As the UK’s second-busiest airport and in the top-ten busiest airports in Europe, London’s Gatwick Airport sees many travellers every day. It’s a major entry point to the UK, especially the capital of London, and a base for many large airlines.
If you’ve finished your London sightseeing at places like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the House of Parliament, or if you’re just arriving in London, you’ll want somewhere great to stay with easy access to the airport.
London is an expensive city, and finding the best hostels near Gatwick Airport can be difficult, particularly if you’re looking for somewhere inexpensive.
There’s no need to worry though; our team of specialist travel writers have created a list of the best hostels near Gatwick Airport to make planning your trip even easier.
Book one of these excellent hostels near Gatwick Airport for a great stay. Some are so comfortable you may never want to leave!
Quick Answer: Best Hostels Near Gatwick Airport
#1 Overall Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport – Pub Love @ The Crown
#2 Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport to Catch an Early Flight – Hookwood Lodge
#3 Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport to Catch an Early Train – Clink261
#4 Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport for Solo Travelers – YHA London Earl’s Court
#5 Best Party Hostel Near Gatwick Airport – St Christopher’s Hammersmith
#6 Best Hostel for Business Travelers Near Gatwick Airport – Gainsborough Lodge
#7 Best Hostel for Couples Near Gatwick Airport – The Lawn Guest House
#8 Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport for Families – Oakhurst Gatwick B&B
#9 Best Budget Hostel Near Gatwick Airport – Queen Elizabeth Chelsea
#10 Best Luxury Hostel Near Gatwick Airport – Gatwick Gable End Guest House
#11 Best Hostel with a Private Room Near Gatwick Airport – Gatwick Belmont Guesthouse
Best Hostels Near Gatwick Airport
#1 – Pub Love @ The Crown
• Overall Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport •
With 24-hour reception and a burger bar, Pub Love at The Crown is handy and cool!
With 24-hour reception and a burger bar, Pub Love at The Crown is handy and cool!
With 24-hour reception and a burger bar, Pub Love at The Crown is handy and cool!- Cost – $$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport 2 km / 25 miles
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 50 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by train: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 1 hour 20 minutes
Our pick for the overall best hostel near Gatwick Airport is Pub Love @ The Crown in Battersea. The recently renovated property is close to numerous places to eat, drink, and shop, and it’s located right above a sociable pub.
The pub puts great emphasis on local products and serves the most amazing beers, gins, and rums. Feeling peckish? Grab a bite from the awesome burger bar. Guests get great discounts on food and drinks too.
Bare-brick fireplaces and black and white photographs from yesterday add to the building’s charms. There’s 24-hour reception and security and the hostel offers lockers and luggage storage. Each dorm bed has its own power outlet. There are mixed dorms and private rooms in various sizes.
#2 – Hookwood Lodge
• Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport to Catch an Early Flight •
Hookwood Lodge is just a 5 minute cab ride from Gatwick Airport
Hookwood Lodge is just a 5 minute cab ride from Gatwick Airport
Hookwood Lodge is just a 5 minute cab ride from Gatwick Airport- Cost – $$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport3 km / 2.7 miles
- Airport shuttle
- Time to Gatwick Airport walking: 55 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 5 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 20 minutes
Located in Horley and just a couple of miles from the airport, Hookwood Lodge is our choice for the best hostel near Gatwick Airport to catch an early flight. Suitable for most types of traveler, there are rooms for one, family rooms for four, and twin and double rooms.
Rooms have a private bathroom, where you’ll find free toiletries, and a TV, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, and kettle. The property offers secure parking in a gated area and you can make use of the airport shuttle services (additional fees apply).
The luggage storage facilities may come in handy too. When the sun is shining, the garden is a pleasant place to sit and relax.
#3 – Clink261
• Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport to Catch an Early Train •
Walk to St Pancras Station and Kings Cross Station from Clink261
Walk to St Pancras Station and Kings Cross Station from Clink261
Walk to St Pancras Station and Kings Cross Station from Clink261- Cost – $
- Distance to Gatwick Airport 48.3 km / 30 miles
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by train: 45 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 2 hours 30 minutes
If you’re looking for the best hostel near Gatwick Airport to catch an early train, Clink261 is ideal. Although not especially close to the airport its location, within walking distance of St Pancras Station and Kings Cross Station, makes it well worth spending the night here.
The hostel has both mixed and ladies-only dorms. All beds have a locker, personal reading light, and power socket. There are also private rooms for two. Access is by key card, helping to keep the hostel secure.
