Sydney Airport is the busiest airport in Australia. It’s one of the longest-operating airports in the world too. The airport’s official name is Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD), though it is sometimes also referred to as simply Kingsford Smith Airport (after a leading Australian aviator) or Mascot Airport (after the area where it’s located).
Close to Botany Bay, Sydney Airport is eight kilometres (five miles) from the heart of the city.
Sydney is known for being an expensive city to visit. Finding an affordable place to stay can be a challenge, particularly for budget travellers and backpackers.
Fret not! We’ve searched high and low to bring you the best hostels near Sydney Airport. Our terrific guide includes hostels for all types of traveller, including solo explorers, families, business travellers, budget travellers, and more.
Make your travel planning a breeze thanks to this detailed list of the best hostels near Sydney Airport.
Quick Answer: Best Hostels Near Sydney Airport
#1 Overall best hostel near Sydney Airport – Wake Up! Sydney Central
#2 Best hostel near Sydney Airport to catch an early flight – Coogee Beach House
#3 Best hostel near Sydney Airport to catch an early train – Railway Square YHA
#4 Best hostel near Sydney Airport for solo travelers – Sydney Central YHA
#5 Best party hostel near Sydney Airport – Mad Monkey Coogee Beach
#6 Best hostel for business travelers near Sydney Airport – The SpaceQ Capsule Hotel
#7 Best hostel for couples near Sydney Airport – Lord Wolseley
#8 Best hostel near Sydney Airport for families – Big Hostel
#9 Best budget hostel near Sydney Airport – The Funk House
#10 Best luxury hostel near Sydney Airport – Billabong Gardens
#11 Best hostel with a private room near Sydney Airport – Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel
#1 – Wake Up! Sydney Central
• Overall best hostel near Sydney Airport •
It’s not hard to see why Wake Up! Sydney Central has been rated Sydney’s best hostel!
It’s not hard to see why Wake Up! Sydney Central has been rated Sydney’s best hostel!
It’s not hard to see why Wake Up! Sydney Central has been rated Sydney’s best hostel!- Cost – $$
- Distance to Sydney Airport 6.6 km / 4.1 miles
- Airport shuttle!
- Time to Sydney Airport by taxi: 20 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by train: 15 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by bus: 35 minutes
The award-winning Wake Up! Sydney Central is our winner when it comes to the overall best hostel near Sydney Airport. We’re not the only ones who love this hostel—it was recently voted as Sydney’s most popular hostel!
There are modern and spacious female-only and mixed dorms at Wake Up! as well as a selection of private rooms, some en suite and some with shared bathrooms.
Socialise in the bar, satisfy your appetite in the restaurant, and grab a quick bite in the café. Prefer to cook your own meals? The large kitchen is well equipped and has multiple cooking stations.
The lively hostel organizes tons of events and activities, both free and paid, including pub crawls, pizza nights, live music, DJs, games, yoga, and walking tours. Key-card access and lockers add to your peace of mind.
Other excellent facilities at Wake Up! include free Wi-Fi, an onsite ATM, laundry facilities, and baggage storage.
#2 – Coogee Beach House
• Best hostel near Sydney Airport to catch an early flight •
It’s by the beach and away from city traffic, yet close to Sydney Airport – Coogee Beach House is perfectly located!
It’s by the beach and away from city traffic, yet close to Sydney Airport – Coogee Beach House is perfectly located!
It’s by the beach and away from city traffic, yet close to Sydney Airport – Coogee Beach House is perfectly located!- Cost – $
- Distance to Sydney Airport 9 km / 5.6 miles
- Airport shuttle
- Time to Sydney Airport by taxi: 20 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by bus: 45 minutes
Sitting close to the beach, there’s no need to sweat it in city centre traffic when you’re trying to get from Coogee Beach House to the airport. You can easily arrange airport transfers too. It is, therefore, our choice for the best hostel near Sydney Airport to catch an early flight.
The budget-friendly hostel has mixed and single-gender dorms as well as private rooms for one, two, and three (all with shared bathrooms). If you want to ride the waves one last time before leaving, borrow a free surfboard and hit the beach.
There’s a Thai massage centre next door, perfect for unwinding. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are free and you can save some dollars by cooking your own meals in the shared kitchen. Mingle in the games room and make use of the laundry facilities before departing.
Need a place with more energy? Try one of Australia’s top party hostels!
#3 – Railway Square YHA
• Best hostel near Sydney Airport to catch an early train •
The Railway Square YHA is by far the easiest hostel to get a train from!
The Railway Square YHA is by far the easiest hostel to get a train from!
The Railway Square YHA is by far the easiest hostel to get a train from!- Cost – $
- Distance to Sydney Airport 6.5 km / 4 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by taxi: 15 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by train: 15 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by bus: 35 minutes
Located WITHIN the bustling Central Station, Railway Square YHA is the best hostel near Sydney Airport to catch an early train. You couldn’t get much closer to the tracks—the cool hostel is within a disused train parked up on the old Platform Zero!
