Washington, DC is one of the cheapest major U.S. capitals to visit on a backpacker budget: the Smithsonian museums are free, the monuments cost nothing, and a solid hostel dorm bed still goes for under $40 a night. Hostelling International’s landmark downtown hostel is permanently closed, and several longtime favorites have shuttered. These 8 best hostels in Washington, DC are all verified operating in 2026, with current Hostelworld ratings and real price ranges.
TL;DR: Eight hostels are confirmed open in Washington, DC in 2026, led by Highroad Hostel DC (9.5/10) and Caravan Hostel DC (9.4/10), both in Adams Morgan. Expect dorm beds from roughly $30 and private rooms from about $17.50. HI Washington DC, Hilltop Hostel, and International Guest House are permanently closed, so do not book them from outdated guides.
How We Chose These DC Hostels
Every hostel below appears on Hostelworld’s active Washington, DC listings as of October 2026, with recent guest reviews confirming they are taking bookings. We excluded permanently closed properties (HI Washington DC at 1009 11th St NW, Hilltop Hostel, and International Guest House) and budget hotels that do not offer dorms.
The 8 Best Hostels in Washington, DC for 2026
1. Highroad Hostel DC (Adams Morgan) — 9.5/10
The highest-rated hostel in Washington, DC, with more than 2,500 Hostelworld reviews, Highroad sits in Adams Morgan, the city’s best nightlife district. Pod-style dorms come with real privacy, and the common areas, a fireplace lounge, a big guest kitchen, and regular staff-led events give it a social energy older DC hostels never had. Dorms start around $31 and private rooms from about $20, an absurd value for the location.
2. Caravan Hostel DC (Adams Morgan) — 9.4/10
DC’s newest hostel sits at 2311 18th Street NW, also in Adams Morgan, and its 200-plus Hostelworld reviews average 9.36. Custom-built pod beds, memory foam mattresses, a back patio overlooking historic rowhouses, and free coffee and tea in the lobby have earned it a near-perfect score. Price range runs about $38 to $41 a night.
3. U Street Capsule Hostel (U Street) — 8.6/10
On historic U Street, a few steps from the Metro, this capsule hostel leans into the pod trend with fully enclosed sleeping capsules that solo travelers love for privacy and security. With 389 reviews averaging 8.6, it is the best-rated option in the U Street corridor, surrounded by Ethiopian restaurants, jazz clubs, and bars. Dorms from about $41, private rooms from about $47.
4. Duo Housing DC (Downtown) — 8.6/10
The best hostel pick for sightseers: Duo Housing at 1223 11th St NW is a 15-minute walk to the U.S. Capitol and the museums of the National Mall, per its Hostelworld listing. With more than 8,000 reviews averaging 8.6, it is the most-reviewed hostel in the city. Guests praise the rooftop patio, free pancake breakfast, and social atmosphere; some note the bathrooms show their age. Dorms from about $32.
5. I Street Capsule Hostel (Downtown) — 8.0/10
The brand-new sibling of U Street Capsule, opened in the center of downtown Washington DC. With only a few dozen reviews so far (8.0 average), it is the least-proven pick on this list, but its downtown location puts the White House, the Mall, and Metro Center within walking distance. Dorms from about $42.50, no private rooms.
6. Mayflower Hospitality Hostel 2 (Downtown) — 6.3/10
An adults-only budget option near downtown with dorms from about $30 and private rooms from about $35. The 6.3 rating (30 reviews) reflects basic, no-frills accommodations: clean beds, free WiFi, and a convenient location.
7. Mayflower Hospitality Hostel (Downtown) — 5.9/10
The original Mayflower property offers the cheapest private rooms on this list, from about $17.50, with dorms from about $30. The 5.9 rating across 22 reviews signals you should calibrate expectations: this is a crash pad, not an experience. Fine for one or two nights when budget is the only priority and you will be out sightseeing all day.
8. Washington Capitol Hostel (Adams Morgan) — 5.4/10
A small, long-running hostel in Adams Morgan with 1,574 reviews averaging 5.4. It is the weakest rating on this list, and recent reviews are mixed on maintenance, but it remains open and bookable with dorms from about $43.60 and privates from about $47.21.
DC Hostel Booking Tips for 2026
Book through Hostelworld or the hostel’s own site; DC hostels typically take an 18% deposit at booking with the balance due at check-in. Bring a padlock for lockers, and earplugs for dorm nights near Adams Morgan’s bar streets. If you are visiting during cherry blossom season (late March to early April), book two to three months out: the whole city’s budget lodging sells through.
Comparing East Coast hostel scenes? See our guide to the best hostels in New York City for how DC prices stack up against the Big Apple.
Best Time to Visit Washington, DC
Late March through May brings cherry blossoms and the best weather, but also peak prices. September and October offer warm days, thinner crowds, and lower hostel rates. Winter is the cheapest time to visit, and the museums, which are free year-round, make cold days easy to fill.
Frequently asked questions
Is HI Washington DC hostel still open?
No. HI Washington DC at 1009 11th St NW is permanently closed, along with Hilltop Hostel and International Guest House. Many older travel guides still list them, so verify any hostel against current booking platforms before you plan around it.
How much does a hostel cost in Washington, DC in 2026?
Dorm beds at the top-rated hostels run roughly $31 to $43 a night, with private rooms from about $17.50 at budget properties to about $47 at capsule hostels. Prices spike during cherry blossom season and major events.
What is the best area to stay in a DC hostel?
Adams Morgan (Highroad, Caravan) wins for nightlife and social energy. Downtown near 11th and I Streets (Duo Housing, I Street Capsule) wins for walking to the National Mall and Smithsonian museums. U Street splits the difference with great food and music.
Are Washington, DC hostels safe for solo travelers?
The hostels on this list sit in well-trafficked neighborhoods, and pod-style dorms at Highroad, U Street Capsule, and Caravan add real privacy. Standard precautions apply: use lockers, keep valuables on you, and avoid poorly lit side streets late at night.
Do DC hostels have age limits?
Most Washington, DC hostels are adults-only or require guests to be 18+. Families traveling with minors should confirm the age policy directly with the hostel before booking.
How do I get from the airport to DC hostels?
The Metro Silver Line runs from Dulles (IAD) into the city; Reagan National (DCA) connects directly to the Metro. From there, most hostels on this list are a short Metro or bus ride away.
Are Smithsonian museums really free?
Yes. All Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, including the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum, are free and open daily. That is a big reason DC stretches a backpacker budget so far.
Should I book a private room or a dorm in DC?
Dorms at top-rated hostels ($31 to $43) beat private rooms on value unless you need guaranteed quiet. Private rooms make sense for couples: at Highroad, privates start around $20, cheaper than many dorms elsewhere in the city.
