You can use a sauna for free through gym trials, hotel amenities, guest passes, newly opened gyms and spas, community centers, Airbnb stays, university recreation centers, and medical research studies.
This article explains how to find free sauna access, what to check before visiting, and how buying your own sauna compares with using one for free.
8 Ways to Use a Sauna for Free
Use Free Gym Trials
Many gyms offer sauna access as part of their free trials, including:
Chuze Fitness
VASA Fitness
EōS Fitness
Onelife Fitness
Edge Fitness
24 Hour Fitness
Several other gyms also include sauna access in their free trial offers. These trials typically last from one day to five to seven days, and many allow you to use the sauna during this period.
By taking advantage of free trials at different gyms, you may be able to enjoy free sauna access for an extended period.
Look for Saunas in Hotel Amenities
You can follow the steps in the table below to find hotels with saunas near you.
Step |
What to Do |
1 |
Open Google and enable location access on your device. |
2 |
Search for “hotels near me with saunas.” |
3 |
Check the list of hotels and choose one that suits your needs. |
4 |
Read guest reviews about the hotel's sauna to help you choose a better experience. |
Visit Newly Opened Luxury Gyms and Spas
You can visit newly opened luxury gyms and spas to use their saunas for free by checking grand opening promotions, free trial passes, and complimentary membership tours.
You can also ask a current member for a guest pass or check hotel spa promotions. Before entering the sauna, shower, sit on a clean towel, limit your session, and stay hydrated.
Use a Friend’s VIP Guest Pass
Many gyms let guests use the sauna with a guest pass, including VASA Fitness, EōS Fitness, and Onelife Fitness.
Many other gyms also allow sauna access with a guest pass, so this is a great opportunity to use a sauna for free. You can use a friend's guest pass to visit the gym and enjoy the sauna at no cost.
Check Local Wellness Community Centers
You can follow the steps in the table below to find local wellness community centers with saunas near you.
Step |
What to Do |
1 |
Open Google and enable location access on your device. |
2 |
Search for “wellness community centers with saunas near me.” |
3 |
Check the list of nearby centers and choose one that suits your needs. |
4 |
Read reviews to learn about the sauna facilities, cleanliness, and overall experience. |
Book an Airbnb With Sauna Access
To book an Airbnb with sauna access, visit the Airbnb website and filter your search for properties with a sauna.
Read the listing carefully to check whether the sauna is private or shared. Ask the host about extra usage fees, operating hours, and advance booking requirements.
Finally, review past guest feedback about sauna cleanliness, temperature, and reliability before confirming your reservation.
Visit University and College Recreation Centers
To use a free sauna at a university or college recreation center, check whether your campus ID gives you access through student fees.
If you are not a student or staff member, ask about guest passes, public memberships, or free trial days.
Locate the sauna, shower before entering, wear proper swimwear, and limit your session to 10 to 15 minutes.
Participate in Medical Research Studies or Clinical Trials
You can use the table below to find sauna research studies or clinical trials and learn how to participate.
Step |
What to Do |
1 |
Visit ClinicalTrials.gov. |
2 |
Search for “sauna” or “heat therapy.” |
3 |
Look for studies that are recruiting participants. |
4 |
Check the eligibility requirements and follow the enrollment instructions. |
5 |
Contact the research team to ask about screening, session schedules, and compensation. |
Buying Your Own Sauna vs. Trying a Sauna for Free
Below, we compare the key differences between buying your own sauna and trying a sauna for free.
Buying Your Own Sauna |
Trying a Sauna for Free |
Add red light therapy, other lights, or speakers. |
Use available sauna features. |
Choose your temperature and time. |
Follow facility hours and settings. |
Enjoy privacy at home. |
Share the sauna with others. |
Control cleanliness and hygiene. |
Rely on the facility's cleaning. |
Add a luxury home feature that may increase property value. |
Enjoy a sauna without buying one. |
Pay purchase and maintenance costs. |
Avoid purchase and maintenance costs. |
Can You Use a Hot Tub for Free at a Gym?
Many gyms offer access to hot tubs during their free trials, including:
Chuze Fitness
EōS Fitness
Onelife Fitness
Edge Fitness
24 Hour Fitness
Other gyms may offer this benefit as well. Free trials typically last anywhere from one day to five to seven days, and some gyms allow you to use their hot tubs during this period.
By taking advantage of free trials at different gyms, you may be able to enjoy free hot tub access for an extended period.
Ryan "The Sauna Guy"
Ryan has been using and writing about saunas extensively since 2019.
