K
Social & central
Kex Reykjavik Hostel
Reykjavik
A lively social hostel with a great bar, sea views, and a fully stocked kitchen in central Reykjavik.
Hostels · Capital Region · Iceland
We reviewed 19 hotels across Reykjavik's neighborhoods and picked the ones that offer the best value, comfort, and atmosphere for every kind of traveler.
K
Social & central
Reykjavik
A lively social hostel with a great bar, sea views, and a fully stocked kitchen in central Reykjavik.
B
Bus Terminal Base
Reykjavik
Budget-friendly hostel next to the bus terminal with a sociable lounge, clean dorms, and easy access to tour pick-ups.
C
Practical base
Reykjavik
Free parking, a 20-minute walk to the center, and a geothermal beach nearby — a practical base for exploring Reykjavik.
L
Central & Social
Reykjavik
A lively, eco-conscious hostel in the city center with live music, karaoke, and a rooftop terrace – excellent value from £39.
B
Budget-friendly
Reykjavik
A practical, well-located hostel near the cathedral with dorms, free Wi-Fi, and a garden — ideal for budget travellers.
D
Eco-friendly & sociable
Reykjavik
Eco-friendly hostel with free parking, a well-equipped kitchen, and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere — a solid base for exploring Reykjavik without breaking the bank.
G
Capsule Beds
Reykjavik
Sleep in futuristic, private pods steps from Reykjavik's main street – a social stay that's big on value.
B
Budget-friendly
Reykjavik
A modern, clean hostel with free parking, a well-equipped kitchen, and a female-only dorm – ideal for budget travelers wanting a home-like base.
B
Great value
Reykjavik
A friendly Reykjavik hostel with free breakfast, a well-equipped shared kitchen, and a central spot for walkers.
H
Central & Social
Reykjavik
A lively, central Reykjavik hostel with a 24-hour bar, free coffee in the morning, and a bus stop right outside.
L
Great value
Reykjavik
Free parking, a proper kitchen, and a social café-bar make this Reykjavik hostel an easy budget pick.
H
Central & Social
Reykjavik
A clean, friendly hostel in the heart of Reykjavik, steps from the bus terminal and main sights.
N
Top Rated
Reykjavik
Guests rate this Reykjavik hostel 9.3 for its clean rooms, friendly service, and central location near the Icelandic Phallological Museum.
S
Sociable & budget-friendly
Reykjavik
A lively, well-equipped hostel near the university with shared kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to the city center.
S
Adults-only
Reykjavik
An adults-only hostel with a strong guest rating, close to the bus terminal and offering free parking.
R
Value Stay
Reykjavik
Budget-friendly hostel close to Reykjavik's main sights, with free Wi-Fi and parking.
R
Old Town value
Reykjavik
A 2-star guesthouse that earns its 8.8 rating with a quiet Old Town address, hot showers, and a shared kitchen that saves you money.
R
Budget Stay
Reykjavik
No-frills dorms and twins in Reykjavik, close to Harpa and budget-friendly from £17.
1
Central & simple
Reykjavik
Central budget dorms with a sociable kitchen and daily cleaning on Laugavegur.
Map & live prices by our partner
For the best value beds in Reykjavik, look to hostels along Laugavegur and near the BSÍ bus terminal. Hlemmur Square, starting at ISK 2,460, places you centrally with a 24-hour bar and free morning coffee. Retro Hostel offers a no-frills option from ISK 2,460, close to Harpa. Beyond these, the city's hostels range from social hubs like Kex to budget-friendly bases like B47, ensuring a stay that fits your style without breaking the bank.
If you're looking for the highest guest ratings, Nordic Hostel leads with a 9.3 rating, praised for its clean rooms and central location near the Icelandic Phallological Museum. Also standing out are B14 Hostel and Loft - Hi Eco Hostel, both rated 8.5. B14 offers a modern, home-like base with a female-only dorm, while Loft brings a lively, eco-conscious vibe to the city center with a rooftop terrace.
For the best rates, consider B47 Hostel or Capital-Inn Hostel, both starting at ISK 3,321. Capital-Inn provides free parking and a practical base a 20-minute walk from the center. Hlemmur Square and Retro Hostel offer the lowest starting prices at ISK 2,460, with Hlemmur Square's central location making it a standout value. These options prove you can find a bed in Reykjavik without stretching your budget.
