Overnight layover guide. Sleeping facilities in the public zone or boarding area
Please note that some published services and schedules may be subject to change. If the idea is to spend the night in the public area, consider a plan B in case the stay inside the airport is only allowed for those who are about to board.
Spending the night at the airport
If you have an early morning flight or a long connecting flight in the early hours of the morning, London Heathrow's airport facilities make it possible to stay overnight without having to go to a hotel. All terminals are open 24 hours a day and are connected by shuttle buses.
Where to rest
There are plenty of comfortable seats in Terminal 2, but even in the early hours of the morning there are lots of lights and movement, so it's advisable to have an eye mask and earplugs handy. In the boarding area of Terminal 3 (e.g. by gate 7) you can find wide armchairs, but be aware that security staff may ask you to move. As for Terminal 4, the public area has more comfortable overnight options; there is even a 24-hour café where you can stay if you have something to eat. For Terminal 5, there is a quiet area next to gate A11. If you want to take a shower or be in a more private and comfortable area, all terminals have VIP lounges. The only problem is that they close at night. If you want to sleep uninterrupted, there are hotels in terminals 3, 4 and 5 and several alternatives nearby.
Baggage
All terminals have left-luggage services, but they are open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. So if your flight leaves very early in the morning, you'll probably have to spend the night with your bags.
Eating and drinking
There are coffee shops open 24 hours a day in all terminals.
Restrooms
Showers are available in many of the VIP lounges.
Wi-Fi
Free unlimited access is available at the airport. There are also power outlets and USB ports for recharging mobile devices in all terminals.
Other services available around the clock
ATMs, baby changing facilities.
Booking accommodation
Nearby Hotels
The Aerotel London is located in the Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall, while the Hilton London Heathrow Airport is connected to Terminal 4 via a covered walkway. The Sofitel London Heathrow, in turn, connects to Terminal 5. Reservation desks are available in the Arrivals area of each terminal and at the on-site underground station (between terminals 2 and 3).
Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow (0.2 km/0.1 miles)
Rennaissance London Heathrow Hotel (1.1 km/0.7 miles)
Ibis Styles London Heathrow Airport (1.2 km/0.7 miles)
Radisson RED London Heathrow (1.2 km/0.7 miles)
Leonardo London Heathrow Airport (1.2 km/0.7 miles)