7 best hostels in Lyon

Lyon is the third-largest city in France, capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Set on the banks of the Rhône river, Lyon boasts stunning landscapes, ancient history, fascinating architecture, and some of the best food in the world. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with top attractions like the Place Bellecour, Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, Musee des Confluences, the famous Lyon Opera House, and Vieux Lyon or Old Lyon.

Lyon isn't an ideal destination for budget travelers, as accommodation is not all that affordable. However, you can find cheap hostels with free breakfast and free tours that will help you save some money. To make the most out of your trip to Lyon, we recommend that you purchase the Lyon City Card, which will help you get to all the sights in Lyon without breaking the bank. Lyon hostel prices range somewhere between $30-$40 a night, which, again, is not all that cheap, but they are all worthwhile.

Below we made a list of the 7 best and cheapest hostels in Lyon, so you don't have to waste time looking for the best Lyon hostel deals. And when it comes to storing your luggage, did you know that Bounce partners with many hostels in Lyon for their luggage storage service? True, but if you happen to pick a hostel that isn't our partner, Bounce luggage storage in Lyon is easily booked on the app for as long as you need it.

Away Hostel

Set in a 19th-century-old building in the heart of Lyon, Away Hostel is one of the most stylish hostels in the city with its very own coffee shop. Some of the free amenities include high-speed wifi, city maps, a fan, locks, and linen. The hostel boasts shared living areas with board games and foosball. Relax, have fun and meet new people, and take advantage of a well-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.

Staying at this hostel, you get to participate in a variety of guided city tours and night events. At Away Hostel, you can choose from shared dorms and private rooms with a capacity of a maximum of 12 people.

What makes Away Hostel unique

This hostel is located in the city center, making it ideal for travelers who want to explore Lyon on foot. Some other qualities that make Away Hostel one of the best hostels in Lyon are the cute coffee shop with homemade snacks and quality coffee and its stylish design.

Away Hostel pricing

The average price per night at the Away Hostel is $37.00 for a bed in a 12-bed mixed dorm. If sharing a room is not your cup of tea, you can pick a double-bed ensuite private room for around $96.50 a night. Not exactly a cheap hostel, but it's perfect if you have a little more to spare.

Le Flâneur Guesthouse

Staying at this hostel places you right in the city center (though in a bit of a loud neighborhood), within a short walking distance from major sights and the Rhône banks. The Perrache and Part-Dieu train and bus stations are just a stone's throw from the hostel, making it easy to travel across Lyon.

Featured amenities include free wifi, 24-hour reception, shared living areas with board games and video games, and a shared kitchen where you can make your own meals. The cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and great prices in the bar keep everyone happy and content.

The rooms at Le Flâneur Guesthouse range from private and shared dorms that sleep between 6 and 16 people.

What makes Le Flâneur Guesthouse unique

Besides its superb location, this hostel is an excellent pick for its friendly vibe, free wifi, cheap breakfast and great value for money.

Le Flâneur Guesthouse pricing

Pricing at the Le Flâneur Guesthouse starts at $20.00 a night for a bed in a standard 16-bed mixed dorm. For those looking for more privacy, private rooms, and 4-bed mixed dorms cost $29.50 a night and up.

Alter Hostel

Alter Hostel is one of the best hostels in Lyon for solo travelers looking to meet people from all around the globe and make new friends during their stay. Though it's a bit far from downtown, it's easy to get around on foot and walk to the city center.

The hostel features a bar, a shared kitchen, 24-hour reception, cheap breakfast, and much more. Guests are entertained with a variety of cultural and social events such as DIY workshops, and bike and kayak rentals.

At the Alter Hostel, you can pick from a wide range of shared rooms that sleep between 4 and 18 people. All beds have a privacy curtain, a table, a reading light and a power socket.

What makes Alter Hostel unique

The Alter Hostel is a popular choice for a hostel in Lyon, not for its location but for its friendly vibe, sense of security and community.

Alter Hostel pricing

Pricing at the Alter Hostel starts at $27.50 for a bed in an 18-bed mixed dorm and $32.00 for a 6-bed mixed dorm. Female-only dorms are available too for around $29.00 a night in an 8-bed dorm.

SLO Living Hostel

If you're not quite sure about staying in a hostel in Lyon, this place will help you loosen up a bit and introduce you to the hostel's lifestyle. From the hostel, you get to walk to nearby attractions such as the Fresco, Parc de la Tête d’Or, and Fresque des Lyonnais. Part-Dieu Train Station is within a short walking distance, too, making it super convenient if you want to explore Lyon further.

