Renting a bike in New York

Renting a bike in New York is a cheap, active way to see a large part of Manhattan. Discover Central Park, Downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge or cycle along the Hudson River. You can also bike to other places, as there are bicycle paths all over New York. Renting a bike online is easy and saves you money. The bike rentals in New York below are from companies that I’ve personally tested. Booked in advance, bike hire in New York won’t cost you more than a few dollars.

Bike rentals in Central Park

Why not rent a bike to discover Central Park? The bike rental in Central Park is situated only two blocks from the entrance to the park so you can pick up your bike and start cycling right away. There are special bicycle lanes in Central Park. You’re allowed to bike on the main recreation road. All traffic is one-way which means you can only cycle anticlockwise. The scenic routes in the park are closed to cars.

If you want to stop and explore the park you can always continue walking with your bike in hand. This way you can see Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain, Jackie Onassis Reservoir, and the Belvedere Castle. Biking in Central Park is especially nice if you’re not such an experienced biker or families with young children. If you’d rather not cycle alone, read more about bike tours in New York.

Rent a bike to discover Central Park here
Rent an electric bike to discover Central Park here

Practical Information

After purchasing, you’ll receive a voucher that you can print out or show on your smartphone to pick up the bike.

• Departure point: Midtown, a few blocks from Central Park
• Price: from CA$6 per hour, (CA $12 per hour when you rent a bike for just 1 hour)
• Opening times:
  • 1 November – 31 March: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • 1 April – 31 October: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Minimum age: suitable for all ages
• Bike helmet, lock, and basket are included in the price. Children’s seats and bike trailers can be rented on the spot.

Bike Rentals for the Brooklyn Bridge

Cycling is also a great way to discover Lower Manhattan. You can cycle through Downtown Manhattan, over the Manhattan Bridge to Brooklyn. In Brooklyn, you can ride around the nice streets of this borough, towards Brooklyn Bridge. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge on your bike and head back to Manhattan.

Brooklyn Bridge has since 2021 separate bike and walking lanes so you won’t be able to get an iconic photo or have good views of the skyline, you have to walk across the bridge for that. For a bike ride through Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn pick up your bikeat a bicycle rental close to Brooklyn Bridge and City Hall in Lower Manhattan.

Book your bike rental for the Brooklyn Bridge here

Practical Information

After purchasing, you’ll receive a voucher that you can print out or show on your smartphone to pick up the bike.

• Departure point: Close to City Hall Park
• Price: from CA$6 per hour, (CA$12 per hour when you rent a bike for just 1 hour)
• Opening times:
  • 1 November – 31 March: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • 1 April – 31 October: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Minimum age: suitable for all ages
• Bike helmet, lock, and basket are included in the price. Children’s seats and bike trailers can be rented on the spot.