Housed within a former students’ union building, the hostel has a youthful and sociable ambience. You can chill in the large lounge and whip up a storm in the shared kitchen.
The tour desk is great for making the most of your time in the Big Smoke and you can use the free Wi-Fi to plan your days out.
For a lively night of fun, head to the sister hostel where you can hang out in the cool bar. Laundry facilities and luggage storage may also come in handy during your stay.
#4 – YHA London Earl’s Court
• Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport for Solo Travelers •
Pub crawls, walking tours and movie nights - tick!
Pub crawls, walking tours and movie nights - tick!
Pub crawls, walking tours and movie nights - tick!- Cost – $$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport 61 km / 38 miles
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by train: 45 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 2 hours 15 minutes
YHA London Earl’s Court is our suggested choice for the best hostel near Gatwick Airport for solo travelers. The hostel has top-notch facilities for a comfortable stay and there are tons of organised events to encourage guests to mingle.
From pub crawls and meals to walking tours and movie nights, there are lots of ways to have fun. You can unwind in the lounge and impress your new friends in the modern kitchen. There’s an onsite café-cum-bar too.
You can rest easy knowing that the hostel is accessed by key card. Other handy facilities include luggage storage, washing machines, and free Wi-Fi.
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#5 – St Christopher’s Hammersmith
• Best Party Hostel Near Gatwick Airport •
St Christophers Hammersmith is our favourite for the best party hostel near Gatwick Airport
St Christophers Hammersmith is our favourite for the best party hostel near Gatwick Airport
St Christophers Hammersmith is our favourite for the best party hostel near Gatwick Airport- Cost – $
- Distance to Gatwick Airport 48.3 km / 30 miles
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by train: 45 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 2 hours 30 minutes
If you’re looking for a top place to party pre- or post-flight, you can’t go wrong when you book into St Christopher’s Hammersmith. It’s our favourite for the best party hostel near Gatwick Airport.
There’s a cool pub on the ground floor where you can get into the party spirit before hitting the nearby bars and clubs—join an organised pub crawl for giggles galore! Alternatively, chill in the bar with new mates watching sports on the big screen.
Cook your favourite hangover cure in the kitchen and enjoy free tea and coffee throughout the day. There are mixed and female-only dorms and beds in the larger dorms have curtains for more privacy come bedtime. Everyone has a locker.
#6 – Gainsborough Lodge
• Best Hostel for Business Travelers Near Gatwick Airport •
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport: 9 km / 1.8 miles
- Airport shuttle
- Time to Gatwick Airport walking: 37 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 3 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 10 minutes
The pleasant and family-run Gainsborough Lodge is our recommendation for the best hostel for business travelers near Gatwick Airport. There are spacious single, twin, double, and triple rooms, some with private bathrooms and others with shared bathrooms.
All rooms have a TV, free Wi-Fi, kettle, and alarm clock, and there’s no need to worry about being crumpled for business meetings—each room has an iron too.
Basic business services, such as faxing and photocopying, are available, and there are shuttle services to and from Gatwick Airport. There’s a shared TV lounge where you can take it easy after a day’s work.
#7 – The Lawn Guest House
• Best Hostel for Couples Near Gatwick Airport •
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport 3 km / 1.9 miles
- Airport shuttle
- Time to Gatwick Airport walking: 40 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 3 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 10 minutes
The Lawn Guest House has a selection of well-appointed private rooms, including lovely rooms for two. The comfortable and attractive en suite double rooms are the reason we’ve chosen this as the best hostel for couples near Gatwick Airport.
Pretty linens, cushions, and curtains add to the visual appeal, while amenities like a kettle, TV, and free Wi-Fi add to your comfort. Some rooms still have the original fireplaces intact.
The building itself was once a fine home from the Victorian period. Housekeeping services ensure everywhere is gleaming and spotlessly clean. Wake up each morning to a free breakfast to put a smile on your face.
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#8 – Oakhurst Gatwick B&B
• Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport for Families •
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport2 km / 2.6 miles
- Airport shuttle
- Time to Gatwick Airport walking: 1 hour
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 6 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 22 minutes
Oakhurst Gatwick B&B is the best hostel near Gatwick Airport for families. There are private rooms for three, four, and five. Rooms are en suite and have a TV, DVD player, and free Wi-Fi, great for entertaining younger members of the family come evening time.
Families with little kids will likely be pleased to find highchairs available. Sleep soundly thanks to the sound-proofing and comfy beds. Pop the kettle on to make your morning brew before enjoying the free breakfast.
