Sydney is the 2nd biggest city in Australia by size and the biggest by population. It’s home to attractions which are symbolic of Australia – including the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House!
If you’re visiting, the chances are you’ll head further afield or to or from the airport via Sydney Central Station. If so, staying in a hostel nearby is a good way to stay connected and save yourself some Aussie dollars, since Sydney can be expensive.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of the best hostels near Central Station Sydney, all the while thinking about your itinerary and budget.
So, let’s take a closer look at the best hostels near Sydney Central Station. We’re sure that you’ll find something appropriate and suitable for your stay on our list!
Quick Answer: Best Hostels Near Central Station Sydney
#1 Overall best hostel near Central Station Sydney – Wake Up! Sydney Central
#2 Best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early flight – Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel
#3 Best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early train – Railway Square YHA
#4 Best hostel near Central Station Sydney for solo travellers – Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway
#5 Best party hostel near Central Station Sydney – Mad Monkey Backpackers Bayswater
#6 Best hostel for business travellers near Central Station Sydney – Sydney Central Inn
#7 Best hostel for couples near Central Station Sydney – Sydney Harbour YHA
#8 Best hostel near Central Station Sydney for families – Big Hostel
#9 Best budget hostel near Central Station Sydney – Clover Backpackers
#10 Best luxury hostel near Central Station Sydney – Sydney Central YHA
#11 Best hostel with a private room near Central Station Sydney – Lord Wolseley
#1 – Wake Up! Sydney Central
• Overall best hostel near Central Station Sydney •
Wake Up! Sydney Central is the overall best hostel near Central Station Sydney
Wake Up! Sydney Central is the overall best hostel near Central Station Sydney
Wake Up! Sydney Central is the overall best hostel near Central Station Sydney- Cost – $$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 0.24 km/0.15 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by Airport shuttle: 12 – 30 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 3 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 2 minute
Wake Up! Sydney Central won a Hoscar for the best hostel in Sydney in 2017, so you don’t just have to take our word for it that it’s the best hostel near Sydney Central Station! It’s just a 3-minute walk to the station, so it’s easily walkable… Unless you have a REALLY big bag!
There are daily activities in the morning and the evening, great for meeting other travellers and getting to know the city!
You could also say it’s one of the best party hostels near Sydney Central Station – thanks to on-site Side Bar, which is well-known for its outrageous parties! You can also get some tasty food in here, and it’ll be much cheaper than some of the nearby restaurants!
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#2 – Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel
• Best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early flight •
Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early flight
Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early flight
Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early flight- Cost – $
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 2 km/1.24 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by Airport shuttle: 14 – 26 minutes
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 26 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 8 – 20 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by train: 10 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 18 minute
With an airport shuttle that can get you to Kingford Smith Airport in as little as 15 minutes (that’s if there’s no traffic, of course), Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel is the best hostel near Sydney Central Station if you need to catch an early flight! Although it’s easy to get to the airport from the station, the shuttle will give you peace of mind and take away any worries about train times or delays!
There’s plenty to do here too. Relax with a movie on Netflix in the common room or update your social media on the free Wi-Fi. If you fancy sunning yourself, head out to the outdoor terrace where you might even be lucky enough to enjoy a BBQ. Dog people will love it here too – as there are two friendly hounds just waiting to welcome you to this great little hostel!
Editor’s Pick – These are the coolest boutique hostels in Sydney (for any budget!)
#3 – Jolly Swagman Backpackers
• Best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early flight #2 •
Jolly Swagman Backpackers is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early flight #2
Jolly Swagman Backpackers is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early flight #2
Jolly Swagman Backpackers is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early flight #2- Cost – $
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 2.5 km/1.55 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by Free Airport shuttle: 14 – 30 minutes
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 31 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 10 – 24 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by train: 13 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 18 minute
What’s better than an airport shuttle? A free airport shuttle of course! And that’s exactly what you’ll get here at Jolly Swagman Backpackers! Although you’re 2.5 km from the Central Station, you’re in the most popular backpacking district – Kings Cross. This is great for budget travellers as you’ll find lots of great budget restaurants and bars nearby.
Not only that, but you can also enjoy some of the city’s top clubs and night spots without having to pay for a taxi as they’re literally on your doorstep! Barbecues and breakfast are also included in the price of your room – great opportunities for socialising and eating at the same time!
