When you are transferring at Istanbul Airport (IST) and have a long layover or a late-night flight, you will be glad to know that this giant airport is ready to accommodate weary passengers. The airport does not only have luxury lounges and paid sleeping facilities but also free Nap Zones and rest areas throughout the terminal.
You can be on a tight budget or simply want to have a place to recharge and rest, but this guide will help you to find the best free sleep and nap locations at Istanbul Airport, as well as the alternatives to them in case you want to have more privacy and comfort.
Free Nap Zones at Istanbul Airport (IST)
Among the brightest features of IST, one can distinguish the existence of several Napzone zones created especially to provide passengers with rest. These areas are free of charge and are distributed all over the terminal.
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Locations of Nap Zones
The official Istanbul Airport site states that there are six Napzone zones with a total of 278 travelers at once. These comprise semi-reclining seats and serene surroundings that are ideal to rest in between flights.
This is where you will find them:
- Departures Floor
- Opposite Check-in Area A
- Opposite Check-in Area S
- Domestic Terminal
- Food Court Area
- Near Gate G8
- International Terminal
- Gate A7
- Gate B18
- Gate F13
- Gate C1
- Gate C4
- Opposite Gate A5
- Gate B4
- Gate E1
- Gate E4
- Area A–B, opposite Gourmet Trilogy
- Transfer Zone
- Opposite the Security Checkpoint
These spaces are accessible to every passenger and are particularly convenient to transit passengers who do not wish to spend on a hotel or lounge entry.
Other Free Rest Spots in IST
In addition to the official Napzones, there are a number of other spots in Istanbul Airport where you can get some rest and spend not a penny.
1. Empty Gate Seats
Most concourses, particularly Concourse D, have empty rows of seats late at night or when there is not much traffic. These seats are not made to sleep on, but some passengers lie down on several seats to make an improvised bed.
2. Round Couches and Lounge Chairs
Soft lounge chairs and round couches are available in the area of Gates B9, B17, and B18 and on the upper level around Gates E1/E2. They are not designated sleeping zones, but are regularly utilized by tired passengers who require a brief nap.
3. IGA Lounge (For Eligible Passengers)
You can also have free access to the IGA Lounge if you have certain airline statuses, such as Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Elite or Elite Plus. The lounge provides rest places, food, beverages, and showers. Not everyone can avail of it, but it is an excellent benefit when you can.
Paid Sleeping Options at Istanbul Airport
In case you want more privacy or a more comfortable arrangement in case of a longer stay, IST also has paid sleeping facilities within the airport.
1. iGA Sleepods
iGA Sleepods are an excellent compromise between the free Napzones and the more privacy-seeking traveler. These are individual cabins, which are fitted with:
- A comfortable bed
- Charging ports for your devices
- Reading lights
- A quiet space to relax
They can be rented on a pay-per-hour basis, which makes them both convenient to take short naps as well as overnight stays.
2. Airport Hotels
To be completely comfortable, you may reserve a room in one of the hotels within or near the airport. These offer complete beds, showers and amenities, but at a greater price. This is the most convenient choice among the travelers who have long overnight layovers and need to have full rest and privacy.
Tips for Sleeping at Istanbul Airport
- Arrive Early: Napzones are very busy and most passengers seek a place to rest during late-night hours.
- Bring Essentials: A travel blanket, neck pillow, and eye mask will make free rest areas so much more comfortable.
- Check Your Gate: The airport is so big and so, select a resting point near your departure gate so that you do not run when it is time to board.
- Stay Safe: Hold on to your things, particularly when you are sleeping in open places such as empty gate seats.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is also among the most well-equipped airports regarding the needs of exhausted passengers. Free Napzones with semi-reclined seating, round couches, lounge chairs, and even empty gate seats are some of the many places to get a nap without spending money.
You can have more comfort at a price at the iGA Sleepods or hotels near the airport, in case you want privacy. In the meantime, the IGA Lounge is also free to use by eligible passengers. Regardless of your budget, you will find an appropriate place to rest at IST. And the next time you have a long layover in Istanbul, you can be sure where to go to recharge and continue your trip with a new energy.
