Best options in order: an airside transit hotel (hourly rooms, no immigration), a capsule or pod hotel, a lounge with rest areas, then free rest zones. Singapore, Seoul Incheon, Doha, Munich and Abu Dhabi have the best free or cheap sleep; most US hubs have almost none.
Airside transit hotels: Aerotel (SIN, AUH), Oryx (DOH), YOTELAIR (AMS, CDG, IST), Sama-Sama Express (KUL), Miracle Transit (BKK), Dubai International Hotel (DXB), Napcabs (FRA, MUC). Sold in 4–8 hour blocks.
Capsules/pods landside: Nine Hours (NRT), Darakhyu (ICN), First Cabin (HND), Minute Suites (ATL, airside), Fast Sleep (GRU).
Free rest zones: Changi snooze lounges, Incheon rest zones, Doha quiet rooms, Munich quiet zones.
Terminal floor: possible at 24-hour airports (DXB, DOH, IST, BKK) but bright and noisy; many US and European terminals close concourses overnight.
Bring an eye mask, earplugs and a layer — terminals are cold at night.
Related questions
Can I leave the airport during a layover?
Often yes, if you can legally enter the country, your bags are checked through, and you have enough time — usually six hours or more. Subtract immigration, transit both ways and a 90-minute return buffer before deciding. Full answer →
What is a layover, and how is it different from a stopover?
A layover is the time between connecting flights on one ticket — usually under 24 hours. A stopover is a deliberate stay of more than 24 hours (often days) at the connecting city, sometimes offered free by hub airlines. Full answer →
Airline, airport and government rules change without notice. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with the airline or authority for your specific trip. Request a correction if something is out of date.