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#4 – Railway Square YHA
• Best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early train •
Railway Square YHA is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early train
Railway Square YHA is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early train
Railway Square YHA is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early train- Cost – $$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 0.3 km/0.19 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by Airport shuttle: 12 – 35 minutes
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 4 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 3 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 5 minute
You don’t get much closer to the station than this, Railway Square YHA. The name kind of gives it away really – it’s the best hostel to catch an early train near Sydney Central Station. What’s more, YHA is a reputable and reliable chain of hostels in Australia and around the world, so you know you’re in for a good time here.
In fact, at Railway Square YHA, you can sleep inside a train! It won’t be the one you’re catching early in the morning, but that’s still pretty cool! Away from the train station, there are some great activities at this hostel too – including an Aboriginal cruise on Sydney Harbour and reduced tickets to AFL games!
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#5 – The Downing Hostel
• Best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early train •
The Downing Hostel is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early train
The Downing Hostel is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early train
The Downing Hostel is the best hostel near Central Station Sydney to catch an early train- Cost – $$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 0.9 km/0.56 miles
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 9 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 4 – 9 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 6 minute
The Downing Hostel is a little further away than Railway Square YHA, but it’s another great hostel near Central Station Sydney for catching an early train. It’s less than a 10-minute walk away from the station, and less than half an hour on foot from Sydney Opera House!
One of the great things about The Downing Hostel is the familial atmosphere. There are regular group dinners and ‘hungover pancakes’ which will cost you the grand total of exactly nothing! These events are great for meeting fellow travellers and making friends!
If you’re staying for more than 3 nights, you can use the laundry room for free. A really nice touch!
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#6 – Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway
• Best hostel near Central Station Sydney for solo travellers •
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 1.3 km/0.81 miles
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 16 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 4 – 14 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 10 minute
Mad Monkey has some of the best party hostels in Australia, but their property on Broadway is a bit more chilled and suited to an upmarket flashpackers. It’s still super easy to meet other travellers though, so it’s the best hostel for solo travellers near Central Station Sydney! The hostel has a focus on wellness, with free yoga classes on a Wednesday. You can use the mats whenever you like!
You can’t be well on an empty stomach, but the hot breakfast and free tea and coffee will take care of that! There are several events on site each night too, including nights out in Sydney where you’ll be escorted from the friendly volunteers. One thing’s for sure, you’ll have no trouble making friends!
Don’t worry! We have more hostels in our article on the best party hostels in Australia!
#7 – Blue Parrot Backpackers
• Best hostel near Central Station Sydney for solo travellers #2 •
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 2.6 km/1.62 miles
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 33 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 10 – 24 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by train: 15 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 23 minute
Another of the best hostels for solo travellers near Central Station Sydney is the brilliant Blue Parrot Hostel! There are indoor and outdoor spots for socialising – the courtyard is a great spot to have a beer or a wine, while if you want to stay out of the sun you can enjoy Netflix in the indoor lounge, or just use the Wi-Fi to keep updated with your loved ones back home!
It’s in the perfect location for visiting the city, even if you’re only in Sydney for a day – the CBD, the Harbour Bridge, and the opera house are within a 20-minute walk. If you decide you’re tired of the city, talk to the tour desk. They can help you organise trips to the beautiful Blue Mountains, and if you’re extra brave, they’ll set up skydiving for you!
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#8 – Casa Central Backpackers Hostel
• Best hostel near Central Station Sydney for solo travellers #3 •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 0.5 km/0.31 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by Airport shuttle: 10 – 28 minutes
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 7 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 2 – 6 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 6 minute
There are loads of great hostels for solo travellers in Sydney – it’s such a friendly city. Casa Central Backpackers Hostel is a small and intimate affair and yet another of the best hostels for solo travellers near Sydney Central Station. The rooftop terrace is the perfect place to chill out and get chatting to other travellers – and you might even be up there when there’s a BBQ!
The hostel offers a simple breakfast during the week, perfect for fuelling up before a busy day of sightseeing. There’s no queue for the toilets or showers before you go out either – always a bonus. Although there’s always someone to talk to in the common areas, dorms have no more than 4 beds, so you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep!
