HostelHawk

Colombo

Sri Lanka · Price calendar

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Dorm beds in Colombo, Sri Lanka range from $2 to $23/night over the next 3 months. HostelHawk tracks 27 properties. Cheapest upcoming dates: Jul 4, Jul 5, Jul 6.

Tap a date to see hostels available that night.

July 2026
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+5%/−5% = price change over the last 7 days for that check-in date

Hostel prices in Colombo, Sri Lanka

A typical dorm night in Colombo runs about $2.

At $2/night and up, Colombo is one of the more affordable hostel destinations in Sri Lanka.

Other cities in Sri Lanka

Hostels we track in Colombo

Show all 27 hostels

Local knowledge for Colombo

Where to stay

Most budget travelers land in Kollupitiya (Col 3) along Galle Road, which puts you close to buses, decent cafes, and the Slave Island train stop. Pettah, right next to Fort Railway Station, is louder and more chaotic but cuts your transport costs significantly if you plan to move around the country by rail.

Getting around

  • The Coastal Line commuter train from Fort Station to Mount Lavinia costs next to nothing and takes about 25 minutes. It beats any tuk-tuk for getting to the beach.
  • Manning Market in Pettah is the cheapest place to eat in the city. Rice and curry from a street stall there runs a handful of rupees at most.
  • Poya days (full moon holidays) bring heavy domestic travel. Hostels near the bus and train terminals fill up fast, so book at least a few days ahead if your dates overlap with one.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest from May through August when the southwest monsoon rolls in. December through March is when prices spike, especially in the budget spots near Fort, as visitors use Colombo as a staging point before heading south to Galle or up to the Cultural Triangle.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a hostel in Colombo cost per night?

Dorm beds in Colombo currently range from $2 to $23/night based on the next 3 months of availability.

When are the cheapest dates to book a hostel in Colombo?

Based on current data, the cheapest upcoming dates for hostels in Colombo are July 4, July 5, July 6.

How many hostels does HostelHawk track in Colombo?

HostelHawk currently tracks 27 hostels in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Is Colombo affordable compared to other hostel cities in Sri Lanka?

Colombo is one of the more affordable hostel destinations in Sri Lanka, with dorm prices starting from $2/night.

Where do backpackers stay in Colombo?

Most budget travelers land in Kollupitiya (Col 3) along Galle Road, which puts you close to buses, decent cafes, and the Slave Island train stop. Pettah, right next to Fort Railway Station, is louder and more chaotic but cuts your transport costs significantly if you plan to move around the country by rail.

What is the best time of year to visit Colombo?

Hostels are cheapest from May through August when the southwest monsoon rolls in. December through March is when prices spike, especially in the budget spots near Fort, as visitors use Colombo as a staging point before heading south to Galle or up to the Cultural Triangle.