In this guide, you’ll get to know the system of city bikes in Katowice and the entire Silesian Metropolitan Area. How and where to rent? How much does it cost?

The Silesian Metropolian Area has a great public transport system. With just one ticket you can take a bus, tram, and train (more info on how public transport in Katowice works can be found here). Without a car, you can get anywhere you need. Starting from 2024, city bikes have been added to this system. Starting from Autumn 2024, city bikes are also available all year round. Rent a bike and take a ride!

Where Can I Find a Bike in Silesia?

Characteristic black and yellow bikes are spread across the Metropolitan Area. In spring 2024, almost 2000 bikes and 276 stations are available in 8 cities:

• Katowice, 
• Sosnowiec, 
• Gliwice, 
• Chorzów, 
• Zabrze, 
• Tychy, 
• Siemianowice Śląskie,
• Czeladź. 

There are almost 7,000 bikes and almost 1000 stations in total.

How To Rent a Bike in Katowice and Silesia?

• Download the Metrorower App (it’s available both on iOS and Android devices). Log in or create an account. 
• Find the closest bike station (bikes have a GPS so you can find the ones near you). Bikes are standing in racks next to the information poll. 
• If you use the city bike for the first time, you have to charge the app with a minimum of 10 PLN. 
• Every bike has a wheel lock. On the back wheel cover, there is a QR code which you have to scan with an app.  After you scan the code, the lock will be released.

• If you want to use the parking function during rental, choose this option in an app, then put on the lock. If you’re ready to retake the ride, simply press start and unlock the bike. 
• To return a bike, you have to park at one of the bike stations and put on the lock. You can also leave the bike anywhere you like, but you have to pay an extra 10 PLN for that.

Remember! You can rent a bike in one city and then return it in another one.

What if I Have a Nextbike App Already?

If you already have the app of Nextbike (previous bike app), you can still use it and the money that you have collected on the app too. Remember you can’t transfer the money from the Nextbike app to Metrorower app.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent?

Rental is paid right from the beginning and the payment is calculated in the following way:

• up to 30 minutes – 1 PLN
• up to 60 minutes – 2,5 PLN
• up to 2 hours – 7 PLN
• up to 3 hours – 13,50 PLN
• up to 4 hours – 22 PLN
• every next 30 minutes – + 5 PLN

Be careful! When you exceed 12 hours rental, you’ll pay an extra 200 PLN fee.

Subscription Plans

If you ride a bike a lot, the most economical option is a subscription plan. You can get it in your Metrorower app and the cost is the following:

• Monthly (30 days) – 60 minutes/day – 29,90 PLN
• Semi-annual (180 days) – 60 minutes/day – 129,00 PLN
• Annual (365 days) – 60 minutes/day – 239,00 PLN

A Free Bonus For Public Transport Users

If you have a mid- or long-term ticket on your Transport GZM account, you can use the Metrorower bike for 60 minutes a day for free. You’ll have to confirm your ticket in the Metrorower app (only!).

Bike Path Recommendations

Bike is a great means of transport, not to mention ecology and health values. In previous years, cities in the Metropolitan Area have built many bike paths, so traveling has become much easier. There are plenty of paths to take and go for a ride (you can find our recommendations here). See you on the road!