Skip to main content

The 10 Best Hostels in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Some of the best backpacker spots in Colombo

Filter by:


Review score

Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
Our top picks Lowest price first Star rating and price Top reviewed

See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates.

Located within 300 metres of Galle Face Beach and 1.4 km of Kollupitiya Beach, Galle Face Terrace Hostel by Tourlux provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Colombo. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Bambalapitiya Beach is 2 km away and Khan Clock Tower is 3.2 km from the hostel.

Really great new hostel, the staff are really nice and it’s very clean. plus it's conveniently located near a beautiful beach... ⛱️

Show more Show less
9
Superb
187 reviews
Price from
£9
per night

All rooms in the hostel are fitted with a kettle. At CEYLON STAYZ rooms are equipped with a shared bathroom and bed linen.

Popular points of interest near CEYLON STAYZ include Bambalapitiya Beach, The Independence Square and Sinhalese Sports Club. The nearest airport is Ratmalana International Airport, 11 km from the hostel.

The staff are super friendly and very knowledgeable on public transport in Sri Lanka which was greatly helpful, I booked Charu’s Tuktuk for my ride to the airport, he used to work at Ceylon stayz and now drives his own tuktuk. He was reasonably priced and had honestly had the freshest tuktuk I had seen in Sri Lanka! Ask Ceylon staff for his number 10/10 recommendation

Show more Show less
9.1
Superb
144 reviews
Price from
£10
per night

Set in Colombo, within 100 metres of Bambalapitiya Beach and 400 metres of Kollupitiya Beach, Layover Colombo offers accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge, and free WiFi. The property is around 5 km from Khan Clock Tower, 6.7 km from R Premadasa Stadium and 35 km from Leisure World. St Anthony's Church is 42 km away and National Art Gallery is 2.3 km from the hostel.

The place is really nice and The place is clean and fun, there is a place to make tea or coffee and also a fridge that you can use which is not available in many other places

Show more Show less
9
Superb
5 reviews

Situated in Colombo and with Kollupitiya Beach reachable within 1.1 km, Lost & Found - Colombo features express check-in and check-out, rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace. Popular points of interest nearby include Colombo City Centre Shopping Mall, Colombo Town Hall and National Art Gallery. The accommodation provides room service, and luggage storage for guests.

At the hostel you will find a restaurant serving local, Asian and international cuisine. Vegetarian, halal and vegan options can also be requested.

Excellent hostel, with a great restaurant serving all day breakfast, lunch and dinner. We stayed in a private room and a dorm on two visits. The rooms are exceptionally clean, with cool AC and hot and powerful showers. Top quality facilities. The food is sublime, I had the egg kotu and ice cream, on both visits. The portion sizes are generous and the prices very sensible. I found the whole process very relaxing! I recommend this place without any hesitation. Please do message ahead if you are arriving late so that the staff can wait up for you. They don't always reply to WhatsApp so it's best to call ahead.

Show more Show less
8.3
Very good
353 reviews
Price from
£18
per night

Havelock City Hostel Colombo is situated in Timbirigasyaya. Staff on site can arrange airport transfers. Free Wi-Fi access is provided in the entire property. Breakfast is available on request.

All rooms in the hostel feature air conditioning and tile/marble flooring. The shared bathrooms are fitted with a shower.

Excellent location! The hostel is right in the heart of the city, within walking distance of all major attraction. Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. Will definitely stay here again.

Show more Show less
8.2
Very good
200 reviews
Price from
£6
per night

Guest rooms at the hostel are equipped with a seating area. With a shared bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer, certain rooms at Seconds Colombo also offer a city view.

Milagiriya Beach is 2.7 km from Seconds Colombo, while Bambalapitiya Railway Station is 3.9 km away. The nearest airport is Ratmalana International Airport, 7 km from the hostel.

everything was just perfect in this hostel, breakfast was amazing and healthy (which is not always the case in all other places) rooms were clean and comfortable

Show more Show less
8.7
Fabulous
463 reviews
Price from
£10
per night

Drop Inn Hostels is situated in Colombo, 1.1 km from Asiri Surgical Hospital and 3.9 km from U.S. Embassy. Free WiFi access is available.

