Description
Ah, Amsterdam: canals, coffee shops and more bicycles than you can count. If you’re planning a trip to the Dutch capital, seeing it on two wheels is hard to beat. That’s where Starbikes Rental comes in.
Starbikes Rental sits just behind Amsterdam Central Station, so it’s an easy place to pick up a bike after arriving in town. They have a wide range to choose from, whether you cycle every day or haven’t been on a bike since you were a kid.
The selection includes classic Dutch ‘granny bikes’ (don’t knock ’em till you’ve tried ’em!), tandems for cycling with a partner and e-bikes if you’d like a little extra help getting around. They also offer wheelchairs and bikes for people with disabilities, which is a thoughtful addition.
Starbikes Rental does more than hand over a bike and send you on your way. The staff are friendly and know the city well. Ask them for tips on getting around, and you’ll have a few local pointers before you set off.
Prices start at €7 a day, which is less than a fancy coffee and stroopwafel. They also have deals for rentals lasting several days, handy if you’re planning to explore beyond the center.
Whether you want to ride along the canals, explore the city’s neighborhoods or head out into the Dutch countryside, Starbikes Rental makes it easy to see Amsterdam by bike.
Key Features
First, the location is hard to beat. Starbikes Rental is right behind Amsterdam Central Station, so you can hop off the train and pick up a bike without much fuss.
The bike selection goes beyond standard city bikes. You’ll find classic Dutch bikes, tandems and e-bikes. Amsterdam’s flat, so you don’t need an e-bike for the hills, but it can still be a welcome boost if you’re covering a lot of ground.
Starbikes Rental also offers wheelchairs and bikes for people with disabilities. And if you’re planning a picnic, look out for their Sparta™ Pickup bikes, which have extra-large front racks for carrying a basket.
Renting one is straightforward: book online or walk in, and the staff can help you choose a bike. They’ll also provide a map and local tips to get you started.
They offer luggage storage, too. If you’ve got a late flight and want one last ride before heading to the airport, you can leave your bags behind rather than trying to cycle with a suitcase. I’ve tried that; it’s not pretty.
Prices start at €9 for 24 hours, with lower rates for multi-day rentals. Each bike comes with a lock, and you can pay a small extra fee for a bike with hand brakes if you’re not used to the pedal-brake system.
There’s also a small cafe on site, so you can grab a coffee and fill your water bottle before setting off. It gives the place more of a neighborhood bike-shop feel than a simple rental counter.
Best Time to Visit
When’s the best time to visit Starbikes Rental and explore Amsterdam by bike? You can ride year-round, but each season has its own feel.
Spring (March to May) is lovely, with tulips blooming and generally mild weather. It’s a good time to cycle around the city or head out to see the Dutch tulip fields. Bring a rain jacket, though; showers are part of the deal.
Summer (June to August) brings warm weather, long days and plenty of reasons to linger in the parks. It’s great for longer rides and picnics, but the city center can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
Fall (September to November) is my favorite. The summer crowds thin out, the weather can still be pleasant and the parks turn golden. You might also catch events such as the Amsterdam Fringe Festival or Amsterdam Dance Event.
Winter (December to February) can be chilly,
How to Get There
Here’s how to get to Starbikes Rental. It’s easier than pronouncing “Prinsengracht” after a few Dutch beers.
Starbikes Rental is right behind Amsterdam Central Station. It’s so close you could probably hit it with a tulip bulb (please don’t; the Dutch take their tulips seriously).
If you arrive by train, exit the station on the city side, not the water side, unless you fancy a swim. You’ll come out onto a plaza. Look for the big “Amsterdam” sign, a popular photo spot, then head slightly to your right to find Starbikes Rental.
Coming from Schiphol Airport? Take a direct train to Amsterdam Central Station. Trains run every 10-15 minutes, and the journey takes about 15-20 minutes. From the station, follow the directions above.
If you’re already in the city, you can take a tram or bus to Central Station. Amsterdam’s public transport is easy to use; look for routes heading to “Centraal Station”, the main transport hub.
If you like using apps, download “9292” to plan your journey on Dutch public transport. Enter your location and “Amsterdam Centraal” as the destination, and it’ll show you the available routes.
You can cycle to Starbikes Rental, too, if you’ve already hired a bike elsewhere. Amsterdam has dedicated bike lanes throughout the city, but keep an eye out for trams and follow the traffic rules.
Walking works well if you’re staying in the center. Amsterdam is compact, and wandering its streets can lead you to places you might otherwise miss. It’s also a nice warm-up before a day of cycling.
If you’re having trouble spotting Starbikes Rental, look for the colorful bikes near the station. Or listen for the bike bells and the excited tourists; you’ll be close.
The address is Stationsplein 5, 1012 AB Amsterdam. Once you’re at Central Station, you’re practically there. Follow the smell of fresh stroopwafels and the sound of Dutch people speaking English, and you’ll find your way.
