
- Snacks or a refillable water bottle.
- Portable charger or power bank.
Having these items on hand can make the difference between an uncomfortable night and a few hours of decent rest.
Recommended places to sleep inside the airport
In Terminal 1, many travelers prefer the ground floor near the arrivals area, where there are long benches without armrests and a calmer atmosphere. You can also find relatively quiet spots near gates B and C.
In Terminal 2, most travelers choose T2B for overnight stays, particularly near the gates and escalators. The seating is more comfortable, and the area is quieter at night.
Just don’t expect to find completely dark or quiet areas. Bringing an eye mask and earplugs can help you disconnect from your surroundings.
Sleeping capsules at the airport: Air Rooms Barcelona
If you’d rather skip the airport seats or want more privacy, Terminal 1 offers the Air Rooms Barcelona by Sleep&Fly. These are private rooms inside the airport, perfect for long layovers or late-night connections.
You can rent them for a full night or just for a few hours (minimum three hours). They offer a bed, private bathroom with shower, toiletries kit, desk, and WiFi.
- Location: Terminal 1, public area (1st floor, next to the parking lot and opposite the subway entrance).
- Reference price: Prices range from $100 to $170 per night, or from $75 for a three-hour stay.
- Reservations: Can be made online from their official website or directly at the counter.
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Is it possible to stay near Barcelona Airport?
If you prefer to leave the airport and rest more comfortably, the areas around El Prat have plenty of options for every budget. Whether it’s a hotel with a free shuttle or a budget stay just minutes away by taxi or public transport, you’ll find something that suits both your needs and your budget.
The key is to pick a place that’s conveniently located so you can get to the airport on time and board your flight stress-free. Here are the most practical options for staying near Barcelona airport.
1- Hotels with free airport shuttle service
One of the most popular choices for travelers are hotels that include a shuttle service. These accommodations are usually less than 10 minutes from the airport and offer comfortable rooms, breakfast, and round-trip transport at scheduled times.
Some recommended hotels:
- Best Western Plus Hotel Alfa Aeropuerto: Located 5 km from the airport. Offers free shuttle service, gym, restaurant, and soundproofed rooms.
- Salles Hotel Ciutat del Prat: Highly rated by those with early flights. It offers shuttle service, a restaurant, and comfortable rooms.
- BAH Barcelona Airport Hotel: One of the closest hotels to El Prat, with free transportation, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and comprehensive services.
Tip: To avoid surprises, always check the shuttle schedules, as some shuttle services only operate during the early hours of the morning or require advance booking.
2- Affordable accommodation near the airport
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can stay in nearby towns like El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, or Cornellà, all of which have good connections to the airport by train, metro, or taxi.
Some affordable options are:
- Centre Esplai Hostel: A modern and sustainable hostel, ideal if you want to save money. It has private and shared rooms.
- Ibis Budget Barcelona Viladecans: Basic, comfortable, and affordable. Well connected to the airport and with good services for short stays.
- Hostal Cal Siles: Simple accommodation in El Prat, just 15 minutes from the airport by bus.
How to get to the airport from your accommodation?
Barcelona-El Prat is well connected to the surrounding areas. From El Prat de Llobregat train station, you can catch the R2 North line to Terminal 2. Night buses N17 and N18 and taxis also run throughout the night.
If you stay at a hotel with a shuttle, just arrange the pickup time in advance. It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid any last-minute stress.
Is it possible to sleep near Barcelona Airport?
If you’d prefer to sleep outside the airport but stay close by, the area around Barcelona-El Prat has plenty of options. You can choose hotels with shuttle service or go for more informal stays like Airbnb or couchsurfing, depending on your budget, travel style, and layover time.
Next, we’ll go over the best areas to stay near the airport, the types of accommodation available, and how to get to and from your terminal with ease.
1- Recommended hotels near Barcelona Airport
Around the airport, especially in El Prat de Llobregat and Viladecans, you’ll find hotels of all kinds. Many are geared toward transit passengers, offering flexible check-in, 24-hour reception, and free shuttle service.
Some notable options:
- Salles Hotel Ciutat del Prat: Just 4 km from the airport.
- BAH Barcelona Airport Hotel: Modern, with a gym, swimming pool, and free shuttle.
- Hotel Barcelona Aeropuerto Affiliated by Meliá: A 10-minute drive away, perfect for a comfortable night before your flight.
2- Couchsurfing options near Barcelona Airport
For a more social and budget-friendly stay, you can look for hosts in areas like El Prat de Llobregat, Gavà, or Sants, which have good train connections. Couchsurfing is a great platform for this, but since availability can vary by season, it’s wise to plan ahead.
Many hosts welcome one-night stays, especially if you mention that you’re in transit. It’s also a great way to meet locals and enjoy some friendly company before or after your trip.
3- Airbnb options near the airport
Airbnb is a great choice if you want more privacy and flexibility. Near the airport, you can find everything from studios and full apartments to private rooms in family homes.
Reference prices:
- Private studios in El Prat de Llobregat: From $60 per night.
- Private rooms near train stations: Between $35-50.
- Entire apartments in Gavà or Cornellà: Between $82-140, depending on the season.
4- Transportation tips for getting to accommodations near the airport
To travel between the airport and your accommodation, you can use several options:
- Train: From El Prat de Llobregat station (line R2 North), you can reach Terminal 2 in a few minutes.
- Night bus (N17 and N18): Connects the city center and surrounding areas with both terminals.
- Taxi or private hire vehicle: Available 24 hours a day, perfect if you arrive in the early hours or with lots of luggage.
- Metro (L9 Sud): Connects to key stations such as Torrassa or Collblanc, where you can transfer to other lines.
Frequently asked questions about sleeping at Barcelona Airport
Besides catching some sleep, you might want to freshen up before your next flight. At the Air Rooms in Terminal 1’s public area, you can access showers if you book the service.
There’s no strict time limit, so you can stay for several hours or even overnight, as long as you have a scheduled flight and don’t cause any problems.
If you plan to sleep at Barcelona airport and want to keep your belongings safe, you can use the luggage storage on the ground floor of Terminal 1. It’s great for storing bags for a few hours or even days, and makes it easier to move around without extra weight before your flight.
Yes, there is a free shuttle bus between T1 and T2 that runs 24 hours a day. You can also walk between terminals if the weather is suitable.
In Terminal 1, you’ll find vending machines and spots like McDonald’s that stay open 24 hours. In Terminal 2, late-night options are more limited.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
