Arguably one of the most iconic and recognisable public squares in the world, New York’s Time Square is right up there on many people’s travel itineraries. It’s in the heart of New York’s Theatre district, so nearby there are world-famous Broadway shows as well as some excellent restaurants and shopping.
Staying in a hotel near Times Square can work out pretty pricey, so you’d probably be better off looking at a hostel.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of the best hostels near Times Square New York – keeping in mind your itinerary and your budget!
So, let’s take a closer look at the best hostels near New York Times Square. We’re sure that there’ll be something on our list that fits your travel style and budget perfectly!
Quick Answer: Best Hostels Near Times Square New York
#1 Overall best hostel near Times Square New York – West Side YMCA
#2 Best hostel near Times Square New York to catch an early flight – HI NYC Hostel
#3 Best hostel near Times Square New York to catch an early train – Jazz on Columbus Circle
#4 Best hostel near Times Square New York for solo travellers – The Local NYC
#5 Best hostel for business travellers near Times Square New York – Harlem YMCA
#6 Best hostel for couples near Times Square New York – American Dream Hostel
#7 Best hostel near Times Square New York for families – Blue Moon Hotel NYC
#8 Best budget hostel near Times Square New York – The Brooklyn Riviera
#9 Best luxury hostel near Times Square New York – Freehand New York
#10 Best hostel with a private room near Times Square New York – Chelsea International Hostel
Best Hostels Near Times Square New York
#1 – West Side YMCA
Overall best hostel near Times Square New York
West Side YMCA is the overall best hostel near Times Square New York
West Side YMCA is the overall best hostel near Times Square New York
West Side YMCA is the overall best hostel near Times Square New York- Cost – $$$$
- Distance to Times Square New York 1.45 km/0.9 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 19 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 10 – 28 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 11 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 13 minute
The West Side YMCA is less than a mile on foot to Times Square, and you can be there in as little as 11 minutes on public transport! Of course, it’s nice to take a walk alongside Central Park to get there though. It really is the best overall hostel near Times Square New York!
All rooms are single, twin, and double privates – so you won’t have to share a dorm and you’ll find it easier to get to sleep in your own private space. You might think that this might make it an unsociable place to stay – but you’d be wrong! On-site group yoga, Pilates, and other fitness classes make it easy to meet other people. There are also two indoor swimming pools and a sauna, so it’s a great place to chill out!
Need to save money? Check out the cheapest hostels in New York!
#2 – HI NYC Hostel
Best hostel near Times Square New York to catch an early flight
HI NYC Hostel is the best hostel near Times Square New York to catch an early flight
HI NYC Hostel is the best hostel near Times Square New York to catch an early flight
HI NYC Hostel is the best hostel near Times Square New York to catch an early flight- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Times Square New York 4.99 km/3.1 mile
- Airport shuttle – 38 minutes to LaGuardia Airport/1 hour 3 minutes to JFK Airport
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 1 hour 1 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 16 – 35 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 18 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 41 minute
The award-winning, sociable and fun HI NYC Hostel is one of the most popular hostels in the whole of New York. It makes our list because its airport shuttle takes out all the stress of a trip to the airport – so it’s the best hostel near Times Square New York to catch an early flight!
The hostel isn’t far at all from Central Park, which is a fantastic place to explore on your way to Times Square.
There are plenty of events throughout the year on special occasions such as Christmas, but the best part is that there are free activities every night. Enthusiastic hostel volunteers lead club nights, comedy nights, and pub crawls, so you’ll have no trouble meeting other people if you’re travelling solo at this fab hostel!
This hostel rocks! Read our in depth HI NYC HOSTEL New York review to find out why!
#3 – Jazz on Columbus Circle
Best hostel near Times Square New York to catch an early train
Jazz on Columbus Circle is the best hostel near Times Square New York to catch an early train
Jazz on Columbus Circle is the best hostel near Times Square New York to catch an early train
Jazz on Columbus Circle is the best hostel near Times Square New York to catch an early train- Cost – $$$$
- Distance to Times Square New York 0.97 km/0.6 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 11 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 9 – 24 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 9 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 11 minute
Jazz on Columbus Circle is 1.5 miles away from the enormous Grand Central Station, so it’s the best place to stay near Times Square New York to catch an early train. There’s easy access to multiple subway lines from here too so it’s easy to get anywhere you need to be in the Big Apple!
Each floor comes with its own lounge, so it’s easy to meet other travellers and socialise. There are lots of facilities to get excited about too, including free bedding and towels, plenty of storage space for your stuff, and espresso on demand for just $1!
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Have an early flight? Book a hostel near JFK AIRPORT to have a stress-free morning!
