Austin is so much more than just the capital of the lone star state. This city not only encompasses all things Texan but is also known as the center for live music in the United States.

While traveling through the United States, Texas is sure to catch your attention with its vibrant western culture and cowboy lifestyle. When you get tired of the country life, Austin will flip the tables on you, flaunting off its lively nightlife, world-famous live music, and small-time charm while staying in the big city

People don’t travel to the United States to save money, so don’t expect it to be any different in Austin. Despite not being a backpacker-friendly destination, the places available still offer a true hostel experience in the city!

With very few hostels, picking a place to base yourself out of when exploring and partying your way through Austin can be a hassle.

You can now rest easy! We made this guide so that YOU can find that one perfect hostel in no other than Austin, Texas!

Get your spurs and cowboy boots on and get ready to boot-scoot into the center of the lone star state!

So peep our guide to the top hostels in Austin below!

Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Austin

Best Hostels in Austin

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The Best Hostels in Austin

For you country bumpkins or hippie hipsters, Austin is a true mix of authentic Texan culture and modern youth trends. Other than its rich history and vibrant culture, Austin also is home to some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the whole country!

Despite Austin being known as the Hippie Haven by the more conservative Texans, Austin still has not embraced itself as a true backpacker destination. The few overpriced hostels are sure to deter many travelers from putting the live music capital on their itineraries. Therefore, deciding where to stay in Austin can be painful.

Don’t miss out on a trip of a lifetime just because it is hard to find a cheap bed! We have put together the best places to stay in Austin to suit a backpacker’s lifestyle here! Now you can worry less about hostels and pay more attention to experiencing the true Texan culture!

Colorado River Austin

Firehouse Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Austin

Firehouse Hostel best hostels in Austin
Firehouse Hostel is our pick for best hostel for solo travellers in Austin

At Firehouse Hostel you are literally staying in a piece of American history! The hostel is located in the oldest firehouse which was built all the way back in 1885.

Today, the hostel has its own speakeasy-style cocktail bar, shared kitchen, and spacious lounges. With the hostel’s chill vibe and open atmosphere, Firehouse is the best place to just hang out and meet other backpackers. The bar, lounges, and welcoming staff make Firehouse the best hostel in Austin for solo travelers!

Hostel 512 – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Austin

Hostel 512 best hostels in Austin
Hostel 512 is our pick for best hostel for digital nomads in Austin

Hostel 512 is a classic US youth hostel where backpackers can hang out, blog, or just relax. For you digital nomads out there, this hostel has plenty of places to spread out to get some work done, from the many lounges to the yard, you will be able to get your work done in style! The rooms are always clean and filled with oversized beds.

Rodeway Inn And Suites Austin – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Austin

Rodeway Inn And Suites Austin best hostels in Austin
Rodeway Inn And Suites Austin is our pick for best hostel with a private room in Austin

Finding a cheap private bed without giving up comfort is quite hard to come by in the United States. The rather unenchanting name of “Rodeway INN” in no way reflects the quality stay you will have at this motel.

For a backpacker, this INN offers tastefully decorated rooms, a relaxing swimming pool, and even an onsite restaurant for a low price.

Drifter Jack’s Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Austin

Drifter Jacks Hostel best hostels in Austin
Drifter Jack’s Hostel is our pick for best overall hostel in Austin

A bit outside of the corporate center making it Austin’s backpacker hub, Drifter Jack’s is located nearby the University of Texas, Austin’s center for youth culture.

The hostel itself has been decorated by local artists, making Drifter Jack’s one of the hippest places in town. Other than the hostel’s laid-back atmosphere Jack’s also offers a billiards table, movie room, book exchange, and 24-hour coffee/tea.

Native Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Austin

Native Hostel best hostels in Austin
Native Hostel is our pick for best party hostel in Austin

While Native Hostel may be considered a bit expensive for a hostel, it makes up for the cost with its party atmosphere. Native Hostel embodies the spirit of Austin being “the live music capital” with its own live music nights in their bar and restaurant.

