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Many people explore the city of Utrecht by bicycle. Renting a bike is easy and relatively inexpensive. From a traditional Dutch bike to a mountain bike for exploring the countryside, you're spoilt for choice. Where can you rent a bike in the centre of Utrecht? How does it work?
Rental bikes at the Centraal Museum in Utrecht. Photo © Holland-Cycling.comRental bikes at the Centraal Museum in Utrecht. Photo © Holland-Cycling.com

Renting a bicycle - how does it work?

You can rent a bicycle for however long you want: a couple of hours, a day, or even several weeks. Renting a bike for a longer period is usually relatively cheaper. To rent a bike you will need to show a valid identification document. You will also be asked to pay a deposit, which you will get back when you safely return the bike. The rental fee usually includes an insurance in case the bike gets stolen or damaged.

Bike theft

Unfortunately, bicycle theft is a common occurrence in Holland. Every year, hundreds of thousands of bicycles are stolen - especially in the big cities. Whether you’re just popping into a shop or enjoying refreshments on a terrace, leaving your bicycle unlocked is never an option. Anybody might grab your bike and cycle off and rest assured: somebody will.

Rental companies will provide at least one, but often two good locks. Make sure you use them at all times. Here are some top tips from the police for preventing bike theft.

Some rental companies only have traditional Dutch bicycles (pedal brakes and no gears). Others offer a wider variety of bikes, ranging from mountain bikes, tandems, cargo bikes and E-bikes to children's bicycles in all sizes. They may also provide facilities for children (child's seats, helmets) or transporting your luggage (bicycle bags, bike trailer). A bicycle pump and basic repair kit to mend a puncture are not provided as standard. You can buy the latter for a few euros at a bicycle shop or even at some supermarkets.

Reserving a bicycle in advance is always a good idea, especially in the busy holiday season, or if you want to rent bikes for the whole family. To help you find the right rental bike, here is an overview of bike rental companies in the centre of Utrecht and the type of bikes they can provide.

Overview of bike rental companies in Utrecht

Click on one of the pointers for details!
Bike rental company
Type of bike
Holiday bike
Children's bike & accessories
Black Bikes
  • regular bike
  • small bike (24 inch wheels)
  • family tandem
  • cargo bike
  yes
Co Van Beek Tweewielers
  • bike with 3 gears
  • children's bike
  yes
Fietsenstalling Laag Catharijne (reservation form in Dutch)
  •  not specified
   
Rent-a-road-bike.com - Utrecht
  • road bike
  • hybrid bike

yes

* on request bike can be dropped off at different location

yes
Ton van den IJssel Tweewielers (in Dutch)
  • regular bike (not specified)
  • tandem
  • family tandem
  • cargo bike
  • mountain bike
  • riksja
   
Willemstraat Bike (in Dutch)
  • regular bike
  • ebike
   

For more on bike rental in Holland and the OV-bicycle scheme, go to our Bicycle rental page.