Free airport shuttles are available from early in the morning until late at night, helping you travel with ease. The property also benefits from onsite car parking.
#9 – Queen Elizabeth Chelsea
• Best Budget Hostel Near Gatwick Airport •
- Cost – $
- Distance to Gatwick Airport: 56 km / 35 miles
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 1 hour
- Time to Gatwick Airport by train: 46 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 1 hour 50 minutes
The Queen Elizabeth Chelsea is, in our opinion, the best budget hostel near Gatwick Airport. Situated above a pub, the hostel offers basic accommodation for a snip of the price. There are mixed dorms in various sizes and private rooms. There are plenty of charging points in the dorms and all guests have a locker for security.
The common area has a cosy lounge with a TV and games as well as basic cooking facilities. The downstairs pub offers a taste of typical London life and you can order a range of drinks and pub grub.
Although breakfast isn’t included in the rates, the vegan buffet breakfast is a cheap way to fill up on healthy fare for your day ahead. You can book tours onsite and other plus points include free Wi-Fi (not accessible in the larger dorms) and luggage storage facilities.
Do note that age limits apply; only people aged between 18 and 40 can stay at The Queen Elizabeth Chelsea
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#10 – Gatwick Gable End Guest House
• Best Luxury Hostel Near Gatwick Airport •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport: 7 km / 1.7 miles
- Airport shuttle
- Time to Gatwick Airport walking: 40 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 3 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 5 minutes
Housed within a fine Edwardian home, Gatwick Gable End Guest House is a warm and welcoming accommodation that really makes guests feel at home. For the price, there are lots of little nice touches, which is why we think this is the best luxury hostel near Gatwick Airport.
There are private en suite rooms for one, two, three, four, and five. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, a TV, and a kettle, and you can borrow irons and hairdryers if desired. Breakfast is included in the rates; tuck into a filling traditional English breakfast (veggie option served too) from 7.30am to 9am.
If you need to leave earlier or fancy a lie in you can enjoy a continental breakfast at other times. Free airport transfers are provided between 7am and 9pm.
#11 – Gatwick Belmont Guesthouse
• Best Hostel with a Private Room Near Gatwick Airport •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport7 km / 1.7 miles
- Airport shuttle
- Time to Gatwick Airport walking: 40 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 3 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 5 minutes
With private rooms for one, two, three, four, and five, Gatwick Belmont Guesthouse is our pick for the best hostel with a private room near Gatwick Airport. All rooms are en suite and have a TV, phone, and kettle.
Cots are available for families travelling with infants. The onsite pub/restaurant is perfect for chilling out and enjoying a tasty meal. A huge benefit of staying here is that the hostel isn’t directly under the flight path so there’s less noise to disturb your slumber.
Reception is staffed around the clock, so no need to worry about late check-ins and early check-outs. You can arrange airport transfers (extra costs apply) with ease. Free Wi-Fi, a free-to-use computer, and luggage storage are other pluses.
Other Great Hostels Near Gatwick Airport
Still not sure where to stay? Here are even more top hostels near Gatwick Airport.
#12 – Hootananny Hostel
- Cost – $
- Distance to Gatwick Airport6 km / 24 miles
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 45 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by train: 1 hour 16 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 1 hour 11 minutes
Hootananny Hostel is another good hostel near Gatwick Airport. A top place for social butterflies and music lovers, the downstairs bar is especially rocking at the weekends. You’ll get incredible discounts on drinks too.
There’s a large lounge where you can rest up on the comfy sofas, watch TV, or sink your nose in a good book. The small terrace is pleasant in the sunshine and you can also enjoy the beer garden.
The large kitchen is perfect for people looking to save money at mealtimes. Rooms are spacious and airy and there are both mixed and female-only dorms. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are free.
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#13 – The Lodge at Crystal Palace
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport4 km / 22 miles
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 45 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by train: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 1 hour 45 minutes
The Lodge at Crystal Palace is a fantastic hostel near Gatwick Airport for sports lovers, particularly avid football fans. The lodge has single, twin, and triple rooms with shared bathrooms, all within arm’s reach of the well-known Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
The sporting facilities are second to none, with a large swimming pool, athletics track, tennis courts, climbing walls, football pitches, a high-tech fitness centre, and more (additional costs apply).
