Explore Prague by bike
Exploring Prague by bike is a fun and sporty challenge. It is healthy, environmentally conscious, and you'll discover places inaccessible by public transport. In Prague's Old Town, cyclists are an uncommon sight. The only bikes you'll see there are the colored rental bikes and bicycle couriers. Despite investments in cycle paths, Prague city center doesn't seem entirely ready for cycling.
Cycling through the heart of Prague offers a unique experience, quite different from what I’m used to in the Netherlands, my home country. Here, you share the road with cars, navigate in front of or behind trams, and weave between pedestrians on cobblestone streets - undeniably a challenge. However, as you venture further from the bustling center, you'll find more dedicated cycle paths, making the ride a bit more relaxed.
In this article, I’ll share essential tips for renting a bike, recommend scenic routes, and provide advice to help you navigate Prague safely and injury-free.
Follow the yellow signs
The cycle paths and cycling routes are indicated by yellow signs, showing the cycle route and the distance to the next place. Just keep in mind that signs are regularly missing and you often have to check your phone or map.
You can embark on a guided cycling tour to explore the breathtaking sights of Prague. Your guide will lead you to some of the city's most iconic locations, including Letná Park, the majestic Prague Castle, and the vibrant Wenceslas Square.
This traffic sign indicates that the path is intended for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Cycling routes are indicated with these signs.
Number of Cycle Paths
Prague has a network of cycle paths with a total length of 515 kilometers. Of these, 186.5 km are protected. The rest are marked bike lanes next to the cars.
In recent years, the network of cycle paths in Prague has grown considerably. Although the city center - with its many pedestrians, trams, and steep sections - doesn't offer much pleasure to cyclists, the periphery and surroundings make up for it.
Excellent cycle paths near Divoka Sarka, a natural park in the northwest of Prague
Cycling Tip 1:
If you’re staying in the city centre, just grab a Rekola bike for half an hour. Anything longer isn’t really worth it - Prague is best explored on foot, where you’ll notice the details you’d simply miss on two wheels.
Cycling Tip 2:
Planning to venture further out? Then rent a sporty bike with gears — some parts of Prague are seriously steep. If you're heading for unpaved trails, go for a mountain bike.
Cycling Tip 3:
A helmet in Prague is more than just a nice-to-have. Car drivers aren’t always used to sharing the road with cyclists, so a bit of extra protection is smart. In the Czech Republic helmets are only compulsory for children under 18 – but believe me, even as an adult you’ll feel safer with one on.
Cycling Tip 4:
It is officially forbidden to cycle across Charles Bridge.
Cycling Tip 5:
Always lock your bike, even if you're just popping inside for a moment.
Cycling Tip 6:
Trams have right of way in Prague - and watch out for the tram tracks! If your wheels get stuck in them, you're likely to fall. Always cross tram tracks at a right angle.
Cycling Tip 7:
Sometimes the pavement doubles as a cycle path.
Cycling Tip 8:
You can take your bike for free on the metro, on some trams outside the city centre (at the back), on the funicular to Petřín, and on the little ferries. Bikes are not allowed on buses.
Rent a bike for short distances
All around Prague, you'll notice bikes readily available for rent. These convenient rentals allow you to explore the city for 30 minutes or even longer, all through a simple app-based system. Just scan the QR code on the bike, download the app, complete a quick registration, and use your credit card to pay for the rental. It's that easy!
Discover all the options and features within the app.
Rekola - the pink bikes
- Download the "Rekola" app
- Register yourself
- Choose a single ride or a subscription
- Find a bike on the map in the app
- The bike will unlock itself once you have paid
- When you're done, put the bike back in the "pink" zone and lock the bike
- Take a photo of the bike as confirmation of returning your bike
Prices
For just €1.50, you can enjoy 30 minutes of cycling - about the same cost as a public transport ticket. If you plan to use the bike more frequently, a monthly subscription is a more cost-effective option, priced at under €8.00.
Additionally, there are bikes available from providers like Nextbike, Lime, and possibly others. I haven't had the chance to try these yet.
The pink bikes from Rekola
Bike rental in Prague for one or more days
If you need a bike for several hours or even a few days, it’s often smarter and cheaper to rent one at a rental shop instead of using bike-sharing services.
In Prague you’ll find several rental companies in and around the city center. The map below shows an overview, divided into regular bikes and e-bikes.
Daily prices range between €15 and €30. Always double-check what’s included: sometimes a helmet, lock or luggage rack comes standard, but in other cases you’ll need to pay extra. Better to know in advance than to find out halfway up a hill in Prague.
Tip from You Love Prague
After some searching, I discovered Transphere Bike Rentals and Tours, a charming, small business located in the Vyšehrad district. What stood out to me was their personal and friendly approach, which I really appreciated.
Important
- This isn’t a walk-in rental service - you’ll need to book in advance.
- Reservations can be made online, via email, or by phone.
- While the online system doesn’t allow you to select a specific date directly, you can simply include your preferred date in the comments section.
Great reviews
The company has excellent reviews, a user-friendly English website, and pricing that's more affordable than the Prague average. I’ve also been in contact with George, the owner, who has been incredibly helpful, sharing useful tips and advice. He’s fluent in English, German, Czech, and Romanian, making communication a breeze.
Cycling routes in Prague
Looking for beautiful cycling routes with the same start and end point in Prague?
That's not easy.
You Love Prague will be live in search of beautiful routes and will post them on the website. If you have a tip for a beautiful route, please send a message to You Love Prague.
Below are a number of routes from A to B. You can cycle back in the same way or then check on google maps or mapy.cz how to continue.
Cycling route A1
Cycling route A1 runs along the left bank of the Vltava. It starts in the south of Prague in Radotín at the footbridge over the Berounka and ends in the north of the city at the ferry in Sedlec. In the center and in Holešovice the route is interrupted and not marked. In the peripheral parts it mainly goes over separate cycle paths, but in the center over very busy roads.
- The route spans a total distance of 24 kilometers.
Cycling route A2
Route A2 is the main cycling route in Prague and runs from south to north along the right bank of the Vltava. Outside the city center it runs along separate off-road paths. In the center, from Mánes to the Těšnov tunnel, it runs along the road and is not marked. From Rudolfinum to the Těšnov tunnel it is possible to drive along the dike.
- The route spans a total distance of 27.5 kilometers.
Cycling route A17 with ferry
Cycling route Moldau
Cycling route to Karlstein Castle (32.1 km)
Cycling route from Holesovice to Panenské Břežany
Until he was murdered on June 4, 1942, Reinhard Heydrich, the Reich Protector of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, lived in Panenské Břežany.
Cycling tour with guide
You can easily explore the city on foot, but for those who want something different: book a cycling tour with a guide. In a relaxed way you cycle from one attraction to another and along the way you get explanations from an experienced guide.
You'll visit places you wouldn't normally come to and you'll usually get tips for good restaurants or pubs.
You Love Prague