Swapfiets vs OV-fiets: which one is cheaper?
Swapfiets vs OV-fiets: which one is cheaper?
Swapfiets vs OV-fiets: which one is cheaper?
Swapfiets vs OV-fiets: which one is cheaper?
An Dutch OV-fiets feels easy and convenient. You only pay when you use it. But that daily rate of €4.80 per 24 hours adds up quickly. Especially if you cycle regularly to work, university or appointments.
Swapfiets works differently. You pay a fixed monthly fee for a bike that’s always ready for you, including service and repairs. The Swapfiets Original costs €20.90 per month, which comes down to €0.70 per day.
An Dutch OV-fiets feels easy and convenient. You only pay when you use it. But that daily rate of €4.80 per 24 hours adds up quickly. Especially if you cycle regularly to work, university or appointments.
Swapfiets works differently. You pay a fixed monthly fee for a bike that’s always ready for you, including service and repairs. The Swapfiets Original costs €20.90 per month, which comes down to €0.70 per day.

Published
Published
Published
1 Dec 2025
1 Dec 2025
1 Dec 2025



City bike: Swapfiets Original vs OV-fiets
Below you’ll find a clear comparison between both options. Short, transparent and without fine print.
![]() Original | ![]() OV-fiets | |
Daily costs | €0.70 per day (€20.90 p/m) | €4.80 per 24 hours (2026 price) |
Student rate | €0.63 per day (€18.90 p/m) | No student discount |
Sign-up costs | None – 6-month plan | None (only €0.01 verification) |
Maintenance | Free at-home repairs | Not included |
Theft excess (bike locked) | €250 | €350 |
Availability | Always your own bike | Depends on station availability |
Comparison date: 1 December 2025
Source: https://www.ns.nl/deur-tot-deur/ov-fiets
City bike: Swapfiets Original vs OV-fiets
Below you’ll find a clear comparison between both options. Short, transparent and without fine print.
![]() Original | ![]() OV-fiets | |
Daily costs | €0.70 per day (€20.90 p/m) | €4.80 per 24 hours (2026 price) |
Student rate | €0.63 per day (€18.90 p/m) | No student discount |
Sign-up costs | None – 6-month plan | None (only €0.01 verification) |
Maintenance | Free at-home repairs | Not included |
Theft excess (bike locked) | €250 | €350 |
Availability | Always your own bike | Depends on station availability |
Comparison date: 1 December 2025
Source: https://www.ns.nl/deur-tot-deur/ov-fiets
City bike: Swapfiets Original vs OV-fiets
Below you’ll find a clear comparison between both options. Short, transparent and without fine print.
![]() Original | ![]() OV-fiets | |
Daily costs | €0.70 per day (€20.90 p/m) | €4.80 per 24 hours (2026 price) |
Student rate | €0.63 per day (€18.90 p/m) | No student discount |
Sign-up costs | None – 6-month plan | None (only €0.01 verification) |
Maintenance | Free at-home repairs | Not included |
Theft excess (bike locked) | €250 | €350 |
Availability | Always your own bike | Depends on station availability |
Comparison date: 1 December 2025
Source: https://www.ns.nl/deur-tot-deur/ov-fiets
What does this mean for you in practice?
If you only need a bike occasionally, the OV-fiets is perfectly fine. But once you cycle 4 to 5 days per month, Swapfiets becomes structurally cheaper. Here’s exactly where the tipping point is:
Days per month | Swapfiets (€20.90 p/m) | OV-fiets (€4.80/day) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
1 day | €20.90 | €4.80 | OV €16.10 cheaper |
2 days | €20.90 | €9.60 | OV €11.30 cheaper |
3 days | €20.90 | €14.40 | OV €6.50 cheaper |
4 days | €20.90 | €19.20 | OV €1.70 cheaper |
5 days | €20.90 | €24.00 | Swapfiets €3.10 cheaper |
10 days | €20.90 | €48.00 | Swapfiets €27.10 cheaper |
20 days | €20.90 | €96.00 | Swapfiets €75.10 cheaper |
30 days | €20.90 | €144.00 | Swapfiets €123.10 cheaper |
In short:
Only use a bike now and then? → OV-fiets fits your needs.
