How to use Citi Bike Bikeshare
Ride. Return. Repeat.
APRIL 16, 2024
Biking is a great way to get around the city, whether you’re heading out to dinner, commuting to work, or exploring a new part of the city. It’s less stressful than getting stuck in traffic, and great for your health and the environment, too. Plus, it’s easier than ever, thanks to Citi Bike – with thousands of bikes and stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Jersey City, and Hoboken, you can hop on and off just about anywhere in the city.
It’s easy to get started and get going: all you need to do is unlock a bike, ride it, and park it when you’re done.
Here’s how it works:
Download the app
To find and unlock a bike, you can use the Citi Bike app, which can be found on the App Store or Google Play. If you already have the Lyft app, you’re good to go!
Find a bike
Next, find the Citi Bike station that’s nearest to where you are, and a station with empty docks that’s close to your destination. Remember: docking your bike at the end of your ride lets other Citi Bike users pick up where you hopped off. Your bike can be returned to any station, no matter where you got on!
Choose your ride
Whether you prefer a classic bike or an ebike, there’s a ride for you. When you get to the Citi Bike station, use the app to scan the QR code on either a classic bike, or to get a bit of a boost, with a pedal-assist ebike. Once you scan the QR code, your bike will unlock, and you’re ready to ride.
No surprise fees
Once you’re ready to ride, our costs are straightforward: the unlock fee for a single ride is $4.79, with 30 minutes included on a classic bike, or $0.30 per minute for an ebike. If you love your ride and think you’ll use bikeshare more often, you can check out our money-saving memberships.
Get comfy, and get riding
Adjust your seat to a level that feels right for you, then head to your destination!
Park it
Once you’ve gotten where you’re going, park your bike at any available dock, and wait until the light turns green. You can enable push notifications on your Citi Bike or Lyft app and we’ll let you know that your bike has been successfully docked. And just like that, you’re done!
Check out our tips, to help make sure your ride is as smooth and safe as possible by familiarizing yourself with local traffic laws. Then jump on, kick off, and enjoy your ride!