© Mike Bird・Pexels License

United Kingdom

London

Home of the world's oldest Underground and the red double-decker. Tap the card you already carry and ride.

Santander Cycles

No signup and no app needed: tap a bank card at any dock terminal and ride away on a red bike. It is £1.65 per 30 minutes, or a £3.50 day pass for unlimited rides under an hour.

Updated on July 16, 2026

How to ride

  1. 1
    Tap your card at the terminal
    Choose "Hire a cycle" at the docking terminal and tap your bank card for a release code - or unlock directly by QR in the app.
  2. 2
    Dock within 30 minutes
    Billing is per 30 minutes - dock, wait 5 minutes, and re-hire to keep it cheap (60-minute windows on the day pass).
  3. 3
    Ride left, use the cycleways
    Keep left, and follow the blue Cycleway routes for the safest riding.

Fares

Single fares1

Single (per 30 min)
Plus £1.65 for each additional 30 minutes.
1.65 GBP ≈ $2

Passes & multi-ride1

Day pass (24 hours)
Unlimited rides under 60 minutes. Current price to be verified.
3.5 GBP ≈ $5

Estimates use exchange rates as of September 5, 2026

The red panel on the bike reads 'Unlimited 60 minute rides for £3.50 a day' — the day-pass terms, printed on the bike Taken May 2026 © Aethonatic・CC0

Payment

Tap to ride
VISAMastercardAmex
App tickets

Tap for where to get the app

Quick facts

Hours
Available 24/7.
Fares from
1.65 GBP+

Heads-up

  • E-bikes cost extra - check the frame markings

    E-bikes cost extra and sit in the same docks - check the frame markings.

Timetable

Operating hours Available 24/7.
Typical duration Glorious for Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace runs
Check the official site for the latest times and service status