There are also more traditional rooms in the converted main building. There are single-gender and mixed dorms. The large lockers are big enough to contain a large backpack plus other gear. The spacious common areas are fantastic, with a sunny terrace, a movie room, a kitchen, and a lobby hangout area where you can shoot some pool.
Peckish? Pay a visit to the café. Laundry facilities, luggage storage, a tour desk, a book exchange, and an onsite ATM help to make your stay more comfortable.
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#4 – Sydney Central YHA
• Best hostel near Sydney Airport for solo travelers •
Sydney Central YHA has excellent facilities and is the perfect place to mingle!
Sydney Central YHA has excellent facilities and is the perfect place to mingle!
Sydney Central YHA has excellent facilities and is the perfect place to mingle!- Cost – $$
- Distance to Sydney Airport 6.7 km / 4.2 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by taxi: 15 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by train: 15 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by bus: 35 minutes
A top place to meet others, the sociable Sydney Central YHA is the best hostel near Sydney Airport for solo travellers. Clean and spacious, the award-winning hostel has fantastic common areas where you can rest and mingle.
From the rooftop pool and sauna to the movie room, café, and onsite bar, there’s definitely no reason for you to feel bored here! The hostel arranges cool activities for guests, including film nights, BBQs, walking tours, and pizza evenings.
Save some cash and share your culinary know-how in the two large kitchens, catch up with your laundry, use the free Wi-Fi to plan the rest of your travels, conveniently book trips and tours… the facilities are awesome!
When it comes to sleeping, choose between fresh and modern mixed and single-gender dorms for between four and eight.
MUST READ – These are the top hostels in Perth, Australia
#5 – Mad Monkey Coogee Beach
• Best party hostel near Sydney Airport •
Make sure to pack your party pants if you’re staying at the Mad Monkey Coogee Beach
Make sure to pack your party pants if you’re staying at the Mad Monkey Coogee Beach
Make sure to pack your party pants if you’re staying at the Mad Monkey Coogee Beach- Cost – $$
- Distance to Sydney Airport 9 km / 5.6 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by taxi: 15 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by bus: 40 minutes
It’s time to let your hair down! Mad Monkey Coogee Beach is the best party hostel near Sydney Airport. Sociable, lively, and fun, you’ll definitely have heaps of good times here! Spend your nights in FNKY MNKY FNB HSE bar and restaurant and your days surfing and chillaxing on the sandy beach.
The youthful team organizes fun events for travellers to bond, including DJ nights, free pancake breakfasts, and games nights. Step outside into the hip and trendy neighbourhood and you’ll find many great bars and places to eat.
The hostel boasts a brilliant co-working space, travel desk, kitchen, and laundry facilities, and free stuff include Wi-Fi, breakfast, and maps. You probably won’t feel like sleeping too much with all the cool action, but when you do need to get some shuteye the hostel has mixed and female-only dorms in various sizes as well as a selection of en suite private rooms.
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Looking for a deal? Our recommended budget hostels in Sydney won’t break the bank!
#6 – The SpaceQ Capsule Hotel
• Best hostel for business travellers near Sydney Airport •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Sydney Airport 7.2 km / 4.5 miles
- Airport shuttle
- Time to Sydney Airport by taxi: 15 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by train: 20 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by bus: 45 minutes
If you’re looking for a place where you can sleep in private for relatively cheap prices in Sydney, wake up feeling fresh and ready to face the day ahead, and somewhere to get some work done, The SpaceQ Capsule Hotel could be perfect.
In our opinion, it’s the best hostel in Sydney for business travellers, as well as being ideal for people who like their privacy. Each modern pod has a comfy bed, ventilation, lighting, power sockets, free Wi-Fi, a safe, and a locker. Access is by key card, and there are single and double pods available.
There are ample single-gender bathrooms to prevent early morning delays and frustrations. You can work, rest, and socialise in the shared areas, which include a kitchen and a lounge. Stay smart with the laundry facilities. Luggage storage and airport transfers may also be handy.
MUST READ – Take a look at our guide to the best Hostels in Melbourne.
See the hidden gems of Cairns! With the best tours and sights in Cairns.
#7 – Lord Wolseley
• Best hostel for couples near Sydney Airport •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Sydney Airport 8.5 km / 5.3 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by taxi: 17 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by train: 45 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by bus: 45 minutes
The charming Lord Wolseley is our recommendation for the best hostel for couples near Sydney Airport. On the ground floor, you’ll find a terrific restaurant and atmospheric bar, perfect for romantic meals or a nightcap.
Don’t miss the live blues band if you’re around on a Saturday evening. There are comfy double rooms with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and tons of traditional charm. Couples who are exploring Sydney on a budget can check into a double room with a shared bathroom.
There are basic self-catering facilities, including a toaster, kettle, microwave, and fridge, great for preparing breakfast and heating up takeaways. Other handy features include laundry facilities, luggage storage, lockers, and a jobs board.
MUST READ – Take a look at our guide to the most awesome hostels in Cairns!
