Moscow is a city that offers a variety of exciting ways to explore its historical sites, parks, and modern neighborhoods. While public transport is efficient, one of the best ways to discover the city at your own pace is by bike. Moscow has increasingly embraced cycling as a mode of transport and leisure, offering tourists an enjoyable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective way to see the sights. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about bike rentals in Moscow, from where to rent bikes to the best cycling routes and tips for a smooth ride.
1. Bike Rental Services in Moscow
Moscow has several reliable bike rental services catering to tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re looking for a short ride around the city or a day of exploring, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs.
1.1. Velobike (Moscow’s Bike Sharing Program)
Velobike is Moscow’s official bike-sharing program, and it’s one of the most convenient ways to rent a bike during your visit. With more than 4,000 bikes available across the city, Velobike allows you to rent bikes for short trips, perfect for tourists looking to explore key attractions.
How Velobike Works:
- Membership: You need to create an account via the Velobike website or mobile app (available for iOS and Android). The registration process is simple, and you can pay via credit card or mobile payment options.
- Rental Stations: There are bike stations located throughout the city, especially around tourist areas, parks, and metro stations. You can pick up and drop off bikes at different stations.
- Pricing: Velobike charges by the minute for bike rentals.
- The first 30 minutes are free, after which the cost is approximately 10 rubles per minute. A whole day can cost around 1,200 rubles for unlimited rides.
- Bikes Available: Velobike offers a wide range of bikes, including standard bikes, electric bikes, and tandem bikes.
1.2. Other Bike Rental Shops
In addition to Velobike, there are also several local bike rental shops where you can rent a variety of bikes, including mountain bikes, city bikes, and electric bikes. Some well-known bike rental places in Moscow include:
- Moscow Bike Rentals: Located near major parks like Gorky Park, they offer both hourly and daily rentals for a variety of bike types.
- Rentbike Moscow: Rentbike offers bikes for both short-term and long-term rentals and provides guided tours in English. They have multiple locations throughout Moscow, making it easy to pick up and return bikes.
- Bikemoscow: Specializing in both rental and guided tours, Bikemoscow offers a range of bikes and helpful services, including helmets, maps, and even electric bikes for an extra boost.
How to Rent a Bike from These Shops:
- Visit the rental shop or book in advance via their website.
- Choose your bike and rental duration. Rentals are typically charged by the hour or day.
- Payment: Most bike rental shops accept credit cards, cash, and mobile payments.
- Deposit: A deposit might be required, depending on the rental shop and type of bike.
2. Best Areas for Cycling in Moscow
Moscow offers a number of scenic routes and cycling-friendly areas perfect for exploring by bike. Whether you’re a casual cyclist or an avid rider, these routes will help you make the most of your time in the city.
2.1. Gorky Park and the Moscow River Embankment
One of the most popular places to rent a bike in Moscow is Gorky Park, a massive and beautifully landscaped park near the Moscow River. The park has well-maintained bike paths that wind through gardens, open-air cafes, and art installations. From here, you can cycle along the Moscow River embankment, which is also equipped with wide and well-marked cycling lanes, offering fantastic views of the river and the city.
Why Gorky Park?
- It’s easily accessible from the city center and offers a relaxing, flat ride.
- You’ll find plenty of scenic spots to stop and take photos, and the area is packed with cafes and museums to explore.
- Family-friendly with plenty of bike rentals available.
2.2. Zaryadye Park
Located near the Kremlin, Zaryadye Park is a modern, eco-friendly park with dedicated cycling paths. It features a floating bridge over the river and has one of the most scenic urban views of Moscow, making it an ideal stop for cyclists.
Why Zaryadye Park?
- This newly developed park is centrally located, and the cycling paths are modern and easy to navigate.
- The park offers excellent spots to pause and enjoy the stunning view of the Kremlin and Red Square.
2.3. Moscow’s Boulevard Ring
The Boulevard Ring is an important cultural district in Moscow, lined with museums, theaters, and historical buildings. It’s a great route for those who want to see the city’s iconic sights while cycling through its bustling streets.
Why the Boulevard Ring?
- This route is relatively flat, making it suitable for cyclists of all skill levels.
- You’ll pass by some of the city’s top attractions, including Pushkin Square, Tverskaya Street, and Gorky Street.
2.4. VDNH (Vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva)
VDNH is Moscow’s Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy, a large park with museums, pavilions, and expansive grounds. The wide paths make it a great location for cycling.
Why VDNH?
- It offers a huge area to explore, including beautiful gardens, fountains, and Soviet-era pavilions.
- The park is less crowded than central areas, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful ride.
2.5. Sokolniki Park
A bit further out from the city center, Sokolniki Park is one of Moscow’s oldest parks, offering extensive cycling paths amidst woodlands and lakes.
Why Sokolniki Park?
- It’s perfect for those who want a nature escape while still being within the city limits.
- The park is spacious and offers several bike rental stations.
3. Cycling Tips for Tourists
- Plan Your Route: If you’re not familiar with the city, use apps like Yandex Maps or Google Maps to find bike-friendly routes and help navigate the streets. Some bike rental shops also provide maps of recommended routes.
- Wear a Helmet: While wearing a helmet is not mandatory, it’s always a good idea for safety, especially if you’re cycling on busy roads.
- Respect Traffic Rules: Make sure to follow the cycling lanes and obey traffic signals. In Moscow, cyclists are expected to follow the same rules as pedestrians and cars.
- Check the Weather: Moscow can be rainy or snowy depending on the season. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, and dress appropriately.
- Start with Easy Routes: If you’re new to cycling in the city, begin with parks or quieter areas like Gorky Park or Sokolniki before venturing onto busier roads.
4. Bike Rental Pricing
- Hourly Rentals: Most bike rental services charge approximately 200-400 rubles per hour, depending on the type of bike.
- Daily Rentals: If you plan to cycle for the entire day, daily rentals typically cost between 1,000-1,500 rubles for a regular bike, and 1,500-2,500 rubles for an electric bike.
- Velobike: For short trips using the Velobike service, the price starts at 10 rubles per minute, with the first 30 minutes free.
Conclusion
Moscow is an exciting city to explore by bike, offering a growing network of bike lanes, scenic routes, and easy-to-use bike rental services. Whether you choose to rent from Velobike, visit local bike shops, or explore popular cycling areas like Gorky Park or VDNH, cycling provides a unique and enjoyable way to experience the city. With flexible rental options and stunning views, biking in Moscow is an unforgettable adventure for any tourist.