Welcome to New York City a place of sleepless nights and endless adventures! You might want to make an exception to the sleepless night part though if you’re headed to the airport early in the morning…
Whether you’re in New York City for a layover at JFK or you’re planning on spending a full vacation exploring this city of dreams, finding affordable and convenient accommodation in NYC can be a bit of a challenge! That’s why we’ve put this list together to help you find hostels that are close to the JFK Airport and have prices that are friendly for every traveler’s budget!
#1 – The Local NYC Hostel
The Overall Best Hostel near the JFK Airport
- Cost-$$
- Distance to JFK Airport-24 km/15 miles
- Time to JFK Airport walking-Don’t even try!
- Time to JFK Airport by bus-subway train is better
- Time to JFK Airport by train-50 minutes
- Time to JFK Airport by taxi-25 minutes
You’ll get all the best parts of NYC rolled into one at this hostel! Whether you’re chilling on the rooftop terrace admiring the famous skyline of NYC or sharing a locally-brewed beer with friends at the onsite bar, you’ll definitely get to experience the true New York style here!
It’s easy to get to and from the airport using the subway train, or you can always hail a taxi and experience the rush and craze of New York City traffic first hand!
While it might not be the best bet for catching a really early flight, this hostel is perfect if you want to spend a few days to enjoy NYC. With fun activities like movie nights, wine and beer tasting, and Wii games happening almost every night, there’s always a social atmosphere at the hostel and the central location makes it easy to explore top cultural attractions or night clubs depending on your interests!
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Before your trip, find out about New York’s best hostels!
#2 – Giorgio Hotel
The Best Hostel near JFK for Couples
- Cost-$$
- Distance to JFK Airport 22.5 km/14 miles
- Time to JFK Airport walking-Not an option
- Time to JFK Airport by bus-1 hour
- Time to JFK Airport by train-50 minutes
- Time to JFK Airport by taxi-30 minutes
A cool, contemporary style hostel in Queens, Giorgio Hotel is most popular among travelers and backpackers, but families are also welcome and children of any age are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
There are dormitory rooms, privates, and family style rooms so everyone can find a space suitable to their needs. The property is surrounded by restaurants, shopping centers, and local attractions so you can get a real experience of NYC during your stay!
Staff are at reception 24-hours a day to help you with any questions or concerns, so you don’t need to worry if you’re up before sunrise to catch an early flight at JFK!
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#3 – Hotel 31
The Best Hostel with a Private Room near the JFK Airport
- Cost-$$
- Distance to JFK Airport-24 km/15 miles
- Time to JFK airport walking-not a chance
- Time to JFK airport by bus-1 hour
- Time to JFK airport by train-1 hour
- Time to JFK airport by taxi-35 minutes
If you’re craving some space and privacy, check out Hotel 31 for your time in NYC! The central downtown location makes it easy to explore the rest of New York City during your stay, and the comfy, newly renovated rooms will ensure you get a good night’s sleep either before or after your flight.
Within walking distance are top New York City attractions like the Empire State Building, The Broadway Theatre District, and Times Square, so even if you’re only in New York City for a short period of time, you can still get some sight-seeing in!
Reception is 24 hours, so no worries if you’re back late at night or you need to check out before sunrise to catch an early morning flight. Breakfast isn’t included, but there are plenty of restaurants and cafes just down the street whether you need a quick snack or a larger sit-down meal.
Editor’s Note: Get to know the city from these great hostels near Times Square!
#4 – NY Moore Hostel
The Best Hostel near JFK Airport for Solo Travelers
- Cost-$$
- Distance to JFK Airport-14 km/9 miles
- Time to JFK Airport walking-Not recommended
- Time to JFK Airport by bus-1 hour 10 minutes
- Time to JFK Airport by train-1 hour 15 minutes
- Time to JFK Airport by taxi-30 minutes
A cool, hostel with a chill artsy vibe, the NY Moore Hostel is a great place to meet other backpackers during your stay in NYC! The hostel is also only 500 meters from Montrose Avenue, the nearest subway station, where you can find your way to downtown Brooklyn, Manhattan Island, or the airport!
