Bike Rental in Rome: How to Roam Around like a Local

Chariza Leen Crudo

Last updated 20 Jun 2025

[Bike rental in rome] Collage of Colosseum, Appian Way, and cyclists in front of the Colosseum

There’s just something undeniably main character about biking through a foreign city, especially one as iconic as Rome. The wind in your hair, ancient Roman ruins all around, and the Colosseum as your backdrop: combine all these, and you’ve got a perfect movie scene!

If that’s the vibe you’re going for, bike rental, Rome style, is the perfect way to make it happen.

In Rome, it’s common to see locals riding through narrow streets on bikes and scooters, and it makes perfect sense. With the city’s cobblestone alleys, hidden piazzas, ancient ruins, and that gorgeous Tiber River path, two wheels are the easiest (and most fun) way to get around. You’ll skip the traffic, learn about the city at your own pace, and feel like a real Roman. After all…when in Rome, right? 😉

🇮🇹 Roam around Rome… on a bike!

So you’re convinced you want to give bike rental in Rome a shot, but now you’re not sure where or how to begin? Keep scrolling to learn what the famous biking paths are, how and where you can rent bikes, and even popular bicycle tours in Rome, Italy.

🚴 How to rent a bike in Rome

1. Choose a bike

Not all bikes are built the same, and in Rome, picking the right one makes a difference in your adventure. If you’re not sure what to pick, there are primarily three types of bike rentals in Rome:

Traditional bikes: Classic pedal bikes are perfect for a laid-back ride through Rome’s streets and piazzas.
E-bikes: Gives you a little boost while riding, so you can go farther without getting too tired. Perfect for exploring more of Rome without breaking a sweat!
Electric scooters: Super easy to use and great for short rides or quick sightseeing around Rome.

Klook Tip: Heading into Rome’s city center? With all those bumpy cobblestone streets, a trekking bike or an e-bike will make your ride way smoother and more comfy.

2. Book a bike rental or tour online

There are lots of bike rental shops around Rome, especially in famous biking paths like the Appian Way. These bike rental experiences allow you to explore the ancient ruins and sites at your own pace. If you want to skip the hassle of finding bike rentals on site, you can rent a bike online through Klook!

Or you can join a 3-hour e-bike tour along the Appian Way, where you’ll explore one of Rome’s oldest roads and hear stories as you pass by the ancient basilicas, catacombs, and aqueducts.

3. Cycle away!

Once you’ve picked up your bike or met your tour guide, you’re ready to cycle through the streets of Rome! But before you start pedaling off, we’ve got a few tips to keep your ride smooth and stress-free:

🚫 Avoid rush hour traffic: Rome’s roads can get wild during early mornings and late afternoons. Aim for mid-morning or early evening rides instead.
🚶‍♀️ Respect pedestrian zones: In busy areas, it’s often easier (and friendlier) to hop off and walk alongside your bike for a bit.
🪪 Keep your ID on you: Some rental shops require it, and it’s always good to have just in case.
🪖 Put on your helmet: In Italy, helmet laws are no joke. And honestly, it’s totally fair since it’s all about keeping you safe!

Klook Tip: Keep an eye out for some gelato spots! Some of them give discounts or free water for cyclists, especially in less touristy neighborhoods like Testaccio or Monteverde.

🗺 Best Biking Routes in Rome

When in Rome, don’t just wing it! It doesn’t matter whether you’re the go-with-the-flow or planning type of traveler. The city’s layout can be confusing (hello, ancient roads), so it’s best to plan your biking routes ahead.

1. Around the Colosseum & Roman Forum

You can’t bike inside the ruins, but you can cycle along Via dei Fori Imperiali, the wide, mostly car-free road connecting the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. Just a heads-up: this area gets super busy, so if you’re planning to visit the Colosseum, it’s smart to book your tickets online in advance.

2. Villa Borghese

Think picnic vibes, gardencore, and a break from the city buzz. That’s Villa Borghese for you– a huge park filled with shady paths, fountains, and spots straight out of a painting where you can ride slow and easy.

Park your bike and visit the Borghese Gallery inside the park, where you’ll see Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s masterpieces, including the famous Apollo and Daphne sculpture.

3. Appian Way

This is where ancient Rome really comes alive. The Appian Way is a 2,000-year-old road lined with pine trees, ruins, and catacombs. It’s mostly closed to cars on Sundays, and on weekdays, so it’s wide enough for you to bike around comfortably.

4. Tiber River Cycle Path

Looking for a calm ride by the river? The Tiber River cycle path gives you just that, with a peaceful route below the city streets. You’ll cruise past old bridges, quiet cafés, and a slower side of Rome that most tourists miss. It’s flat, scenic, and perfect for a relaxed spin, especially before dinner or at golden hour.

For a closer look at the river, you can hop on the Tiber River boat tour! This one-hour, hop-on, hop-off cruise takes you along the Tiber with an audio guide sharing stories about landmarks along the way. It’s a laid-back break from biking and a great way to see the city from a new angle. Just be sure to lock up your bike somewhere safe before you set sail.

Klook Tip: Tired after a day of cycling? No problem, Rome’s public transport lets you bring your bike along for the ride! On trains, head to the first carriage in the direction of travel, as that’s usually where bikes are allowed.

And to make sure you don’t get lost while riding along these bike routes, it’s best to stay connected. Instead of fussing with a local SIM or a pocket wifi, you can just conveniently download a Europe eSIM before your trip!

❓FAQs about bike rentals in Rome

How much does it cost to rent a bike in Rome?

The cost of bike rentals depends on the type of bike you’re getting and how long you’re renting it for. For city bikes, it usually costs around €4 per hour (around $4.6 USD), or €20 per day (around $23.10 USD). E-bikes are slightly pricier, costing up to €8 per hour (around $9 USD) or €36 per day (around $42 USD).

Can you rent public bikes in Rome?

Yes, you can rent public bikes in Rome! The city has easy-to-use bike-sharing services, like app-based rentals, where you just scan and go. Just be sure to avoid busy streets and park your bike responsibly.

Is it good to rent a bike in Rome?

Yes! Renting a bike in Rome is a good way to see the city up close and at your own pace. You’ll get to ride through old cobblestone streets, beautiful parks, and historic sites without worrying about traffic or parking. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to explore the city!

Is Rome bicycle-friendly?

Rome might have some busy streets, but it’s still pretty bike-friendly in its own way! The city has lots of quiet lanes, beautiful parks, and biking paths like Villa Borghese and the Appian Way. While there’s still room to improve bicycle lanes on major roads, exploring Rome on two wheels is still a fun and fresh way to see the city.

Now that you’re ready to roll through Rome like a local, check out these other helpful guides to get your Roman holiday started!

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