#4 – The Local NYC
Best hostel near Times Square New York for solo travellers
The Local NYC is the best hostel near Times Square New York for solo travellers
The Local NYC is the best hostel near Times Square New York for solo travellers
The Local NYC is the best hostel near Times Square New York for solo travellers- Cost – $$
- Distance to Times Square New York 5.79 km/3.6 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 1 hour 2 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 16 – 40 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 15 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 41 minute
The Local NYC is known for its events so it’s the best hostel near Times Square New York for solo travellers. The hostel plans regular events which make it as easy as it could be to get chatting to fellow travellers and make friends – whether you’re into trivia nights, stand-up comedy, beer and wine tastings, or live concerts!
Of course, if you fancy just chilling there are plenty of places in the hostel for that – the rooftop terrace is a great place to get excellent views of Manhattan, while the event space always has something going on. There’s also a computer lounge if you want to book the next steps of your trip!
Haven’t Booked for New York? Read up on our favorite hostels in New York City (for any budget)!
#5 – NY Moore Hostel
Best hostel near Times Square New York for solo travellers
NY Moore Hostel is the best hostel near Times Square New York for solo travellers
NY Moore Hostel is the best hostel near Times Square New York for solo travellers
NY Moore Hostel is the best hostel near Times Square New York for solo travellers- Cost – $$
- Distance to Times Square New York 8.85 km/5.5 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 1 hour 47 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 28 minute – 1 hour
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 32 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 1 hour 28 minute
Another excellent option if you’re looking for the best hostel new Times Square New York for solo travellers is NY Moore Hostel. It’s in a neighbourhood back to the rafters with cool shops, bars, music venues, restaurants – you name it and it’s probably there! Inside the hostel, a renovated loft space, the bright and colourful atmosphere will feel welcoming and you’re sure to feel settled in almost immediately!
The courtyard is a great place to have a beer and catch up with new friends, while you can always just chill in the common room and use the free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with friends and family back home!
Need to save money? Check out the cheapest hostels in Los Angeles!
#6 – Harlem YMCA
Best hostel for business travellers near Times Square New York
- Cost – $$$$
- Distance to Times Square New York 7.56 km/4.7 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 1 hour 35 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 26 – 50 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 26 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 54 minute
The Harlem YMCA hostel is one of few hostels with a business centre, so it’s not hard to deduce that this is the best hostel for business travellers near Times Square New York! In fact, you’ll probably feel that you’re in a hotel rather than a hostel because the business centre isn’t the only thing this place has going for it! There’s also a great tourist lodge and an excellent fitness centre – complete with cardiovascular and strength training studios, an indoor pool, and a steam room and sauna!
The hostel is conveniently located next to subway lines that will take you to Times Square, Central Park, and several other exciting New York attractions when you’ve packed up your laptop or finished meetings for the day!
Will you be in New York a while? Here’s your guide to the top day trips from New York for exploring the area!
# 7 – American Dream Hostel
Best hostel for couples near Times Square New York
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Times Square New York 2.74 km/1.7 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 34 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 12 – 28 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 17 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 28 minute
The family-owned American Dream Hostel offers comfortable and spacious double rooms, so it’s the best hostel for couples near Times Square New York. Although it’s a little over half an hour to Times Square, it’s still in a fabulous location as you have the Empire State Building, Maddison Square Gardens, and the Flatiron building on your doorstep – as well as a number of excellent restaurants and boutique shops!
This hostel offers free Wi-Fi so you can keep everyone posted with what you’re doing, over the complimentary breakfast of homemade waffles, fresh fruit, and orange juice, among other things! If you miss breakfast, you won’t be hungry though – snacks like nuts and cookies are provided throughout the day!
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#8 – Blue Moon Hotel NYC
Best hostel near Times Square New York for families
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Times Square New York 4.99 km/3.1 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 1 hour 5 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 16 – 40 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 22 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 45 minute
This family-friendly hostel offers great value for money and friendly service, so it’s the best hostel for families near Times Square New York! It’s in the trendy Manhattan Lower East Side district, so that means it’s just over 20 minutes on the subway to Times Square – while closer to home you have some of New York’s coolest shops!
If you’ve travelled to New York with your family by car, there’s are plenty of things you’ll appreciate at Blue Moon Hotel. The first is that there’s free parking on-site! The second is that there’s laundry on site, so when you return home, you can do it in clean and crisp clothing!
Stay close to the action! We have an article specifically for the best hostels near Central Park NYC!
#9 – The Brooklyn Riviera
Best budget hostel near Times Square New York
- Cost – $
- Distance to Times Square New York 11.75 km/7.3 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 2 hour 30
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 30 – 1 hour 10 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 40 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 56 minute
It may be further away from Times Square than most of the other hostels on this list, however, Brooklyn Riviera offers the cheapest beds in New York by quite a distance! The prices will make that 40 minute subway ride truly worth it, since it’s the best budget hostel near Times Square New York! Once you get back after a long and tiring day of sightseeing, relax in the garden where there’s a BBQ. This is the perfect spot if you want to smoke too!