Drop Inn Hostels Colombo is 1.1 Asiri Surgical Hospital, 0.7 km from Lanka Hospitals, 2.9 km from Sri Lanka National Museum, 2.4 km from Bambalapitiya Train Station and 32 km drive from the Bandaranaike International Airport.

Very nice hostel with a relaxing vibe in the middle of busy Colombo!! Comfy beds & super nice staff. Defenitly coming back once I‘ll go to Colombo again.

Show more Show less
8.3
Very good
753 reviews
Price from
£7
per night

Hostel Republic at Galle Face is located in Colombo, 1.4 km from U.S. Embassy and 1.5 km from Khan Clock Tower.

R Premadasa Stadium is 3.5 km from Hostel Republic at Galle Face, while Asiri Surgical Hospital is 5 km from the property. Bandaranaike Airport is 28 km away.

The environment is Good. Hospitality is superb.

Show more Show less
8.5
Very good
245 reviews
Price from
£8
per night

Located in Colombo, 300 metres from Wellawatte Beach, The Anam Hostel provides accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a bar. The property is around less than 1 km from Milagiriya Beach, a 19-minute walk from Mount Lavinia Beach and 3.1 km from Bambalapitiya Railway Station. The accommodation features a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.

Really amazing staff Large clean rooms Hot water shower

Show more Show less
8.5
Very good
31 reviews
Price from
£15
per night

Situated in Colombo, VIBE Hostels has a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and free WiFi throughout the property. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 700 metres from Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, 700 metres from Colombo City Centre Shopping Mall and 1.2 km from Colombo Town Hall. Milagiriya Beach is 3 km from the hostel and Bambalapitiya Railway Station is 3.5 km away.

First of all i want to thank David the receptionist, who took care of all our needs and was super friendly , Secondly we liked the room , the A.C was good, the bed was comfy and upstairs there is a terrace in which you can sit and enjoy the view .

Show more Show less
8.6
Fabulous
81 reviews
Price from
£36
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.
Search hostels in Colombo

Most booked hostels in Colombo this month

Great access to the city centre! Check these hostels in Colombo

  • Layover Colombo
    Central location
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 5 reviews

    Set in Colombo, within 100 metres of Bambalapitiya Beach and 400 metres of Kollupitiya Beach, Layover Colombo offers accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge, and free WiFi.

  • VIBE Hostels
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 81 reviews

    Situated in Colombo, VIBE Hostels has a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and free WiFi throughout the property.

    Good to stay. Good location. Friendly staff. Clean room.

  • The Anam Hostel
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 31 reviews

    Located in Colombo, 300 metres from Wellawatte Beach, The Anam Hostel provides accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a bar.

    Really amazing staff Large clean rooms Hot water shower

  • Lost & Found - Colombo
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 353 reviews

    Situated in Colombo and with Kollupitiya Beach reachable within 1.1 km, Lost & Found - Colombo features express check-in and check-out, rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace.

    A cozy terrace where you can sit and get to know the guys

  • Drop Inn Hostels
    Central location
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 754 reviews

    Drop Inn Hostels is situated in Colombo, 1.1 km from Asiri Surgical Hospital and 3.9 km from U.S. Embassy. Free WiFi access is available. The air-conditioned rooms come with a private bathroom.

    Cleanliness. Spacious. The shared kitchen is nice.

  • Havelock City Hostel, Colombo
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 199 reviews

    Havelock City Hostel Colombo is situated in Timbirigasyaya. Staff on site can arrange airport transfers. Free Wi-Fi access is provided in the entire property. Breakfast is available on request.

    Very clean, very comfortable, very friendly. All is good

  • Backpack Lanka
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 180 reviews

    Backpack Lanka offers dormitory rooms and double rooms near Liberty Plaza Shopping Mall in Colombo. Limited free parking is available. Free WiFi is accessible in all areas.

    I had everything i need, and friendly people around me.

  • Clock Inn Colombo
    Central location
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 782 reviews

    Located in the heart of Galle Road, Clock Inn Colombo operates a 24-hour front desk and offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning.

