Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik attracts thousands of visitors every year with it being the gateway to explore the spectacular Nordic Island’s dramatic landscapes with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields all being just a short drive away.
Despite being known as a gateway city, Reykjavik itself is a pretty amazing destination full of tasty restaurants, boutique fashion shops, and stunning thermal springs. However, itself international airport is quite a trek from the city center meaning it’s handy to know where you can stay if you’re looking to catch a flight.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best hostels near Reykjavik Airport, where we’ve broken down five of the best along with giving you guidance on how to travel to and from.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels Near Reykjavik Airport
#1 Overall Best Hostel Near Reykjavik Airport – Start Hostel
#2 The Best Hostel near Reykjavik CITY Airport – Galaxy Pod Hostel
#3 The Best Hostel near Reykjavik Airport for Solo Travellers – Bus Hostel Reykjavik
#4 The Best Party Hostel Near Reykjavik Airport – KEX Hostel
#5 The Best Luxury Hostel Near Reykjavik Airport – Loft HI Hostel
#1 – Start Hostel
The Overall Best Hostel near Reykjavik Airport
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Reykjavik Airport – 5km/3.1 miles
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by walking – 1 hour
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by bus – 30 minutes
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by train – N/A
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by taxi – 8 minutes
Start Hostel has to be our pick for the best hostel near the international airport due to it being the only hostel within walking distance to the terminals. It is also just an 8-minute drive from the gates making it the perfect place to stay if you’ve got an early flight to catch.
The hostel is also just a 35-minute drive into the city center so if you do fancy exploring the city’s sites then you can do so with ease!
On-site the hostel goes above and beyond to provide comfortable facilities with each room having special touches along with modern comforts including private bathrooms and toilet facilities in every room.
Start Hostel also offers a FREE breakfast which is always a bonus as a backpacker, and we’ve heard it’s a very tasty one too.
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#2 – Galaxy Pod Hostel
The Best Hostel near Reykjavik City Airport
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Reykjavik Airport – 47.5km/ 29.5 miles
- Time to Reykjavik CITY Airport – 3.5km/ 10 minute taxi/ 15 minute bus/ 40 minute walk
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by walking – Don’t even bother
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by bus – 1hr
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by taxi – 40 minutes
Galaxy Pod Hostel is one of Reykjavik’s most unique hostels with the hostel offering a space capsule-style layout with modernly designed capsule pods that are equipped with comfortable and deluxe beds.
Outside of your private capsules, you’ll find plenty of spaces to mingle and meet other guests including an on-site bar that is nestled inside a lounge area and serves up a storm of tasty drinks.
The International Airport is easily accessible from the hostel with it being a 40-minute drive away and a direct 1-hour bus.
It is also less than a 10-minute drive away from the Reykjavik City Airport which is the home of domestic travel, making Galaxy Pod a great place to stay if you have an internal flight!
Have some time? Get out of the city with these epic day trips from Reykjavik!
#3 – Bus Hostel Reykjavik
The Best Hostel near Reykjavik Airport for Solo Travelers
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Reykjavik Airport – 47km/ 29.2 miles
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by walking – Don’t even bother
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by bus – 55 minutes
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by taxi – 40 minutes
This is the perfect hostel to stay in if you’re wanting to tick off those bucket list activities by exploring some of Iceland’s top sites along with having easy access to the international airport with the hostel then you’re being conveniently situated next to the Reykjavik Bus Terminal.
If you’re unsure about where to visit in Reykjavik and Iceland then the hostel puts on a variety of tours including to the famous Blue Lagoon and whale watching.
If you’re looking to explore the city’s nightlife then you’re in luck as not only is the hostel conveniently located near plenty of lively bars it also has the on-site Buzz Bar which has some of the tastiest and cheapest beers in the city.
If you’re a beer lover then you will love that the bar offers a different selection of local beers on tap each week.
Want to learn more about Reykjavik? These are the most AMAZING tours in Reykjavik!
#4 – Kex Hostel
The Best Party Hostel near Reykjavik Airport
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Reykjavik Airport – 48.3km/30 miles
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by walking – Don’t even bother
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by bus – 1hr 5 minutes
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by taxi – 45 minutes
KEX Hostel is known across Iceland as being one of the best places to party with the hostel being equipped with fantastic amenities to let your head down, socialize, and meet other guests.
This includes an incredible bar area that hosts a variety of local live bands and serves a wide selection of backpacker budget-friendly drinks deals.
KEX Hostel also has a unique design with it being built inside an old biscuit factory making it a great place to stay if you want somewhere a little bit unique.
The hostel has a hipster design that mixes modern with industrial retro which expands to its vibrant outdoor patio where you can have a drink in the crisp Icelandic air.
#5 – Loft HI Hostel
The Best Luxury Hostel near Reykjavik Airport
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Reykjavik Airport – 48.5km/30.1 miles
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by walking – Don’t even bother
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by bus – 1hr
- Time to Reykjavik Airport by taxi – 45 minutes
One of the key draws to Loft Hi Hostel is its fantastic and luxurious facilities including a stunning rooftop terrace that has epic views overlooking the city. We’d have to recommend heading there at sunset to watch the golden nordic sun set into the icy landscapes.
The hostel also has a cozy on-site bar with a vibrant yet homely atmosphere, if you’re lucky enough to be visiting at the weekend you may get to experience one of its epic live music events.
The hostel not only has great facilities but it is also located in one of Reykjavik’s liveliest and most central neighborhoods meaning there is plenty of things to explore during the day and at night time. This includes visiting the famous Harpa Concert Hall which is just a stone’s throw away from the hostel.
Conclusion to the Best Hostels Near Reykjavik Airport
As you can tell from this article Reykjavik is full of some of the best modern hostels in Europe many of which have easy access to the international airport despite its slightly out there location. It is also home to some of the coolest activities shops and restaurants in the region making it a truly epic destination to visit. In this article, we broke down five of our favorite hostels near the international but if you’re still struggling to nail it down to just one then we’d have to recommend either Loft HI Hostel or Start Hostel!
So get your adventure boots on and be prepared to see some of the best sites in the world, your Icelandic getaway awaits!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
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