#8 – Big Hostel
• Best hostel near Sydney Airport for families •
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Sydney Airport 6.7 km / 4.1 miles
- Airport shuttle
- Time to Sydney Airport by taxi: 12 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by train: 17 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by bus: 40 minutes
With en suite private rooms that can sleep from one person to six guests, as well as affordable mixed and ladies-only dorms in various sizes, we think that Big Hostel is the best hostel near Sydney Airport for families.
There’s a spacious TV lounge with plenty of books and comfy sofas and a bright and colourful terrace. You can cook meals for picky eaters in the large kitchen or give yourself a break and dine in the onsite restaurant. Also, you can make use of the laundry facilities and book excursions with ease.
There’s 24-hour security and reception services at the Big Hostel, and housekeeping keeps everywhere spick and span. Other bonuses include bike parking, free Wi-Fi, baggage storage, lockers, hairdryers, and airport transfers.
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MUST READ – If you are heading to Brisbane next you need to read our post about the 25 coolest hostels in Brisbane !
#9 – The Funk House
• Best budget hostel near Sydney Airport •
- Cost – $
- Distance to Sydney Airport 9 km / 5.6 miles
- Airport shuttle
- Time to Sydney Airport by taxi: 15 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by train: 30 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by bus: 55 minutes
The budget-friendly Funk House is the best budget hostel near Sydney Airport. As well as low prices you’ll also benefit from free breakfast and Wi-Fi. You can unwind and mingle on the awesome roof terrace, watch TV in the lounge, and whip up a storm in the shared kitchen.
The weekly BBQs are delicious and tons of fun. You’ll find laundry facilities and a book exchange and the hostel also offers luggage storage, airport transfers, lockers, and a jobs board. Do note that travellers must be between the ages of 18 and 35 to stay here.
See the hidden gems of Brisbane! With the best tours and sights in Brisbane!
#10 – Billabong Gardens
• Best luxury hostel near Sydney Airport •
- Cost – $
- Distance to Sydney Airport 6.5 km / 4 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by taxi: 12 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by train: 40 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by bus: 40 minutes
The stylish and boutique Billabong Gardens is our pick for the best luxury hostel near Sydney Airport. There are private double, triple, and quadruple rooms, all with shared bathrooms, as well as mixed and female-only dorms for six and eight-bed mixed dorms.
Dorms have their own bathrooms. Several rooms have balconies. A huge plus point for this hostel is its amazing tropical courtyard/garden with an inviting swimming pool. Everywhere is spotlessly clean and the bathrooms and kitchen are spacious and modern.
Tuck into a free breakfast each morning, have fun with the PlayStation and board games and catch up with your laundry. There’s free Wi-Fi, a book exchange, luggage storage, and other great facilities to make your stay so comfortable that you may not want to leave!
Check this out – these are the wildest and craziest party hostels in Sydney!
#11 – Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel
• Best hostel with a private room near Sydney Airport •
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Sydney Airport 6.7 km / 4.2 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by taxi: 13 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by train: 40 minutes
- Time to Sydney Airport by bus: 1 hour
Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel is our recommendation for the best hostel with a private room near Sydney Airport. The private rooms are good value for money, with single, double, and twin rooms with shared bathrooms. There are also dorms for four and six, which larger groups could book in their entirety.
Most rooms at the Cambridge Lodge have wardrobes, and some rooms have their own sink and TV. Free Wi-Fi can be accessed around the hostel.
Peaceful and relaxed, the hostel has an attractive conservatory and terrace where you can unwind as well as an inner lounge area. You’ll find BBQs outside and the hostel has laundry facilities, baggage storage, lockers, and 24-hour security.
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Further recommended – these are the wildest and craziest party hostels in Melbourne!
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Overall best hostel near Sydney Airport
Wake Up! Sydney Central
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Sydney Airport to catch an
early flight Coogee Beach House
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Best hostel near Sydney Airport to catch an
early train Railway Square YHA
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Best hostel near Sydney Airport for solo
travelers Sydney Central YHA
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Best party hostel near Sydney Airport
Mad Monkey Coogee Beach
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Best hostel for business travelers near Sydney
Airport The SpaceQ Capsule Hotel
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Best hostel for couples near Sydney Airport
Lord Wolseley
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Best hostel near Sydney Airport for families
Big Hostel
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Best budget hostel near Sydney Airport
The Funk House
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Check Best Price |
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Best luxury hostel near Sydney Airport
Billabong Gardens
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel with a private room near Sydney
Airport Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel
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Check Best Price |
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels near Sydney Airport
Whether you’re visiting Sydney for business or for pleasure, and whatever your travelling style, you’re sure to find the best hostel near Sydney Airport to suit your requirements. You don’t need to stress about making early departures or finding your accommodation after a long flight… these hostels are all within easy reach of the airport.
Which hostel caught your eye? Don’t let it slip away! Reserve your rooms/dorm beds ASAP.
Looking for more great hostels in other areas of Sydney? This EPIC guide breaks down the best hostel options in this laid-back city – no matter your budget!
We’re certain that we included all of the best hostels near Sydney Airport but if you think we’ve missed one of your favourites, let us know! Send us a comment with any more awesome hostels near Sydney Airport and share the love.
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