Biking in Amsterdam: How to Rent with Donkey Republic and Visit the Central Station Bike Garage.

Amsterdam on Two Wheels

Before my trip, I expected to be wowed by Amsterdam’s canals, architecture, and art. But what really made me stop and stare? The bikes.

Here, cycling isn’t a side activity — it’s the heartbeat of the city. It’s how locals commute, shop for groceries, pick up kids, meet friends, and even haul furniture.

Things you’ll spot in just a few minutes:

• Parents pedaling kids in cargo boxes the size of bathtubs
• Friends chatting side-by-side while cycling
• People sipping coffee, scrolling their phones, or walking a dog from the saddle
• Seniors gliding by without a wobble — no helmet, no problem
• A constant flow of bikes that somehow moves like clockwork

The Underground Bike City at Amsterdam Central Station

If you want to understand just how deep this bike culture runs, visit the massive bike parking garages near Amsterdam Central Station. It feels like stepping into the future.

It’s spotless, bright, and designed like a metro station — but for bikes. Wide ramps lead you down from street level, smooth lanes guide you to numbered spots, and there’s room for over 7,000 bicycles. Cyclists roll in, park, and walk straight into the train station or tram lines above. The whole thing runs with an efficiency that would make any commuter jealous.

Standing there, surrounded by endless rows of parked bikes, you realize this isn’t just about transportation — it’s about infrastructure built around a cycling lifestyle.

Our Ride with Donkey Republic

We didn’t want to fuss with paperwork or shop hours, so we used Donkey Republic, a self-service bike rental app that transforms your phone into a bike key. It turned out to be the perfect choice.

You unlock and lock your bike using your phone’s Bluetooth, pick it up from a Donkey hub, and drop it off at any other hub in the city — no need to circle back.

What I loved:

• Flexible pricing — rent for hours or days
• Freedom — pause your rental while you explore on foot and dropping it off at any hub.
• Travel-friendly — same app works in other European cities
• Zero hassle — no forms, no lines, just ride

The bikes were sturdy, comfortable, and came with heavy locks (essential here).

Donkey Republic Pricing Deals (via app):

• 15 min: 2 €
• 24-Hour Deal: 24 €

Traditional Shops (per day):15-19 € per day

Donkey Bike Rental Insurance

Donkey Republic offers optional bike insurance right in the app. For just a small extra fee (about €2–3 per day), you’re covered if the bike is stolen or damaged. Without insurance, you’d be responsible for the full cost of the bike (up to €180–€200). With insurance, your liability drops to a much smaller deductible — usually €10–€20.

It gave us peace of mind, especially in a city where bike theft is common. You just tick the insurance box when booking in the app — no paperwork, no fuss.

Tips for Biking in Amsterdam:

• Stay to the right and keep a steady pace
• Signal before turning — locals expect it
• Avoid stopping in the middle of the lane
• Watch for trams, buses, and cars at intersections
• Skip rush hour if you’re not used to busy cycling
• Always lock to something solid — bike theft happens

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Biking here isn’t just a way to get around — it’s freedom on two wheels. Once you join the flow, you’re not just visiting Amsterdam; you’re part of the city vibe.

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