Hostels are one of my favorite things about travel. They’re budget-friendly, it’s easy to meet people at hostels, and they are often in great locations. I’ve stayed in dozens of hostels all over the world, and one of the common questions I see from hostel-newbies is do hostels have showers?
Yes, hostels have showers. However, they can be a little different from what you’re used to in hotels. Depending on the hostel, you may find shared showers, ensuite bathrooms, or private bathrooms, so it’s helpful to know what to expect before you book.
Keep reading for the ultimate guide on hostel showers including what kinds of showers you can find in hostels, tips for using hostel showers, and the pros of cons of staying in hostels when it comes to showering.
Last updated: August 2, 2026
Published: August 13, 2025
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you click the link or make a purchase through the link. This is at no extra cost to you. This compensation may impact how and where links are placed on this site.
Do Hostels Have Showers?
Yes, hostels have showers. Whether you’re in a large city or a remote destination, showers are considered a basic necessity in hostels, just like beds and lockers. Most hostels offer shared showers in communal bathrooms, and many also have private showers in ensuite rooms.
Some hostels include showers inside dorm rooms, while others have communal bathrooms located in the hallway.
In shared facilities, showers are usually in individual stalls with doors or curtains for privacy. There’s often a small dry area or bench inside the stall where you can change clothes and keep your belongings off the floor.
You will have to bring your own towel to the hostel showers. Oftentimes you will not find any soap in hostel showers, so make sure you bring your own toiletries too.
Types of Showers in Hostels
Hostel showers come in a few common setups:
- Shared showers in communal bathrooms – Found in hallways or near dorm rooms. They are open to all guests and separated into stalls. Sometimes these are separated by gender, and other times they are all-gender.
- Ensuite showers – Located inside a private room or dorm room. They are available only to the people staying in that room. There is usually one per room.
- Single-use bathrooms – These are single room bathrooms, often with a toilet, sink, and shower, and anyone can use them, as they are located in the hallway. Sometimes they are labeled specifically for men or women.
If privacy is important to you, look for a hostel with ensuite rooms or get a private room with your own bathroom.
Regardless of room type, you’ll always have access to a shower; the main difference is whether you share it with other guests.
Hostelworld has over 36,000 hostels in 170+ countries, and it’s my go-to for finding a fun and clean place to stay no matter where I travel.
What to Expect from Hostel Showers
While hostels always have showers, there are some things you should know before you use hostel showers.
- Availability and Wait Times: Hostels with many stalls rarely have long waits, but smaller hostels or peak times (like mornings) might mean waiting a few minutes. If you want to avoid lines, try showering during off-peak hours.
- Privacy: Most hostels provide private stalls with a curtain or door. In some budget hostels, changing space inside the stall may be small, so bring a lightweight bag to keep your clothes dry, or change in your room.
- Water Temperature and Pressure: Most hostels offer hot water with adjustable temperature. However, in some older or remote hostels, hot water may be limited or only available during certain hours.
- Cleanliness: Bathrooms are usually cleaned daily by staff. Because they are shared, it’s good practice to keep your space tidy for the next guest.
- Amenities: Some hostels provide soap, shampoo, or towels, while others do not. I always bring my own toiletries and towel to avoid extra rental fees. Read my guide to amenities in hostels to learn what else is usually provided.
- Accessibility: Many modern hostels have accessible bathrooms with step-free showers, but it’s best to confirm with the property before booking.
Packing List for Hostel Showers
Having the right items for hostel showers can make your stay better and stress-free. Since most hostels don’t provide full bathroom amenities like hotels, it’s best to pack your own. Here’s what to bring:
- Waterproof flip-flops or shower shoes – Essential for hygiene in shared bathrooms.
- Quick-dry towel – Microfiber towels are lightweight, pack small, and dry fast.
- Toiletries – Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and deodorant.
- Toiletry bag or shower caddy – Makes it easy to carry everything to and from the bathroom.
- Plastic bag or wet/dry bag – Keeps wet towels or clothes separate from the rest of your luggage.
- Hair wrap or small towel – Speeds up drying if you have long hair.
- Reusable razor – If you shave while traveling.
- Small lock – For securing valuables in a locker while you shower.
Packing these items ensures you’ll have everything you need without worrying about finding or buying it at your destination. For even more, check out my complete hostel packing list.
Pros and Cons of Hostel Showers
Pros
- Available in every hostel: You’ll always have access to a shower, whether it’s in a shared bathroom or a private ensuite.
- Hot water is common: Most hostels provide hot showers with adjustable water temperature.
- Budget-friendly: Even hostels with private ensuite bathrooms are often much cheaper than hotels.
- Private shower stalls: Most shared bathrooms have individual stalls with doors or curtains for privacy.
Cons
- You may have to wait: Bathrooms can get busy during peak times, especially in the mornings.
- Limited amenities: Many hostels don’t provide towels, shampoo, or other toiletries.
- Less space: Shared shower stalls and changing areas can be smaller than hotel bathrooms.
- Cleanliness varies: While most hostels clean their bathrooms daily, the condition depends on other guests throughout the day.
Hostelworld has over 36,000 hostels in 170+ countries, and it’s my go-to for finding a fun and clean place to stay no matter where I travel.
Conclusion: Hostel Showers
So, do hostels have showers? Absolutely. While the setup may be different from a hotel, every hostel provides access to a shower, whether it’s in a shared bathroom or a private ensuite. Knowing what to expect and packing a few essentials will help you feel more comfortable during your stay.
If you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, don’t let shared showers discourage you. Most are clean, well-maintained, and easy to use, making them just another part of the hostel experience.
- Amenities in Hostels
- Benefits of Staying in Hostels
- Hostel Safety for Solo Female Travelers
- Hostel Age Limits
- Lockers in Hostels
- Laundry in Hostels
- Packing List for Hostels
- Private Rooms in Hostels
- Toiletries in hostels
- What are hostels like?
Want to save this post?
Email this post to yourself, so you can come back to it later!