Guide to Citibike NYC: Cost, How to Use It & General Biking Tips

Citibike in NYC offers a convenient way to explore the city without having to worry about long lines at bike rental shops, locking up your bike, or anything complicated. With over 1,700 bike stations and millions of yearly riders, it's one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city, specifically Central Park!

While Citibike has unfortunately raised its prices, it can still be a somewhat affordable option if you plan on shorter rides.

In this article, we'll cover how much Citibike costs, how to use it, and tips for safely riding around New York City.

Let's do it. 👇

How Much Does Citibike Cost?

NOTE: If you don't have a US phone number, you either need a US esim, OR you must use the payment kiosks at the Citibike stations.

When it comes to Citibike, there are four main options:

1. Pay per ride (more info below)
2. Day pass (more info below)
3. Citibike membership $219/year (almost never worth it)
4. Lyft pink memberships $199/year (worth it if you use Lyft frequently or your travel credit card gives you a discount/perk for this)

Pay per Ride Cost

• $4.99 to unlock (or use our referral link to waive your first unlock)
• First 30 minutes on a standard bike are free, then $0.38/minute
• eBike costs $0.38/minute

Use our referral link (you can't ever have had a Lyft account) and get a free bike unlock!

For example, a 2-hour bike rental from a rental company starts around $18 but likely ends up costing a bit more due to fees. This is possibly a better option, depending on your plans.

Bike Rental:

• 1 hour - $8 + fees
• 2 hours - $18 + fees
• 3 hours - $25 + fees
• 4 hours - $30 + fees

On busy times/days/holidays, you will probably wait in line to get your bike!

Day Pass Cost

• $25 for 24 hours of unlimited 30-minute standard bike rides, then $0.38/minute
• eBike costs $0.38/minute

How to Unlock a Citibike

• Use the Citibike or Lyft app
• Buy a day pass or unlock code via their website
• Buy a day pass at the station kiosk

Pre-Ride Check

• Check brakes 
• Adjust seat before unlocking 
• Verify there is a strap if you are gonna need it
• If night, verify the light turns on once you unlock 

Tips for Safe Biking in NYC

• Opt for bike lanes when possible
• Ride with traffic direction
• Central Park and West Side Highway are the safest bike areas in Manhattan 
• Over use your bell, people are often unaware of bikes.. Don’t expect people to stop
• Just cause someone else on a bike is going at a light doesn’t you mean should be
• Gloves and a beanie, you’re always colder on a bike than when walking

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Electric Shuffle

• $25 per person for 90 minutes of tabletop shuffle board
• Unlimited food/drink options on weekends and evenings at around $60-$85
• Great drinks, fun vibe, and usually a live DJ on weekends
• Check out Electric Shuffle here

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