Staying central puts you within walking distance of the bars, galleries, and the Harpa concert hall. Loft - Hi Eco Hostel sits right in the city center, offering a social atmosphere with live music and karaoke, from ISK 5,781. 101 Hostel is another central pick on Laugavegur with daily cleaning and a sociable kitchen. For those who want to be in the heart of the action, these options deliver.
The social scene in Reykjavik's hostels is strong. Kex is renowned for its lively bar with sea views, while Hlemmur Square keeps the energy going with a 24-hour bar. Loft - Hi Eco Hostel adds live music and karaoke to the mix, and Bus Hostel offers a sociable lounge near the bus terminal. These are your best bets for meeting fellow travelers and enjoying a vibrant atmosphere.
Solo travelers will appreciate the social and safe environments at hostels like Kex, Loft, and Hlemmur Square, all rated above 8. Kex's bar is a natural meeting point, while Loft's communal spaces and events make it easy to connect. For a more relaxed vibe, Dalur - Hi Eco Hostel offers a friendly, eco-conscious setting. With central locations and communal kitchens, these hostels are ideal for meeting people and exploring the city together.
If you're driving, several hostels offer free parking, a valuable perk in Reykjavik. Capital-Inn Hostel and Dalur - Hi Eco Hostel both include parking, with Dalur providing a well-equipped kitchen and eco-friendly ethos. B14 Hostel and Laekur Hostel also offer free parking alongside their comfortable amenities. SM Hostel rounds out the list with free parking and an adults-only policy, making it easy to explore the city by car.
Staying near the BSÍ bus terminal is ideal for catching tour pick-ups and day trips. Bus Hostel is adjacent, offering a clean base with a sociable lounge from ISK 4,428. SM Hostel is also close, providing an adults-only option with free parking. Hostel B47 is just steps away, blending convenience with a central location. These hostels make it simple to hop on a bus and explore Iceland's wonders.
While prices fluctuate, the lowest rates typically occur during the winter months (November through February), when tourism is quieter. For example, Retro Hostel and Hlemmur Square have beds from ISK 2,460, but you're more likely to find these rates in the off-season rather than during the summer peak.
For first-timers, staying central is recommended—around Laugavegur or near Hlemmur Square puts you within walking distance of Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, and the old harbor. You'll have easy access to restaurants, bars, and main sights without needing a car.
Keflavik Airport is about 50 km from Reykjavik. The Flybus takes roughly 45 minutes to reach the BSÍ bus terminal, which is near several hostels, including Bus Hostel and Hostel B47. From there, it's a short walk or bus ride to your accommodation.
If you're visiting during the summer (June-August) or for the Northern Lights season (September-April), book as early as possible—several months ahead. Hostels like Kex and Loft fill up quickly. For quieter months, a few weeks' notice is usually sufficient.
Reykjavik is generally very safe, even at night. The city center, where most hostels are located, is well-lit and has a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends. It's a compact city, so walking from your hostel to bars and restaurants is common and should not be a concern.
Reykjavik’s hostel scene is as diverse as the city itself. From the lively, bar-centric Kex in the heart of downtown to the quieter, eco-friendly Dalur near the domestic airport, these hostels cater to every travel style. Many cluster around Laugavegur, the main shopping street, or near the BSÍ bus terminal, making them convenient bases for exploring the city and beyond.
What you get for your money varies widely. At the budget end, you can find dorm beds from around ISK 2,460 at Hlemmur Square or Retro Hostel, while premium boutique stays like Galaxy Pod Hostel (with private capsule beds) or the highly-rated Nordic Hostel push prices above ISK 8,700. Some, like Refurinn Reykjavik Guesthouse, offer a more intimate guesthouse feel with shared kitchens.
Reykjavik's hostels suit the budget-conscious traveler who values social atmosphere and central locations—perfect for those who'd rather spend on experiences, not accommodation. If you need more privacy or a quiet place to work, consider the guest houses or budget hotels on our list. For those seeking a bit more comfort or extra amenities like a full hotel service, check out our Central hotels or Cheap and budget hotels in Reykjavik pages.