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#9 – Mad Monkey Backpackers Bayswater
• Best party hostel near Central Station Sydney •
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 2.4 km/1.49 miles
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 31 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 9 – 26 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by train: 14 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 20 minute
Kings Cross Backpackers is part of Mad Monkey Hostels and it’s the best party hostel near Sydney Central Station. The hostel offers several organised nights out and its right in the centre of Sydney’s backpacker district – just off the Golden Mile by Kings Cross. Have a few beers with a BBQ before hitting the town with the hostel’s friendly volunteers and any new friends you’ve made while staying here!
It’s not all about partying though – the hot breakfast will either cure your hangover or set you up for a day of sightseeing, while Monday’s yoga classes will help you find inner peace after a wild weekend!
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#10 – Sydney Central Inn
• Best hostel for business travellers near Central Station Sydney •
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 0.4 km/0.25 miles
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 5 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 3 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 2 minute
Sydney Central Inn offers comfortable and affordable accommodation in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, so it’s the best hostel near Central Station Sydney for business travellers. There’s super-fast free Wi-Fi for keeping up to date with your emails or making last minute tweaks to any important presentations or documents you need to work on!
When a day’s work is done, head down to the on-site bar where there are promotions on food and drinks every night of the week! Not that it’s tricky to find somewhere nearby to eat – the CBD has some of Sydney’s best restaurants, bars, and nightlife within a leisurely stroll from this great hostel!
Don’t stop the party! Read up on Melbourne’s best party hostels too! [different destination]
#11 – The Pod Sydney
• Best hostel for business travellers near Central Station Sydney •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 0.5 km/0.31 miles
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 6 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 2 – 6 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 5 minute
Another excellent option for business travellers near Central Station Sydney is the Pod Sydney. It’s just a ten minute walk from the Central Station and its location in the heart of the CBD is perfect if you have meetings arranged. Pod hostels are a great way to have your own space without having to pay the cost of a private room – and in The Pod Sydney, you’ll have a reading light, a power outlet, and 5-star hotel standard mattress and pillow!
The Lobby Lounge is a great place to check your emails and put the finishing touches on any documents before meetings through the free high-speed Wi-Fi. If you want to find someone to chat to at the end of the day, just head for the Pod Lounge which has a communal TV!
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#12 – Sydney Harbour YHA
• Best hostel for couples near Central Station Sydney •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 2.8 km/1.74 miles
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 35 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 12- 30 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by train: 16 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 23 minute
It may be a little further away from the station than some other options on this list, but Sydney Harbour YHA is the only budget accommodation in the area of the Rocks. There are double rooms here, and you can get a view of the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House, so it’s definitely the best hostel for couples near Sydney Central Station!
Heading up to the roof terrace – especially at night – gives you an uninterrupted view which will surprise you even more than the one in your room. If you don’t want to head out for a romantic meal – there’s everything you need to cook one here. We love the on-site grocery store and large communal kitchen!
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#13 – Glebe Point YHA
• Best hostel for couples near Central Station Sydney #2 •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 2.9 km/1.8 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by Airport shuttle: – 16 – 45 minutes
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 36 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 7 – 20 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by train: 27 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 16 minute
Close to the restaurants, bars, and museums of Darling Harbour, the Bohemian vibe of Glebe is hard not to love. This charming hostel offers double rooms there, so it’s another of the best hostels for couples near Sydney Central Station! It’s close to all the attractions but far enough away for you to not be distracted by the hustle, bustle, and noise of the city’s CBD!
For sociable couples who don’t just want to spend time in their room, there’s plenty to do! Enjoy the roof terrace complete with sun loungers, or head to the common room where you can choose between a game of pool or watching a movie on the flat-screen TV!
Not what you’re looking for? Read about other great hostels near Sydney Airport!
#14 – Big Hostel
• Best hostel near Central Station Sydney for families •
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 0.35 km/0.22 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by Airport shuttle: – 12 – 35 minutes
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 5 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 3 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 3 minute
With private rooms perfect for whole families able to hold up to 6 people, Big Hostel is the best hostel near Sydney Central Station for families. It’s especially useful if you’re travelling with small children, as you can all be in the same room. Much better than having to get 2 or 3 twin or doubles just to fit your entire family in!
It’s also an excellent way to save some dollars – not only do the rooms come at a reasonable price, but you’ll also be treated to a complimentary continental breakfast each morning too! If you want to relax in the afternoon, head up to the roof terrace and catch some rays!
