HostelHound

Ella

Sri Lanka · Price calendar

Low Mid High

Dorm beds in Ella, Sri Lanka range from $3 to $37/night over the next 3 months. HostelHound tracks 49 properties. Cheapest upcoming dates: Sep 6, Sep 7, Sep 8.

Last updated 13 hours ago

Embed this →
Check-in
Not selected
Check-out
Not selected
September 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun

Hostel prices in Ella, Sri Lanka

A typical dorm night in Ella runs about $3.

At $3/night and up, Ella is one of the more affordable hostel destinations in Sri Lanka.

Other cities in Sri Lanka

Hostels we track in Ella

Show all 49 hostels

Local knowledge for Ella

Where to stay

Most budget guesthouses cluster along Main Street and the hillside lanes that branch off toward the Ella Rock trailhead. The further you get from the train station, the quieter and often cheaper the stays get.

Getting around

  • Get to the Nine Arch Bridge before 8am. Tour groups arrive mid-morning, and the soft light before the mist burns off makes for a better view anyway.
  • Book the Kandy-to-Ella train (3rd class, around 500 LKR) at least three days ahead in high season. Unreserved means standing for six hours through the hill country.
  • Skip the restaurants facing Main Street and eat at the smaller spots up the side lanes. Same rice and curry, noticeably lower prices, and no one pushing you toward a set menu.

When to go

Hostels fill up and prices climb from December through April when the hill country is dry. May and June bring fewer crowds and softer rates before the summer wave returns.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a hostel in Ella cost per night?

Dorm beds in Ella currently range from $3 to $37/night based on the next 3 months of availability.

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

Based on current data, the cheapest upcoming dates for hostels in Ella are September 6, September 7, September 8.

How many hostels does HostelHound track in Ella?

HostelHound currently tracks 49 hostels in Ella, Sri Lanka.

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

Ella is one of the more affordable hostel destinations in Sri Lanka, with dorm prices starting from $3/night.

Where do backpackers stay in Ella?

Most budget guesthouses cluster along Main Street and the hillside lanes that branch off toward the Ella Rock trailhead. The further you get from the train station, the quieter and often cheaper the stays get.

What is the best time of year to visit Ella?

Hostels fill up and prices climb from December through April when the hill country is dry. May and June bring fewer crowds and softer rates before the summer wave returns.