Each room is decorated with interesting, mural-style artwork giving the hostel a unique vibe, and there are dormitory as well as family-style rooms.
If you’re hungry and in need of some snacks, there are vending machines onsite and just out the door you can find plenty of cool restaurants and eateries. NY Moore also has 24 hour reception, so if you’re arriving late or needing to leave early in the morning, you won’t have any problems!
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#5 – Blue Moon Boutique Hostel & Hotel
The Best Hostel for Business Travelers near JFK Airport
- Cost-$$$
- Distance to JFK Airport-19 km/12 miles
- Time to JFK Airport walking-Not a chance!
- Time to JFK Airport by bus-1 hour 30 minutes
- Time to JFK Airport by train-1 hour 15 minutes
- Time to JFK Airport by taxi-30 minutes
The Blue Moon Hostel & Hotel has a cool, vintage atmosphere thanks to the old-timey decorations and style of furniture. It’s also located in the historic Lower East Side area and is in a nice place to walk around and enjoy the neighborhood.
If you need a place to hang out and work, there is a nice coffee shop located onsite serving a variety of drinks and fresh-made pastries! If you’re planning on staying in NYC for a few days, you can check out places like Chinatown and Little Italy, both of which are within 10 minutes on foot.
The hostel also has 24 hour reception, so no worries if you’re out late or you need to get to the airport to catch an early flight!
Need to save money? Check out the cheapest hostels in New York!
#6 – Canal Loft Hostel & Hotel
The Best Luxury Hostel near the JFK Airport
- Cost-$$
- Distance to JFK Airport-19 km/9 miles
- Time to JFK Airport walking-Not an option!
- Time to JFK Airport by bus-1 hour 30 minutes
- Time to JFK Airport by subway-1 hour 15 minutes
- Time to JFK Airport by taxi-40 minutes
Located in New York City’s Chinatown district, the Canal Loft Hostel & Hotel has a stylish and upscale vibe without the crazy price you’ll find at other NYC Hotels!
You’ll be close to numerous top NYC attractions like the Brooklyn Bridge and Bloomingdales and using the subway you can get anywhere else you need to go. Canal Loft has 24 hour reception so if you need to leave late at night or early in the morning to catch a flight, no worries!
Every room at Canal Loft has a private bathroom, and there’s also a shared lounge where you can hang out and relax with other guests. While breakfast isn’t offered at the hostel, there are plenty of cool cafes and restaurants just a few minutes away where you can grab a bite to eat.
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#7 – Central Park West Hostel
The Best Cheap Hostel near JFK Airport
- Cost-$
- Distance to JFK Airport-22 km/13.5 miles
- Airport shuttle!
- Time to JFK Airport walking-Don’t even try it
- Time to JFK Airport by bus-1 hour 30 minutes
- Time to JFK Airport by train-1 hour 30 minutes
- Time to JFK Airport by taxi-45 minutes
Just two blocks away from Central Park, the Central Park West Hostel is a great spot to stay if you want to be close to the green lung of New York City! Plus, the nearest subway stop is only a block away from the hostel property, where you can find transportation to the airport or other top attractions of New York City.
Central Park West has 24 hour reception and house cleaning daily, so even if you’re staying for a few days you can count on coming back to a clean room every evening. Airport pick up and drop off can be arranged for an additional charge to make your trip a little easier.
Breakfast isn’t offered at the hostel, but there is a shared kitchen where you can prepare your own meals to save money, or there are plenty of restaurants and shops in the area if you’re feeling hungry!
Conclusion
Ready for an adventure in New York City!? Check out one of these hostels for a budget friendly and comfortable place to stay near the JFK Airport to make your trip a little easier.
Travel can be stressful, but hopefully, with the help of this list, you can eliminate some of your worries and find a great place in New York City to suit your travel style, schedule, and budget!
***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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