    Good location, simple and tasty breakfast, good WiFi

  • CityRest Fort
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,016 reviews

    Offering free Wi-Fi in all areas, CityRest Fort is a hostel located in the centre of Colombo. It offers different room types, including dormitories and private rooms.

    Location. Spacious room and common area for chill out.

  • New Star Lodge
    Central location
    4.0
    Scored 4.0
    Disappointing
    Rated disappointing
     · 4 reviews

    New Star Lodge is located in Colombo, 38 km from St Anthony's Church and 1.6 km from Colombo Town Hall.

FAQ about hostels in Colombo









Hostels that guests love in Colombo

  • 9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 144 reviews
    Great hostel with clean and comfortable beds, good Wi-Fi and AC, lockers and curtains for extra privacy. Do take the AC dorm as it gets very hot during the day. Great location as well!
    Clothilde
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £86.38
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 8,473 reviews
    amazingly a massive roof-top infinity pool on 10th floor- Awesome Worth the stay Roof-top garden with mature large trees is something unusual and beautiful Very nice staffs everywhere very kind and helpful at the same time not intrusive Clean and family-friendly safe place to stay will definitley come back again recommend this place for families who enjoy swimming pool laundry was cheap and good job i got it all done before i left good location
    vasantha
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £28.15
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 754 reviews
    I can honestly say that Drop Inn has been one of the best hostel stays of my life. The place has a very welcoming and chill atmosphere. Lots of little nooks and crannies to hide in if you want a little bit of solitude, and a great communal space if you want to socialise with the other backpackers. The room and bed were comfortable, with well working AC, which was MUCH needed. The staff were all very friendly, kind and helpful. Drop Inn is a great peaceful haven to escape the noise and chaos of the city. Will definitely be staying here again.
    Joanna
    Solo traveller
  • 7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 768 reviews
    The staff are so lovely and nice! Breakfast is delicious eggs toast and fruit! Sheets were really clean and I felt really safe whilst staying there. I think people forget that they have booked a hostel and forget how cheap the hostel is considering it includes breakfast so I would consider this place good value for money! Easy to get to other places from here and it was a nice relaxing vibe hanging in kitchen eating brekkie with other travellers. Also 24 hr check in is a plus!
    Mele
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £39.26
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,913 reviews
    Probably the best hostel i'v stayed at in all my travels. Staff are very helpfull and always happy to help with info, Very clean throughout, comfortable social areas , great location 👍 oh and comfortable beds
    Daniel
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £39.26
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,913 reviews
    Excellent hostel in a great location as you can walk from the train station in 10 minutes. The staff were so friendly and helpful. The female dormitory was clean and comfortable with a personal light, socket etc. Can really recommend staying here.
    Amanda
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £16.07
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,016 reviews
    Decent Budget hostel option for Colombo Fort area, they arranged a taxi from the airport (for a reasonable fee) for us, and were able to take both USD and LRs. We did a private room for 2 with bunk beds with working AC. The shared bathroom was clean. Provided eggs for breakfast. Quick walk or cheap tuk tuk to the Train station or the red Mosque or the popular market.
    Jamie
    Young couple
  • 7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 768 reviews
    best hostel you can find in Colombo! Dormitories are clean, and you have also a bathroom inside each dormitory in addition of the common ones in the corridor, the breakfast is simple but good! The location is perfect if you have planed to move throughout Sri Lanka by train or bus. The best point is definitely the kindness of the owners and employees who are also really helpful, you will feel like home and have a second mom. Thank you for everything :)
    Léa
    People with friends
  • Avg. price/night: £39.26
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,913 reviews
    A really good example of a hostel. Really friendly and helpful staff. The bunk beds were proper, sturdy constructions built into the wall that didn't move at all, each with a small light and a powerpoint. Great location!
    Dominic
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £39.26
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,913 reviews
    Best hostel i have ever stayed at. Comfortable & clean in a great location for a reasonable price. The manager was friendly & helpful as were all the other staff and he let me order an important parcel i needed from back home in UK to the hostel which they looked after until i returned. Would recommend to anyone 10/10
    Sam
    People with friends

Research, refine and make plans for your whole trip