Sleeping inside or in nearby hotels at BHX Airport

  Overnight layover guide: sleeping options in the public area and the boarding area

Spending the night at the airport is a common option for travellers with long connections or flights scheduled early in the morning. Although the terminal remains open 24 hours a day, the resting experience requires preparation due to the operational characteristics of the facility.

Availability and Location

It is important to note that, after the departure of the last flight, security staff usually clear the boarding area (Airside). Therefore, passengers staying overnight must remain in the public area (Landside) of the terminal until security screening reopens, usually from around 3:30 am or 4:00 am.

Rest Areas

• Seating: Most benches in the departures and arrivals areas have metal armrests, which prevents lying down horizontally. The few padded seats are usually the first to be occupied.
• Floor: It is common to see travellers resting on the floor, especially in the quieter corners of the arrivals area. As the floor is tiled and temperatures tend to drop considerably at night, the use of sleeping mats, sleeping bags or extra warm clothing is recommended.
• Hotels: For guaranteed rest, the Novotel, Ibis and Ibis Budget hotels are located within the airport grounds and can be reached on foot in just a few minutes.

Services available overnight

Dining: Overnight food options are concentrated in the arrivals area (ground floor). Costa Coffee and Greggs usually operate 24 hours a day, offering coffee and light meals.

Connectivity: The airport provides free and unlimited Wi-Fi, allowing entertainment or travel planning during the wait. There are also some charging points for mobile devices near the pillars in the departures area.

Supplies: A convenience shop in the public area remains open for the purchase of snacks, drinks and essential items.

Factors to consider

• Environment: The terminal is brightly lit and public address announcements are made constantly. The use of a sleep mask and earplugs or headphones is recommended.
• Security: The facility has regular security patrols, making it generally safe for overnight stays. Staff may ask to see your passport or flight itinerary during the night.
• Baggage: Please note that the Luggage-Point storage service closes at 9:00 pm. If you plan to sleep in the terminal, you will need to look after your luggage personally until your airline’s check-in counters open.

 Hotels

Birmingham Airport offers a wide range of accommodation options allowing passengers to rest just a few metres from the departure gates. There are hotels of various categories located directly within the airport grounds, as well as properties in the nearby NEC exhibition centre area, quickly connected via the free Air-Rail Link system.

Hotels within the airport grounds

Novotel Birmingham Airport: The closest hotel to the terminal, offering a 4-star stay ideal for business travellers seeking immediate pedestrian access to the check-in area.

Ibis Birmingham International Airport: A mid-range option balancing comfort and price, located just a few minutes’ walk from the main building.

Ibis Budget Birmingham Airport: Specialises in essential and economical stays, providing an unbeatable location for early-morning flights at competitive rates.

Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport: Offers modern rooms with soundproofed windows and a 24-hour gym, located directly opposite the terminal.

Hotels nearby (NEC / Resorts World)

Ibis Styles Birmingham NEC & Airport: Stands out for its creative, themed design, making it an excellent choice for those also attending events at the exhibition centre.

Moxy Birmingham NEC: A vibrant, youthful-style hotel with lively social spaces, easily accessible from the airport via the free monorail.

Genting Hotel & Spa: Located at Resorts World, it offers a luxury experience with spa facilities, a casino and multiple dining and leisure options just 10 minutes from the terminal.

Tri-Star Hotel: A simpler, more traditional alternative offering a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere away from the immediate bustle of the terminal.