#15 – Clover Backpackers
• Best budget hostel near Central Station Sydney •
- Cost – $
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 1.4 km/0.87 miles
- Time to Sydney Airport by Airport shuttle: – minutes
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 18 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 6 – 14 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by train: 12 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 20 minute
Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel offers some of the lowest bed prices in the city, with even more discount on upper bunks! That’s what makes it the best budget hostel near Sydney Central Station. Don’t think that a lower price means you’re getting less bang for your buck though – there’s high speed Wi-Fi you can use to keep your social media updated, or to watch a movie on Netflix in the common room!
Clover Backpackers offers some of the lowest prices in the whole of Sydney, so there’s no contest that this is the best budget hostel near Sydney Central Station. Just because you’re paying a (very) low price, doesn’t mean you are just going to get a dorm bed though! Clover Backpackers has a spacious roof terrace complete with picnic tables, so you can bring the food you’ve prepared in the communal kitchen here and enjoy it with a view of the city if you desire!
If the weather’s not up to that, that’s no problem. There’s a communal TV lounge where you can chill and scroll to your heart’s content, using the free Wi-Fi!
There’s so much to do in Australia! So you won’t run out of things to do in Airlie Beach!
#16 – Sydney Central YHA
• Best luxury hostel near Central Station Sydney •
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 0.16 km/0.1 miles
- Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 3 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 2 minute
Sydney Central YHA has been voted as the best hostel not only in Australia but on the entire continent of Oceania! Part of that is due to all the facilities here, so it’s safe to say this is the best luxury hostel near Sydney Central Station! The biggest plus of staying here is the rooftop pool and sauna, where you can get some panoramic snaps of the city – usually, this is something saved for only the finest hotels!
It’s also a great hostel for business travellers, as there are group facilities and meeting rooms in the hostel too. And of course, if you want to meet solo travellers, you’ll have no problem with that as the hostel always has something going on – whether that’s a pizza night, a walking tour, or a classic Aussie BBQ!
#17 – Lord Wolseley
• Best hostel with a private room near Central Station Sydney •
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Central Station Sydney 1.4 km/0.87 miles
- walk to Central Station Sydney Time to Central Station Sydney by walk: 18 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by taxi: 7 – 16 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by tram: 14 minute
- Time to Central Station Sydney by bus: 12 minute
The Lord Wolseley offers a range of double rooms that make it the best hostel with a private room near Central Station Sydney. You’ll never go hungry when staying here – the accommodation is above an excellent pub, restaurant and bar. This is the place to head if you want to meet people – although the Lord Wolseley is a lovely place to stay, it doesn’t have a communal room in the accommodation itself.
However, it does have kitchenette’s in some of the rooms – complete with a toaster, microwave, and kettle! This is the perfect place to stay for couples who want to get away from dorms, and have a comfy place to stay without paying hotel prices!
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Overall best hostel near Central Station
Sydney Wake Up! Sydney Central
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Best hostel near Central Station Sydney to
catch an early flight Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel
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Best hostel near Central Station Sydney to
catch an early train Railway Square YHA
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Best hostel near Central Station Sydney for
solo travellers Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway
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Best party hostel near Central Station Sydney
Mad Monkey Backpackers Bayswater
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Best hostel for business travellers near
Central Station Sydney Sydney Central Inn
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Best hostel for couples near Central Station
Sydney Sydney Harbour YHA
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Best hostel near Central Station Sydney for
families Big Hostel
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Best budget hostel near Central Station Sydney
Clover Backpackers
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Best luxury hostel near Central Station Sydney
Sydney Central YHA
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Best hostel with a private room near Central
Station Sydney Lord Wolseley
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Conclusion
So, that concludes our list of the best hostels near Central Station Sydney. We’re certain you’ll have found something suitable for you since our extensive list only includes the best-rated hostels close to Central Station Sydney.
There are 17 great hostels on our list, and we understand that if you’re a little indecisive that might be a little overwhelming! If that’s the case, keep it simple and go for our favourite hostel near Central Station Sydney – Wake Up! Sydney Central.
The one and only negative on our list is that because we’ve chosen the best hostels near Central Station Sydney, they’re also pretty popular. So, to avoid missing out on your favourite hostel, book now to avoid any chance of disappointment. Have a great trip!
Editor’s Note – No matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance. We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and can say without a doubt that World Nomads is the absolute best (and most affordable!). Fill out this form to get a quote for your trip to Sydney!
***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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