Cheapest option to get a bike for a week Amsterdam

Cheapest option to get a bike for a week Amsterdam - Photo of Bicycles Near Bridge at Daytime

Amsterdam is bike city. Almost every local has a bike, and I remember there are quite a few places where you can rent one. But - rentals are probably expensive (this answer says 15 EUR / 24h); and I know that you can buy a simple, second-hand bike for 50-60 EUR (eg. on marktplaats.nl). Of course, if you buy a bike there might be something wrong with it, there's no insurance, etc. etc.

So, for a stay of 8 days, is it better to rent or to just buy a bike? And - are there any other alternatives?

PS - I'll only be riding my bike within the city and never out into the country.



Best Answer

I know someone who bought bikes for a whole family (and some friends) from marktplaats.nl and after their holiday sold them for more than he paid. Did cost him some weeks.

I'd say for one week, without a friend to buy before you come and sell after you left, renting is likely the easiest cheap option. Railway station bike sheds often have good rates.
This a site that compares bike rental companies. Not all companies are included, as far as I could see with a quick look on a category I know a company near Amsterdam, but there are enough there for you to get a good feel for the market.

Or see ahead of time if you can get an OV fiets pas. (Card to rent OV bikes with, usually a personal OV card connected to a Dutch bank account.)
I checked and it is indeed impossible to rent such a bike without a OV chip card.
The problem with these cards is that you need to pay with a Dutch bank account (and you pay after the fact, so they want to be sure you can use your bank account for it.) No option to pay cash or by card.




Pictures about "Cheapest option to get a bike for a week Amsterdam"

Cheapest option to get a bike for a week Amsterdam - Bicycle Parked on a Bridge
Cheapest option to get a bike for a week Amsterdam - Person Playing Guitar on Street
Cheapest option to get a bike for a week Amsterdam - Bicycle Crossing Signage



How much does a bike in Amsterdam cost?

Buying a bicycle in Amsterdam Second hand bikes cost anywhere between \u20ac50 and \u20ac200, and can be bought at shops located all over the city. The price of a new bike starts at around \u20ac200. You may be offered a bicycle on the street, normally at a really low price. These are invariably stolen.

Where can I rent a cheap bike in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam: The cheapest bike in town
  • Mike's Bike Tours. Kerkstraat 134. ...
  • Frederic Rental Bike. Brouwerstgracht, 78. ...
  • Canal Bike. Weteringschans 26- 1 hg. ...
  • Mac Bike. Multiple locations around the city. ...
  • Bike City. 68 \u2013 70 Bloemgracht.


Are there free bikes in Amsterdam?

There are no free bikes in Amsterdam anymore. That's true, there were some in the past, but for today you have to rent one if you want to get around Amsterdam.

Are bikes expensive in Amsterdam?

Everyone has an opinion on the "right price" for a bicycle in Amsterdam, ranging from 30-50\u20ac (probably stolen) to several hundred Euros. Personally, I'd say around 100-160\u20ac is a sweet spot where you'll get a bicycle that works perfectly but isn't so flashy that makes it an attractive bicycle for thieves.



How to get a Bike in Amsterdam - Everything you NEED TO KNOW!




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Images: Jack Winbow, _ Harvey, Emmet, George Becker