Rent a Bike in Rotterdam: Everything You Need to Know!

Rotterdam. One of the biggest cities in the Netherlands, known for its enormous port, amazing architecture, and vibrant culture. It is a real gem to visit when coming to The Netherlands. If you are wondering what the best way is to see the most of the city and you want to do so by bike, you have come to the right page! Here we give you everything you need to know to rent a bike in Rotterdam. You’ll get an overview of the best suppliers to pick up your bike. The best route you should consider to see all the highlights the city has to offer. And some practical tips that might come in handy to stay safe when cycling in the city!

This is a guest post by Faye from Travel Europe Like a Local. She is from the Netherlands and an avid traveler across Europe. She loves to really get to know the places that she is visiting and sharing this with her readers!

Rent a bike in Rotterdam

Bicycles on the famous Erasmus bridge in Rotterdam

So, first things first: Is it easy to get hold of a rental bike in Rotterdam? Yes! Our lovely country is home to more bikes than people and we are used to welcoming millions of tourists every year. And of course, we know many people will want to rent a bike for a day or two.

The list below is an overview of places where you can easily pick up your bike. They all have some different options to choose from!

Donkey Republic

This is the biggest supplier of rental bikes in Rotterdam and they have a really easy concept to find your next bike. Simply install the app and you can see on the map where you find the nearest bike to pick up. Donkey bikes offer regular and e-bikes and you can simply drop them off after you reach your destination. They offer daily plans or simply, pay as you go and pay for the ride.

Zwaan Bikes Rotterdam

If you prefer to have your bike for a dedicated amount of time, go to Zwaan Bikes instead. Located next to the Central Station in Rotterdam you find their shop where you can easily rent a bike online. Day rates for regular bikes are: €14 and for e-bikes: €27.50 and you can opt for theft insurance too.

OV-Bike

these bikes are available at nearly every train station in The Netherlands and they are easy to recognize with their bright blue and yellow colors. They are a great option as they only cost €4,45 a day. But, make sure you have an OV card at your disposal (they are the cards most Dutch people use to tap in and tap out when using public transport). You will need one of them to be able to pick up your OV-Bike.

Should I get a regular bike or an e-bike?

So, the answer to this question depends on how sporty you want to be and how quickly you want to be able to move around the city.

Regular bikes are the old-fashioned way of exploring Holland. Not too long ago no one had an e-bike. Whether you liked it or not, wind, rain, snow, and storm, you just had to pull through to get to where you needed to go. Personally, I still use my regular bike for casual cycling tours where I don’t have to go uphill. It is still a great way to get around and it is, after all, the healthiest option!

Rent a bike if you want to travel consciously in Rotterdam!

Of course, e-bikes will help you out a bit. It takes less effort to cycle around the city, especially when facing a headwind! They are a LOT quicker, make you move forward easily without getting tired and the battery will last quite a while. Make sure you lock them well and preferably in safe places, so you can return yours safe and sound after your adventure.

Exploring Rotterdam's Landmarks by Bike

When cycling along the highlights of Rotterdam these are some great pointers to add to your route. They are not far from one another and make for some great sightseeing:

Markthal

Less than a 10-minute bike ride from the Central Station you find one of the highlights in Rotterdam. In this extraordinary piece of architecture, you can find around 100 food stands, 15 food shops, and various restaurants. For any food lover a great place to hop off and try some of the local delicacies!

After you have refueled at the Markthal there are various destinations to choose from, if you like visiting museums.

Depot Boijmans van Beuningen Rotterdam

Depot Boijmans van Beuningen, Rotterdam

Built in addition to the Boijmans Museum this depot is the first on in the world that has opened its doors to the public. The gigantic mirroring pot-shaped building is an amazing experience to visit and has a lovely restaurant for any hungry cyclists on the top floor.

Kunsthal Rotterdam

Another architectural landmark in Rotterdam is the Kunsthal. Designed by Rem Koolhaas it is known for its temporary, often modern exhibitions and always fun to visit!

Erasmus Brigde

Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam

Cross one of the most iconic landmarks in Rotterdam. The bridge that carries the nickname ‘the Swan’ is 800 meters / half a mile long. It connects the city center of Rotterdam to the ‘Kop van Zuid’ neighborhood. This vibrant area is known for its mixed architecture, many restaurants and terraces, and offers spectacular views of Rotterdam.

Hotel New York

When you have crossed the Erasmus Bridge a great place to sit down to enjoy a drink and some bites is Hotel New York. It is the old building from where ships to New York used to depart. A gem to visit and you can find the terrace along the waterfront. A real treat when the sun is out!

→ Also read: Is Rotterdam Worth Visiting in 2024?

Bike Tours and Guided Experiences

Canals of Rotterdam

Of course, if you do not feel like heading out by bike on your own, there are plenty of options for guided activities you can choose from. They have benefits as well as the guide will give you all kinds of fun facts and background information!

Here are a couple of suggestions for guided tours and activities:

Rotterdam highlights 2,5 hours bike tour: this tour takes you to the main highlights of the center of Rotterdam including the famous Markthal, Rotterdam’s city Hall and the Erasmus bridge.
Rotterdam highlights small group bike tour: This tour takes you to the same highlights in the city but in a small group.
Rotterdam food tour by bike: A great combo of a food tour and a bike tour! Try local specialties like poffertjes and bitterballen as you cycle across the city (this tour is unfortunately not vegan-friendly)
Kinderdijk bike tour: Kinderdijk is a beautiful area in Rotterdam known for its iconic windmills. Enjoy the sights as you cycle through the typically Dutch landscape.

Good to know before you rent a bike

Here are some general safety tips for cycling in Rotterdam!

Follow the cycling lanes

Because we have so many cyclists we have dedicated cycling lanes nearly everywhere you go. Make sure to use them! They are easy to recognize as they are often marked in red and located next to the pavement. Make sure to use the right side of the cycling lanes so others can pass by if needed.

Prepare for the weather

We frequently experience four-seasons-in-one-day kind of weather. Of course what you want to wear depends on the season. But there is no harm in bringing a waterproof coat and wear some layers you can take off whenever you get warm.

Be mindful of the traffic rules

It might be worth it to familiarize yourself a little bit with the traffic rules before you hop on a bike. In a nutshell, stay on the cycling lanes, and ring your bell when you want to pass other cyclists. Stop for the traffic lights and be aware of cars and pedestrians. Don’t forget to switch on your lights when cycling in the dark!

If you have wondered before why the Dutch actually have such a long-standing cycling tradition, you can find all the answers here!

→ Also read: Is Rotterdam Safe to Visit in 2024?

Renting a bike in rotterdam: Final thoughts

The Yellow Cube Houses of Rotterdam

As you can see, there are plenty of options to rent a bike easily when visiting Rotterdam. Anyone in the Netherlands will recommend you to go sightseeing in our beautifully flat country by bike.

The freedom it gives you to move around and see so much in a short amount of time is a unique experience that will be unforgettable.

And to top it off, it is one of the most sustainable ways to travel! You won’t be stuck in traffic and you will be able to breathe in the fresh air.

Make sure to be careful when cycling in Rotterdam and enjoy the ride!

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fancy more Netherlands travel advice?

November 21, 2023

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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!

On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!

Rent a Bike in Rotterdam: Everything You Need to Know!