Airbnb 'service fee' to clients

[Ian39]

There are many voices objecting to Airbnb 'service fee'. On the many occasions I have used Airbnb properties in cities around Europe this fee has never occurred, there are usually local fees. As I look for a place in the summer 2025 in Europe I see this extortionate fee listed frequently. For example (cannot upload details here): 14 nights €3166 breaks down as property charge €2904 weekly discount €-290 cleaning fee €52 and AIRBNB SERVICE FEE €500!!!! That is 16% of the total for what is described glibly and without justification as: 'This helps us run our platform and offer services like 24/7 support on your trip'.

This fee obviously does not go to the property owner, but to someone in Airbnb management.

Strangely the fee does not apply to all properties I searched for in the same area of Europe.

Can anyone help me understand the Airbnb 'service fee'?

[Shelley159 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Ian39 

The Airbnb service fee is the income that Airbnb receives. It's similar to the commission percentage that a traditional travel agency would receive, except that Airbnb is an online travel agent.

There's a service fee on all Airbnb bookings. The percentage depends on (1) the fee structure chosen by the host (2) where the listing is located (taxes on service fees differ) and (3) whether there's currency conversion required. Here's the detail:

Airbnb service fees - Airbnb Help Center

[Helen3]

As a guest from the UK when you go to do a search  on Airbnb you always see the total fee due (it's been that way for the last three years @Ian39 

When you go to book you see a breakdown including the airbnb fee, cleaning, local taxes etc.

what may have confused things for you is that some hosts opt to pay the Airbnb fee so you won't see it when you book (all they do is increase the day rate you pay to take into account they are paying this fee) 

The amount Airbnb charges is actually less than similar STR platforms 

in summary you will always have paid the Airbnb fee.

You can look for owners that allow you to book directly ie not on Airbnb or dimilar if you want to avoid the fee that short term rental platforms charge. 

[Elisa]

Hi @Ian39 😊, 

Thank you for asking this question here!

Did our hosts help you better understand the Airbnb fee? Do you need more help with this?

Thank you @Shelley159 and @Helen3. 🙏‌

Warm regards 🌻,

[Mark6175]

Yeah, that Airbnb service fee can feel really steep—16% is a lot on top of everything else! It’s true it doesn’t go to the property owner; it’s just Airbnb covering platform costs, support, and other services.

Out of curiosity, Ian, have you noticed if the fee varies depending on the type of property or the booking length? That might explain why it’s not on all listings.

[Shelley159]

It's on all listings @Mark6175 

Perhaps in the past it was confusing because totals were displayed differently in different regions.

The link above explains it in more detail.