Both the lounge and dorm rooms are decorated in such a way that Native could almost be classified as a luxury hostel. Each of the beds are included with a privacy curtain, outlet, and lamp. The start of your Austin vacation full of clubs, bars, and music starts here!

Hi Austin – Best Cheap Hostel in Austin

Hi Austin best hostels in Austin
Hi Austin is our pick for best cheap hostel in Austin

When looking over hostels in Austin you will quickly find that finding a cheap place to stay is no easy task. Rejoice that there is Hi Austin, where you can find the best budget hostel in town!

Other than Hi Austin having the cheapest bunks in Austin, this hostel also offers a well decorated spacious dining room, a shared kitchen, outdoor lounge, and indoor sitting areas. Hi Austin is also just minutes away from Town Lake.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
Aether Backpack

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

View on Osprey View on REI

Rooms at Elmtree Cottage – Best Hostel for Couples in Austin

Rooms at Elmtree Cottage best hostels in Austin
Rooms at Elmtree Cottage is our pick for best hostel for couples in Austin

Couples traveling to Austin may be wanting a place a little more intimate and private than your typical hostel. Rooms at Elmtree Cottage is the cheapest alternative to a hostel, offering budget cozy rooms at a Texan homestay in the Austin suburbs.

Other than the cottage’s homey atmosphere, these rooms are located in a quiet neighborhood but are still just minutes away from some of Austin’s biggest attractions!

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.
Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

More Best Hostels in Austin

Motel 6 Austin South

Motel 6 Austin South best hostels in Austin
Motel 6 Austin South

If you are at the end of your trip, you might need to find someplace close to the airport.

Motel 6 is one of the closest places near the airport for a cheap price. This hotel’s rooms include a TV, desk, and access to the swimming pool. Other than being close to the airport there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from nearby.

Hostel Sua Casinha

Hostel Sua Casinha best hostels in Austin
Hostel Sua Casinha

Sua Casinha is one of the newest hostels in town, offering budget beds along with a laid-back atmosphere.

This hostel also has a backyard with a fire pit, hammocks, outdoor lounge. Other than Sua Casinha’s outdoor terrace, the hostel also has a shared kitchen, movie nights, and games for guests to use at their leisure.

Quality Inn & Suites Airport Austin

Quality Inn and Suites Airport Austin best hostels in Austin
Quality Inn & Suites Airport Austin

If you are looking to pay a few extra dollars for a more comfortable stay near the airport, you can’t go wrong with Quality Inn. On top of comfortable spacious rooms, the hotel offers tons of perks such as a pool, gym,  dining room, and a free shuttle to the airport.

What to Pack for your Austin Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!

Why you should travel to Austin

Austin has a lot to offer backpackers from its live music, bars, and rich history. What the city lacks, however, is budget hostels for young travelers. The hostels that are available do dazzle guests with their artsy decor and even some with their history.

While not the cheapest place in town, Firehouse Hostel treats its guests with reasonable beds with a youthful atmosphere in one of Austin’s most historic buildings in town!

Get ready for some late nights exploring Austin’s vibrant music scene with a dash of local culture, making your Texan adventure a trip to remember for a lifetime!

Firehouse Hostel best hostels in Austin

FAQ about Hostels in Austin

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Austin.

How much does a hostel cost in Austin?

The average price of hostels in Austin starts from $24 – $40+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.

What are the best hostels in Austin for couples?

Firehouse Hostel is an ideal hostel for couples in Austin. It’s clean, comfy, and in a great location.

What are the best hostels in Austin near the airport?

Firehouse Hostel is just a 16-minute drive from the airport. It has a great location and is close to the bus stops for all the major bus routes, including the airport.

Travel Safety Tips for Austin

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

More Epic Hostels in USA and North America

Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Austin.

Planning an epic trip all across USA or even North America itself?

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

For more cool hostel guides around North America, check out:

Over to you

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Austin has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!

Looking for more info on travelling to Austin and USA?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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