Get a bike
There are three ways to get a bike: you can rent one, buy one or find one for free. Each of these options has its own pros and cons, depending on your situation and the length of your stay in Berlin.
For shorter stays in Berlin – one or two semesters – it’s particularly handy to hire a bike. That way, you can get around quickly without having to worry about selling it or taking it with you when you leave.
Bike-sharing systems
Bike sharing refers to a system where you can unlock a bike on the street using an app. Your bank account is linked to the system, so the company can automatically deduct the cost while you’re using the bike. Prices for bike hire start from 7 cents per minute. Here are some companies offering this service in Berlin:
- Dott
- Nextbike (first 30 minutes per hire included with monthly/annual subscriptions)
- Bolt Bike Sharing
- Call a Bike (first 30 minutes per hire included with annual subscriptions)
- LimeBike
Bike renting
With a monthly bike subscription, you have your own bike with you around the clock. You don’t share it with other people. It belongs solely to you during the rental period. A monthly subscription starts from 12.90 euros. Here are some providers in Berlin:
If you’re staying in Berlin for an extended period, buying your own bike proves to be more economical.
Buying a new bike
There are many bike shops in Berlin that sell new and sometimes second-hand bikes.
Buying a second-hand bike
It is cheaper and more sustainable to buy a second-hand bike. As many people move to and from Berlin, the second-hand market in the capital is very active, making it easy to find a second-hand bike.
Repairing and maintaining a bike
At a professional bike repair shop
There are many specialists in Berlin who repair bikes.
At local associations or social organisations
In Berlin, there are many organisations that can help you repair your bike for free or for a small fee, with the help of dedicated volunteers.
Bicycle repair stations
Since 2024, the City of Berlin has provided public bicycle repair stations at various locations. Here you can carry out minor repairs yourself – the necessary tools are already provided.
Sell or give away a bike
If you no longer need your bike, you can simply sell it on – for example, via Kleinanzeigen.
Alternatively, it’s worth asking around among your friends or contacting local organisations. Social organisations and repair shops in particular often help to find new owners for second-hand bikes.
May/June: Stadtradeln (City Cycling)
City Cycling is a Europe-wide initiative by local authorities aimed at raising awareness for the bicycle as an affordable, healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport, and at promoting a more cycle-friendly Berlin. For three weeks a year (usually during the summer term), the aim is to make as many journeys as possible by bike rather than by car or public transport. It is also an opportunity to get things moving, or rather, out on the road, together. Humboldt-Universität has been taking part in City Cycling since 2020 and has since become one of the most active teams in the City. In addition to the main HU team, there are numerous (over 40) sub-teams, including those for PhD students, international students, faculties, departments and institutions. If you have a bike, City Cycling is for you! To stay informed about City Cycling, sign up for the Stadtradeln newsletter.
Please note
A bike must comply with the highway code.
We recommend wearing a helmet. You can buy one at a reasonable price in specialist sports shops and from online retailers.