--- title: "Strava API Developer Guide | Apps for Strava" canonical: https://appsforstrava.com/developers source: Markdown mirror of https://appsforstrava.com/developers; the HTML page is canonical. --- # Strava API Developer Guide Everything you need to build an app that connects to Strava. From authentication to webhooks, this guide covers the complete Strava API. Looking for Strava's official API documentation? It lives at developers.strava.com, and you create and manage your API application from your Strava account settings. This guide walks through how the pieces fit together. [Strava's API docs →](https://developers.strava.com) ## Heads up: Strava's developer program changed in 2026 Strava made an active Strava subscription a requirement for API access, retired some API endpoints (announced June 1, 2026, effective September 1, 2026), and launched an official MCP Connector for AI access. See our [2026 developer program changes](https://appsforstrava.com/blog/strava-developer-program-changes-2026) and [Strava MCP Connector](https://appsforstrava.com/mcp) pages for details. 6 hours Access Token Life v3 API Version OAuth 2.0 Authentication JSON Response Format - [Getting Started](https://appsforstrava.com/developers/getting-started): Register your app, get API credentials, and make your first API request in minutes. - [Authentication](https://appsforstrava.com/developers/authentication): Implement OAuth 2.0 authentication, manage tokens, and understand permission scopes. - [API Reference](https://appsforstrava.com/developers/api-reference): Complete documentation of all Strava API endpoints for activities, athletes, segments, and more. - [Webhooks](https://appsforstrava.com/developers/webhooks): Receive real-time notifications when activities are created, updated, or deleted. - [Code Examples](https://appsforstrava.com/developers/examples): Ready-to-use code snippets in JavaScript, Python, and more to jumpstart your integration. - [Best Practices](https://appsforstrava.com/developers/best-practices): Learn about rate limits, security, error handling, and production deployment tips. ## API Overview The Strava API v3 is a RESTful API that provides access to athlete data, activities, segments, routes, clubs, and more. All requests are made over HTTPS to the base URL: `https://www.strava.com/api/v3` Heads up: Strava has announced a new base URL, `https://api-v3.strava.com`, available starting January 4, 2027. The current URL keeps working; no shutdown date has been announced. The API returns JSON responses and requires OAuth 2.0 authentication for most endpoints. Access tokens must be included in the `Authorization` header: `Authorization: Bearer {access_token}` ## Rate Limits ### Default Rate Limits - **200 requests** per 15 minutes, **2,000** per day overall - **100 requests** per 15 minutes, **1,000** per day for read (non-upload) requests The read limit is the one most apps hit first. Apps upgraded through the API dashboard get 400/15 min and 4,000/day overall (200/15 min and 2,000/day read). Rate limit headers are included in every response. See [Best Practices](https://appsforstrava.com/developers/best-practices) for handling limits. Need higher limits? As of June 2026, Strava exposes your app's access tier in the [API Settings dashboard](https://www.strava.com/settings/api) with self-service expanded access, or you can [request an increase](https://share.hsforms.com/1VXSwPUYqSH6IxK0y51FjHwcnkd8) through Strava's Developer Program. ## What You Can Build ### Analytics Apps Access activity data, streams (GPS, heart rate, power), and athlete stats to build performance analysis tools. ### Training Tools Create and upload activities, sync with training platforms, and help athletes track their progress. ### Social Platforms Build challenges, leaderboards, and community features using club and segment data. ### Route Planners Access routes, explore segments by location, and export GPX/TCX files for navigation. ### Hardware Integrations Sync data from fitness devices, bike computers, and wearables directly to Strava. ### Visualizations Create heatmaps, 3D routes, art prints, and unique visual representations of activities. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How do I get a Strava API key? Strava doesn’t issue a standalone API key. You register an application at strava.com/settings/api and receive a Client ID and Client Secret, which you use in the OAuth 2.0 flow to obtain access tokens for each athlete. Since June 2026, a Strava subscription is a prerequisite for creating an app. ### Does the Strava API cost money? There is no separate fee for the API itself, but as of June 2026 you need an active Strava subscription to create an app. Standard Tier access comes with that subscription; larger apps go through Strava’s review process for higher athlete capacity. ### What are the Strava API rate limits? New apps get 200 requests per 15 minutes and 2,000 per day overall, with a separate read (non-upload) limit of 100 per 15 minutes and 1,000 per day. Apps upgraded through the API Settings Dashboard get 400 per 15 minutes and 4,000 per day overall (200 and 2,000 for reads). Usage is reported in the X-RateLimit-\* and X-ReadRateLimit-\* response headers. ### How long do Strava access tokens last? Access tokens expire six hours after they are issued (expires\_in is 21600). Use the refresh token with POST https://www.strava.com/oauth/token and grant\_type=refresh\_token to get a new one. Each time a new access token is issued you also get a new refresh token, and the old one is invalidated. ### Is there a Strava API sandbox or test mode? There is no separate sandbox environment. New apps start in single-player mode, where only the account that created the app can authenticate, and Strava provides an interactive API Playground at developers.strava.com/playground for trying endpoints. ### Can my app show data from athletes other than the logged-in user? No. Strava’s API Agreement states that Strava data provided by a specific user can only be displayed or disclosed in your application to that user. Endpoints like GET /athlete/activities only return the authenticated athlete’s own data. ### Can I build an AI app on the Strava API? Not with third-party API access. Strava’s API Policy (effective June 1, 2026) prohibits using Strava data “in connection with the development, training, evaluation, or operation of any AI Application,” and the list of banned activities explicitly includes retrieval-augmented generation and “ingestion into a context window or working memory.” It also bans operating your own MCP server or proxy over Strava data. The only sanctioned route is Strava’s official MCP Connector, which lets a subscriber bring their own AI assistant to their own data for personal use. ### Which Strava API endpoints were removed in 2026? On September 1, 2026, Strava removed the Club Activities, Club Members, and Club Admins endpoints and restricted Explore Segments to apps with an approved Extended Access Tier. A new base URL, https://api-v3.strava.com, becomes available on January 4, 2027; the current https://www.strava.com/api/v3 keeps working and no shutdown date has been announced. ## Ready to start building? Register your app on Strava and make your first API request in just a few minutes. [Get Started](https://appsforstrava.com/developers/getting-started)[Create Strava App](https://www.strava.com/settings/api) ## Hear when Strava's API changes When Strava changes its API, its terms or its review process, we email a short, sourced summary of what it means for apps, plus a monthly note on what changed. Reply "unsubscribe" any time. Email addressEmail me