Cycle regularly? → From 5 days per month, Swapfiets becomes the cheaper option.
What does this mean for you in practice?
If you only need a bike occasionally, the OV-fiets is perfectly fine. But once you cycle 4 to 5 days per month, Swapfiets becomes structurally cheaper. Here’s exactly where the tipping point is:
Days per month | Swapfiets (€20.90 p/m) | OV-fiets (€4.80/day) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
1 day | €20.90 | €4.80 | OV €16.10 cheaper |
2 days | €20.90 | €9.60 | OV €11.30 cheaper |
3 days | €20.90 | €14.40 | OV €6.50 cheaper |
4 days | €20.90 | €19.20 | OV €1.70 cheaper |
5 days | €20.90 | €24.00 | Swapfiets €3.10 cheaper |
10 days | €20.90 | €48.00 | Swapfiets €27.10 cheaper |
20 days | €20.90 | €96.00 | Swapfiets €75.10 cheaper |
30 days | €20.90 | €144.00 | Swapfiets €123.10 cheaper |
In short:
Only use a bike now and then? → OV-fiets fits your needs.
Cycle regularly? → From 5 days per month, Swapfiets becomes the cheaper option.
What does this mean for you in practice?
If you only need a bike occasionally, the OV-fiets is perfectly fine. But once you cycle 4 to 5 days per month, Swapfiets becomes structurally cheaper. Here’s exactly where the tipping point is:
Days per month | Swapfiets (€20.90 p/m) | OV-fiets (€4.80/day) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
1 day | €20.90 | €4.80 | OV €16.10 cheaper |
2 days | €20.90 | €9.60 | OV €11.30 cheaper |
3 days | €20.90 | €14.40 | OV €6.50 cheaper |
4 days | €20.90 | €19.20 | OV €1.70 cheaper |
5 days | €20.90 | €24.00 | Swapfiets €3.10 cheaper |
10 days | €20.90 | €48.00 | Swapfiets €27.10 cheaper |
20 days | €20.90 | €96.00 | Swapfiets €75.10 cheaper |
30 days | €20.90 | €144.00 | Swapfiets €123.10 cheaper |
In short:
Only use a bike now and then? → OV-fiets fits your needs.
Cycle regularly? → From 5 days per month, Swapfiets becomes the cheaper option.
Find a Swapfiets store near you
Want to know where you can pick up or have your bike delivered? Check the availability of the best all-inclusive bike subscription in the Netherlands.
About Swapfiets
About Swapfiets
Swapfiets is the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. Founded 2014 in the Netherlands, the scale-up quickly developed being one of the leading micro mobility providers in Europe with 270.000 members in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Austria and UK.
The concept of Swapfiets is quite simple: For a monthly subscription fee, Swapfiets members receive a fully functional bicycle or e-mobility solution for their own use. If needed, a repair service is available within 48 hours to repair or directly swap the two-wheeler at no additional cost.
Swapfiets is the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. Founded 2014 in the Netherlands, the scale-up quickly developed being one of the leading micro mobility providers in Europe with 270.000 members in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Austria and UK.
The concept of Swapfiets is quite simple: For a monthly subscription fee, Swapfiets members receive a fully functional bicycle or e-mobility solution for their own use. If needed, a repair service is available within 48 hours to repair or directly swap the two-wheeler at no additional cost.
About Swapfiets
Swapfiets is the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. Founded 2014 in the Netherlands, the scale-up quickly developed being one of the leading micro mobility providers in Europe with 270.000 members in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Austria and UK.
The concept of Swapfiets is quite simple: For a monthly subscription fee, Swapfiets members receive a fully functional bicycle or e-mobility solution for their own use. If needed, a repair service is available within 48 hours to repair or directly swap the two-wheeler at no additional cost.
Discover our latest articles
Discover our latest articles
News, tips & more, straight to your inbox
News, tips & more, straight to your inbox
News, tips & more, straight to your inbox
Stay updated
Sign up for our emails to get updates about our services, products and discounts straight to your inbox.
Stay updated
Sign up for our emails to get updates about our services, products and discounts straight to your inbox.
Stay updated
Sign up for our emails to get updates about our services, products and discounts straight to your inbox.