SLO Living Hostel offers free services, including fast wifi, locks, bed linen, city maps, and access to a PC. Though there is no free breakfast, there is an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast for a small fee. Guests can take advantage of the outdoor patio and a bar to chill and get to know other travelers. The hostel also organizes guided tours and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

What makes SLO Living Hostel unique

This hostel is one of the best hostels in Lyon for many reasons, including the lovely outdoor patio and the close proximity to some of Lyon's major sights. The staff is known to be very friendly and informative, helping guests make the most out of their stay with guided tours and activities and fun evening entertainment.

SLO Living Hostel prices

The average price per night at the SLO Living Hoste is $37.00 for a mixed dorm bed, including female-only dorms.

Ho 36 Hostel

Located in the cosmopolitan district of La Guillotière, Ho 36 Hostel is one of the cheapest hostels in Lyon, with its own coffee shop and bar. Being in the 7th district of Lyon means you're surrounded by multicultural places to check out, whether for food, drinks, or other activities. The closest Perrache train stations are just a 25-minute walk from the hostel.

Featured amenities include free bed linen, free wifi, free city maps, a common room, a cute garden patio, and a kitchen where you can make light meals. Breakfast is available at a price of $9.00. You can pick from rooms and shared dorms (female-only, too) that can accommodate up to 8 people.

What makes Ho 36 Hostel unique

There are a few reasons to love this Lyon hostel, including its multicultural neighborhood, friendly atmosphere, and sense of security within the property.

Ho 36 Hostel pricing

The average price per night at the Ho 36 Hostel is $30.50 for an 8-bed mixed dorm bed and up to $163.00 for a deluxe 6-bed family room with an ensuite bathroom. Not quite a cheap hostel, but it's great value for your money.

YASI Hostel

YASI Hostel is located in the city center of Lyon, close to the Musée Miniature et Cinéma, the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, and the Fourviere Roman Theatre. Nearby train stations are Part-Dieu Train Station and Lyon Perrache Train Station, which means you get to hop on a train any time you feel like exploring the city.

The hostel features a lovely garden, a shared lounge, and a bar with fun evening entertainment perfect for hanging out with like-minded travelers. Some of the best perks of the hostel are the spa and wellness center and the hot tub, where you can chill after a long day of sightseeing. Moreover, the hostel offers free wifi, air conditioning, and a free buffet breakfast every morning.

At the YASI Hostel, you can pick from private rooms and shared rooms that sleep between 2 to 10 people. All of the rooms are air-conditioned and have a garden view and a patio.

What makes YASI Hostel unique

YASI Hostel is recommended hostel for all backpackers and young travelers who want to socialize and be part of fun events. Also, the hostel's excellent location and close proximity to train stations make it a desirable stay for people with mobility difficulties. But the best reasons to love this place are the spa center and the jacuzzi and, of course, the complimentary breakfast.

YASI Hostel pricing

Is YASI the best hostel for you? The average price per night at the YASI Hostel is $31.00 for a single bed in a 10-bed dorm room and $34.00 for a bed in a 6-bed mixed dorm. Private rooms with a garden view, a private bathroom, and breakfast included cost around $103.00 a night.

Ibis Hotel

When you run out of hostel options in Lyon, budget hotels are the second-best choice. If you've been to an Ibis hotel before, then you know what to look forward to from the one in Lyon. Located in a great location, just a 20-minute walk from Centre Presqu'île and a short walk to Lyon’s Old Town, this budget hotel is modern and the complete opposite of a hostel, which is what to be expected from hotels of this type.

The hotel features the most basic and necessary amenities and facilities, including free wifi, rooms with a flat-screen TV, a workstation and air conditioning. At an extra cost, you can have continental breakfast in the breakfast room every morning, and if that's not enough, you can get more snacks and treats from the vending machines.

At Ibis Hotel, you can pick from twin, triple and double rooms ideal for families, couples and small groups of friends.

What makes Ibis Hotel unique

There are some benefits of staying at this budget hotel that go beyond the affordable price, such as daily housekeeping, room service, a private bathroom, and a quiet location.

Ibis Hotel pricing

Pricing at the Ibis Hotel starts at $57.00 for a double room and $67.00 for a single room. Not exactly the cheapest, but this accommodation offers great value for your money.

The best cheap hostels in Lyon for budget-friendly trips

When looking for inexpensive accommodation in Lyon, hostels are your best bet. Lyon hostels offer everything you need for a comfortable stay. Most are centrally located and close to public transport, making it easy to explore the city. Lyon is not a cheap city, and hostels are an excellent way to save money. Besides, you get to socialize, participate in fun events or go on guided tours, some even for free. Staying at a hostel in Lyon can be the closest to feeling at home.

If this is your first time in Lyon and you want to know the city a bit better, you should take time to read our guides Best Time to Visit Lyon: The Ultimate Guide and 3 Days in Lyon: Everything You Should Know.