Although you’re not parting with a lot of cash, you’ll still be treated to a complimentary continental breakfast here and dorms aren’t a crazy size like you’d get in some budget hostels. 4 or 6-bed dorms come with comfy beds, a reading light, and a place to charge your phone!
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#10 – International Student Center
Best budget hostel #2 near Times Square New York
- Cost – $$
- Distance to Times Square New York 3.7 km/2.3 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 45 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 16 – 40 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 16 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 37 minute
Not quite as cheap as the Brooklyn Riviera, but a lot closer to the centre of New York, the International Student Center Hostel is our 2nd best budget hostel near Times Square New York! It’s just half a block from Central Park subway station, so there’s easy public transport access to Times Square, or you can enjoy a walk/jog through one of the world’s best-known urban green spaces!
If you want to prepare your own meals during your stay, that’s no problem – there’s a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, fridges, and a microwave. When you want to socialise, you’ll find it easy to meet people in the lounge – where you can relax together with a movie!
#11 – Freehand New York
Best luxury hostel near Times Square New York
- Cost – $$$$$
- Distance to Times Square New York 2.57 km/1.6 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 32 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 12 – 28 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 15 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 32 minute
The Freehand chain are well-known across the United States for combining hotel standard accommodation with the social culture of hostels. It’s by far and away the most expensive hostel on this list, but what did you really expect from the best luxury hostel near Times Square New York?! The hostel bar and restaurant don’t serve your standard burgers, beers, and fast food that you’d expect, but an offering by an acclaimed restauranteur! So, you won’t need to go far at all for top quality food!
The comfortable rooms have been designed by Ronan and Williams, while on the walls you’ll find artwork commissioned from students and alumni of Bard College!
#12 – Chelsea International Hostel
Best hostel with a private room near Times Square New York
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Times Square New York 2.41 km/1.5 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 30 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 10 – 28 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 16 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 22 minute
Chelsea International Hostel offers single and twin rooms just ½ an hour on foot from Times Square, so it’s the best hostel with a private room near Times Square New York! If that walk sounds like too far, there’s a subway station just over the road, which gives you easy access to just about anywhere in the city!
Even shared dorms are small – 2 and 4 bed offerings, so if you’re travelling as a couple or in a small group of friends or family, Chelsea International Hostel is definitely worth taking look at! It’s also a great spot if you’re travelling solo and you fancy a break from the noisy and hectic lifestyle of staying in dorms!
#13 – Hotel & Hostel Vetiver
Best hostel with a private room near Times Square New York
- Cost – $$$
- Distance to Times Square New York 3.6 km/2.24 miles
- Time to Times Square New York by walk: 1 hour 12 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by taxi: 18 – 45 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by subway: 19 minute
- Time to Times Square New York by bus: 37 minute
The cool and contemporary Hotel & Hostel Vetiver offers a range of double and 4-bed family rooms, so it’s another of the best hostels near Times Square New York with a private room. You’ll never be stuck for food here – there’s room service which provides food from a local restaurant, a continental breakfast served each morning (for $10), and a wine bar on site!
If you’re staying on the 3rd floor or above, you will be able to enjoy views of the city from your own private balcony! And if you go all the way to splashing out for an executive room, you’ll have your own kitchenette with all cutlery and crockery included. Perfect for cooking up a meal and enjoying it with a view of the Manhattan Skyline on the balcony!
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Overall best hostel near Times Square New York
West Side YMCA
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Best hostel near Times Square New York to
catch an early flight HI NYC Hostel
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Best hostel near Times Square New York to
catch an early train Jazz on Columbus Circle
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Best hostel near Times Square New York for
solo travellers The Local NYC
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Best hostel for business travellers near Times
Square New York Harlem YMCA
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Best hostel for couples near Times Square New
York American Dream Hostel
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Best hostel near Times Square New York for
families Blue Moon Hotel NYC
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Check for Best Price |
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Best budget hostel near Times Square New York
The Brooklyn Riviera
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Check for Best Price |
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Best luxury hostel near Times Square New York
Freehand New York
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel with a private room near Times
Square New York Chelsea International Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
Conclusion
So, there we have it. Only the best hostels that are close to New York Times Square have made it onto our list, so we’re pretty sure there’s something on here that’s perfect for your trip.
In fact, there might be a few places that seem to be a great fit and you might be having trouble coming to a final decision! If that’s how you’re feeling, take it easy and go for what we think is the best hostel near New York Times Square – West Side YMCA.
Remember that because our list is made up of the highest rated hostels that are within easy reach of Times Square New York, these get booked up pretty quickly. Book now to avoid missing out on your favourite and get ready to enjoy the trip of a lifetime!
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 Times Square New York!
***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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