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Thursday 9 July 2026 • 5 minutes reading time
Groningen is known as one of the Netherlands’ top cycling cities. Whether you want to cycle through the historic city center, along the canals, or explore the area around the city, everything is within easy reach by bike. Plus, you’ll save time, avoid crowded public transportation, and experience the city like a true local. In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about renting a bike in Groningen.
There are a few bike rental shops in the city; Fietsverhuur Groningen is just a 4-minute walk from the central station. They offer a wide selection, including city bikes, electric bikes, road bikes, tandems, and electric cargo bikes. They’re open every day, year-round, and you can easily reserve a bike online in advance.
Aan het Akerkhof kun je terecht bij Dumo fietsen voor het huren van een fiets. Ook hier hebben ze een ruim aanbod; e-bikes, stadsfietsen en (elektrische)bakfietsen. Goed om te weten: Dumo is op zondagen, maandagen en feestdagen gesloten.
You can also go to TSO Fietsen to hire a bike. They have simple city bikes, electric bikes, folding bikes and even bike racks that can hold two bikes. You’ll find them on Koningsweg.
At Stallingen on Protonstraat, you can also hire bikes. They have simple city bikes with coaster brakes or three gears. At Stallingen, you can arrange for the bike(s) to be delivered and collected, but there is an extra charge for this. They are closed on Sundays, although it is still possible to have the bikes delivered or collected on that day.
Photo: Stella Dekker Fotografie (Marketing Groningen)
You can hire an OV-fiets with an NS Flex pass or the free OV-fiets pass. The OV-fiets bikes are available at the central station and cost €4.80 per day. Grab a bike and check that the ring lock is still closed. Then open the lock with your OV-chipkaart, adjust the saddle, and you’re ready to go! When your ride is over, return the bike to the same location, close the ring lock and check that it’s properly secured. This is the only way to end the hire. However, there are often staff on hand at the location to give you a hand if needed.
In addition to OV-fietsen, there are also various bike-sharing services in Groningen. For example, you’ll find e-bikes from Voi and Dott scattered throughout the city. For both e-bike services, you’ll need the provider’s mobile app. Find an e-bike nearby, unlock it, and ride straight to your destination. Park in the designated digital zones, which you can find in the app.
During your bike ride through Groningen, there are a few spots you really shouldn’t miss. Cycle past the iconic Martini Tower on the Grote Markt, the bustling heart of the city, and continue on to the Vismarkt. Groningen’s canals are also highly recommended, where you can enjoy beautiful views and characteristic buildings along the water. Be sure to also check out the hidden courtyards and the green Noorderplantsoen, where you’ll cycle past ponds, small bridges, and lawns where locals like to relax on sunny days.
Photo: Groningen Bicycle city
How much does it cost to rent a bike? – A standard bicycle with gears costs an average of €6 to €15 per day. For an electric bicycle (e-bike), you’ll usually pay around €20 to €30 per day. The exact price may vary depending on the rental company, the type of bicycle, and the rental period.
Can I rent a bike on Sundays and holidays? – Yes, at Fietsverhuur Groningen, you can rent a bike on Sundays and holidays as well.
How long can you use an OV-fiets? – You can rent an OV-fiets for up to 7 consecutive days. The rate is €4.80 per day (24 hours), and after 3 days, the rate increases to €9.80 per day.
Is there a bike rental place near the Groningen train station?– Yes, Fietsverhuur Groningen is just a 4-minute walk from the central station.
Ready to explore Groningen for yourself by bike? Just like the locals, discover how fun and easy it is to get around Groningen by bike. From the hustle and bustle of the city centre to peaceful countryside, everything is within cycling distance. Looking for another fun activity in Groningen? Then take a look at our activities page.
Linde is student Commerciële Economie in Groningen en altijd op zoek naar de leukste plekjes in de stad. Haar ontdekkingen, tips en ervaringen deelt ze hier met veel plezier.
