Last updated: October 30, 2026. Bike-share prices are the official 2026 fares of Citi Bike, Santander Cycles (Transport for London) and Vélib’ (RATP). Rental shop prices were checked on BikesBooking.com on October 30, 2026.
Short answer: for short hops around a city, the public bike-share day pass is almost always the cheapest option: £3.50 in London, €5 in Paris, $25 in New York. For a long ride, a full day with stops, kids or luggage, a rental shop bike (from about €15 per day in Amsterdam) is better, because bike-share passes only include 30–60 minutes per ride.
Bike-share day passes compared (2026)
| City | Day pass | Included per ride | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| London (Santander Cycles) | £3.50 / 24 hrs | 60 minutes | E-bikes cost extra |
| Paris (Vélib’) | €5 classic / €10 electric (24 hrs) | 30 minutes (classic) | €1 per extra 30 min |
| New York (Citi Bike) | $25 / 24 hrs | 30 minutes (classic) | Per-minute fees for e-bikes and longer rides |
Sources: Transport for London / Santander Cycles (day pass £3.50 with 60-minute rides since April 2025), RATP Vélib’ tariffs, Citi Bike day pass page; checked October 30, 2026. Vélib’ also offers a single €3 “Ticket V” (45 minutes) and a €20 three-day electric pass.
How to use a day pass well: dock the bike before the included time runs out, then take another one. As long as each ride stays under 30 or 60 minutes, the pass covers unlimited rides that day. If you plan one long ride without stops, the extra minutes add up quickly.
Rental shop prices: Amsterdam example
| Bike | From (per day) |
|---|---|
| Children’s bike | €12.84 |
| Dutch city bike | €15.28 |
| Touring bike | €19.34 |
| E-bike | €20.09 |
| Cargo bike (kids in front) | €25.08 |
| Tandem | €30.53 |
Source: BikesBooking.com Amsterdam bicycle listings, checked October 30, 2026. Check whether the price is per day or per rental and what is included.
Bike-share or rental shop?
- Bike-share wins for short trips between sights, one-way rides (you can drop the bike at another station), and when you only need a bike for part of the day.
- A rental shop wins for a full-day ride with long stops, routes outside the city, families (kids’ bikes, child seats, cargo bikes), and if you want a lock, basket or a better bike.
- E-bikes are worth it in hilly or spread-out cities; on bike-share they cost extra per ride or per minute.
What to check before you rent
- What is included: lock, helmet, lights and insurance are sometimes extra.
- Deposit: many shops block an amount on your credit card or ask for ID.
- Return time: late returns can be charged as an extra day.
- The bike itself: test brakes, tires, gears and seat height before you leave.
- Location: shops right next to big sights are often more expensive. Read more in our guide to avoiding tourist traps.
Scooters and motorbikes
Need an engine? See our guides with real prices for scooter and motorcycle rental in Spain and scooter rental in Manila.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to rent a bike as a tourist?
Usually the city bike-share day pass: £3.50 in London and €5 in Paris in 2026, as long as each ride stays within the included time.
How much is a Citi Bike day pass in New York?
$25 for 24 hours of unlimited 30-minute rides on classic bikes; e-bikes and longer rides cost extra per minute.
How much does a rental bike cost in Amsterdam?
On October 30, 2026, Dutch city bikes on BikesBooking started at about €15 per day, e-bikes at about €20.
Are helmets included?
Not with bike-share systems. Rental shops often offer helmets, sometimes for an extra fee.
Is an e-bike worth it for sightseeing?
Yes in hilly or large cities. In flat, compact city centers, a classic bike is usually enough.
