Cycling in Amsterdam
There is no better way to feel like a local than on two wheels — Amsterdam is a genuine cyclist’s city, flat, compact and laced with dedicated bike lanes. Hire a bike for a day or join a guided tour through the centre or out to the windmills and villages beyond it.
One catch worth knowing before you plan: there is no bike hire at Schiphol itself. Cycling the airport-to-city leg only works if you have brought your own bike on the flight — otherwise, pick one up once you are in town.
At a glance
Cycling time approximately one hour from the airport to the city center 
Tour departures Central Station and Vondelpark 
Pros
- Amsterdam is a cyclist’s paradise — you can easily navigate most parts of the city on two wheels
- Guided bike tours in the city or to the surrounding countryside and charming nearby villages
- Bike rental includes a wide range of bikes, locks, anti-puncture tires and safety lights
Cons
- There is no bike rental at the airport
- Classic Dutch headwinds, occasional rain showers and a fair share of traffic lights
Beware of bicycle theft, a serious problem in Amsterdam. It’s advisable to store your bike indoors when not in use. If kept outdoors, ensure you double-lock (or even better: triple-lock) it with high quality locks and have comprehensive theft insurance.
Cycling from the Airport to Amsterdam
Reckon on about an hour in the saddle from the airport to the centre. The early stretch runs on quiet, signposted cycle paths; at one point the route splits, with one lane heading for south Amsterdam and another for the west. Once you hit the city edge you join the general flow of traffic.
Pack for the Dutch classics — a stiff headwind, the odd rain shower and plenty of traffic lights. And take bike theft seriously here: it is rife. Keep the bike indoors when you can, and if it lives outside, double- or triple-lock it with good locks and make sure theft cover is included.
Amsterdam Bike Rental
Price: from € 17,50 per day. Different locations: Central Station, Vondelpark, Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein, near Dam Square.
- wide range of bikes
- locks
- anti-puncture tires
- safety lights
- excellent customer reviews
Amsterdam Bike Tours
Price: from € 34,50 p.p. From Central Station and Vondelpark.
- quality bikes
- knowledgable, English speaking guide
- small groups
- flexible conditions
- excellent customer reviews
