Tips & Advice · 6 min read · 11 June 2026

The best airport hotel bars to watch the World Cup before you fly

Catch the football, then head straight to departures. These airport hotels are showing the World Cup, so you won't miss a kick before your holiday begins.

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

Watching the World Cup before you fly is easier than ever, with airport hotels across the UK showing every game on big screens. From the American-themed Sports Bar & Grill at the Sheraton Skyline near Heathrow to the Shark Club Gastro Bar at the Sandman Signature near Gatwick, there's no shortage of lively spots to catch the action. Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, East Midlands and Stansted all get a look-in too, with hotels offering everything from late licences and match-day specials to free gyms and comfy beds. Whether you're after a pre-flight burger and a pint or a full sit-down meal, these picks make it easy to kick off your holiday in style.

The World Cup and a holiday abroad? That's a dream fixture. Whether you're squeezing in one last match before take-off or settling in for a late-night kick-off ahead of an early flight, plenty of airport hotels are showing every big game. From lively sports bars and giant screens to handy airport transfers and comfy beds, these are the best airport hotel bars to catch the World Cup before you fly.

Birmingham

Hilton Birmingham Metropole

You’re in luck if you want to catch up with the football before flying from Birmingham. The Hilton Birmingham Metropole’s just a short walk from Birmingham International Station, where you can catch the monorail to the airport, and the Gild Lounge in the hotel lobby is showing all the big games.

Tuck into nachos, burgers and salads with a pint or a cocktail in the glitzy bar, or pop over to Brightsmith on the Water before the match for an elevated sit-down meal. And don't forget to visit the LivingWell Health Club. The gym, pool, sauna and steam room are free to use – perfect for calming those pre-game nerves.

Bristol

Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport

You won’t miss any of the action if you’re flying from Bristol Airport. The Hampton by Hilton has a huge TV in the lobby and is showing all the games this World Cup.

The hotel’s just a 5-minute walk from the terminal, and a buffet breakfast is served from 4am. Early start sorted, and so is the football.

East Midlands

Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport

The Leonardo Hotel East Midlands is showing the World Cup matches in the bar. It’s open all day whether you’re after something to eat, a coffee or a drink or two while watching the football.

You can walk from the hotel to the terminal in minutes, or book a taxi for around £12. It makes for a great start to your holiday, whether your team wins or loses.

Edinburgh

Holiday Inn Edinburgh

The Open Lobby Bar and Lounge at the Holiday Inn Edinburgh is open 7am to 11pm, and the World Cup will be on the big screens. It’s got the feel of a classic sports bar, so soak up the atmosphere before you head off on holiday.

You can watch the game from the comfort of your room if it’s a later kick-off. And it’s a 20-minute drive to the airport when you’re ready to fly.

Gatwick

Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel

The Sandman Signature has gone all out for the World Cup, and the Shark Club Gastro Bar is the place to watch the action. The hotel’s sports bar has plenty of big screen TVs, moreish bar food like wings and burgers plus plenty of refreshing drinks to kick back with. There’s an outdoor terrace too, so make sure you arrive in time to soak up the evening sun.

This sleek hotel is 10-minute drive from Gatwick, so you’ll be at the terminal in no time. And however your team does, you’re sure to be relaxed thanks to the hotel’s comfy beds, pool and sauna.

Hilton London Gatwick Airport

With an exclusive walkway to the South Terminal, tasty dining options and an elegant bar, the Hilton is a little bit of bliss at the busy airport. The Hilton's spacious lobby makes a great spot to relax before your flight, plus there’s unlimited free wifi, a gym and some rather spacious rooms.

Your football fix is covered at Charlie Fry's Sports Bar, which is open as late as 1am. Watch the World Cup on large screen TVs while sipping on a great selection of draught beers and signature cocktails. Fill up on juicy burgers and classic bar snacks and you're on to a winner.

Glasgow

Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport

The Holiday Inn at Glasgow Airport is showing all the World Cup matches. They have a late license to show Scotland’s opening 2am kick off, so going away doesn’t mean missing the action.

It’s the closest hotel to the main terminal, plus kids stay and eat for free, making it a great option for families and footy fanatics before they fly.

Heathrow

Sheraton Skyline Hotel London Heathrow

You’re spoilt for choice for spots to watch the World Cup near Heathrow. But given the USA is one of the host countries this year, you might want to make a beeline somewhere that feels distinctly American.

Enter the Sheraton Skyline’s Sports Bar & Grill. If the big screens, hot dogs and NFL memorabilia weren’t American enough for you, there’s a muscle car crashing through the wall. It’s the place to be if you want to feel like you’re watching in the States.

The hotel also boasts an excellent Indian restaurant, comfy rooms and a free gym. Plus it’s so close to the airport you can see the runway.

Sheraton Heathrow Hotel

Not to be confused with the Skyline, the Sheraton Heathrow is also showing all the big games in their Discovery bar. Expect match-day specials, exclusive drink offers and an electric atmosphere.

It’s an excellent Heathrow stop-off. Enjoy mouth-watering steaks at the Cast Iron Bar & Grill, pre-holiday cocktails at the bar and super comfy Sheraton Sleep Experience beds to sink into the night before you fly.

Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 Hotel

Head over to the Aviator Sports Bar, which will be showing all of the earlier kick-offs at the World Cup. Enjoy a chilled pint and classic bar grub like burgers, nachos and sky-high onion ring towers.

Your team playing at 2am? You can always catch the match from the comfort of your room. Plus the hotel’s directly connected to Terminal 5 by driverless pods, making it ideal for early flights.

Manchester

Clayton Manchester Airport

The Clayton’s ideal if you’re flying from Manchester. It’s right on the airport grounds, there’s a free 24-hour shuttle bus to all terminals, and the Deluxe rooms are as comfortable as they sound.

Work up a sweat in the free gym, or leave that to the footballers on the big screen in the Aviator Bar. They’re showing all the big games, so settle in with a craft cocktail and a bite to eat and don’t miss a thing.

Holiday Inn Express Manchester Airport

Stone-baked pizzas, plenty of beers on draught and a big TV to watch the football. There’s a kids’ menu too, so the whole family can enjoy the action the night before you fly.

You’re less than 2 miles from the airport, but you won’t be able to hear how close you are in your soundproofed room. Add to that the free breakfast and it’s pretty much the perfect start to your holiday.

Stansted

Novotel London Stansted Airport

Whether you're travelling with friends, family or flying solo, the Novotel makes it easy to catch the match before heading to the terminal. There’s a tempting restaurant, a proper buffet breakfast the next day, high-speed wifi and even a gym.

Let’s not forget the bar, which has plenty of big screen TVs showing the World Cup. Watch the game with a glass of wine or a crisp pint, and arrive early to soak up the sun in the outdoor terrace.