Take a stroll through Crystal Palace Park to admire the lake, conquer the maze, and follow the dinosaur trail. There’s a common room within the hostel too where you can relax after a day of active pursuits. A free breakfast is served each morning and Wi-Fi is also free.
#14 – Abercorn House
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport4 km / 27.6 miles
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 1 hour
- Time to Gatwick Airport by train: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 2 hours
Abercorn House may take longer to reach the airport from than many other hostels on this list, but the pleasant hostel is still worth considering when looking for somewhere to stay near Gatwick Airport.
There are mixed and female-only dorms as well as private rooms (both en suite and shared bathrooms). Watch TV and chat in the lounge, surf the free Wi-Fi, and prepare tasty meals in the kitchen. Laundry facilities and baggage storage are other perks.
#15 – Blue Skies Hostel
- Cost – $
- Distance to Gatwick Airport 37 km / 23 miles
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 45 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by train: 1 hour
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 1 hour 45 minutes
Blue Skies Hostel is a friendly and laid-back hostel near Gatwick Airport. Dorms are basic but comfy, with mixed and women-only rooms. There are lockers, but you’ll need your own padlock.
You can make full use of the kitchen and small lounge, but the real fun can be found in the pub downstairs. The large beer garden attracts many punters in the summer and inside you’ll find TVs that show all the top sports matches, a pool table, and table football.
Smokers will be pleased with the heated smoking shelter. Breakfast is included in the prices. Other bonuses include free Wi-Fi, a tour desk, luggage storage, bike parking, and 24-hour security.
#16 – Acacia Hostel
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport5 km / 27 miles
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 55 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by train: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 1 hour 55 minutes
Acacia Hostel can be found in the affluent area of Kensington. It has six-bed mixed dorms and private rooms for two, three, and four. Bathrooms are shared, though each room has a sink along with a fridge, table, wardrobe, and TV.
You can prepare your own meals to share with friends old and new in the kitchen, where you’ll also find a large table.
Don’t worry about satisfying your morning hunger—breakfast is included. There’s someone on reception at all times and the hostel offers luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, and tour booking services.
#17 – Masslink Guest House
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Gatwick Airport6 km / 1.6 miles
- Airport shuttle
- Time to Gatwick Airport walking: 40 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by taxi: 4 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by train: 16 minutes
- Time to Gatwick Airport by bus: 14 minutes
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Gatwick Airport, Masslink Guest House is a comfortable base for people coming from or leaving to, the airport. There are free airport shuttles for your complete convenience.
Private rooms sleep between one and three. Some have private bathrooms and some share washrooms. Cots are available. For a reasonable cost, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the elegant dining room. Wi-Fi is free.
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Overall Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport
Pub Love @ The Crown
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Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport to Catch an
Early Flight Hookwood Lodge
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Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport to Catch an
Early Train Clink261
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Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport for Solo
Travelers YHA London Earl’s Court
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Best Party Hostel Near Gatwick Airport
St Christopher’s Hammersmith
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Best Hostel for Business Travelers Near
Gatwick Airport Gainsborough Lodge
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Best Hostel for Couples Near Gatwick Airport
The Lawn Guest House
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Best Hostel Near Gatwick Airport for Families
Oakhurst Gatwick B&B
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Best Budget Hostel Near Gatwick Airport
Queen Elizabeth Chelsea
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Best Luxury Hostel Near Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Gable End Guest House
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Best Hostel with a Private Room Near Gatwick
Airport Gatwick Belmont Guesthouse
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Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels near Gatwick Airport
You should now have no problem finding the best hostel near Gatwick Airport when you’re prepared with this comprehensive expert-compiled list.z
From the best budget hostel near Gatwick Airport to the most luxurious places to stay and from peaceful pads to party hostels, we’ve ticked all the boxes. There’s something for all types of traveller too, whether you’re travelling solo, with your best buddies, with the family, or with that special someone. And, if you’re travelling for business we’ve got you covered too.
Book your favourite hostel today—you don’t want to miss any great deals!
We’re sure we’ve included all the very best hostels near Gatwick Airport but if you know of any hidden treasures let us know! Drop us a comment below.
P.S. London parties hard – and our EPIC list of the 11 best party hostels in London will help you find the perfect hostel to party like a rockstar! With the help of our epic guide to the 16 best day trips from London, you’ll be able to find an amazing day trip that suits your style and budget!
P.P.S This list of the 17 best hostels near Stansted Airport and our 17 best hostels near Victoria Station will show you the BEST hostels so you can travel like a boss! Check out our ULTIMATE guide to the best hostels in London too.
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