Yes, you can find free parking in Amsterdam — but you’ll need to know precisely where and when. From park-and-ride hacks to hidden residential zones, here’s your local guide to beating the meters.
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Quick Summary: Free Parking Hotspots in Amsterdam
Here are the top areas and methods for parking free in Amsterdam, including neighbourhoods, time-specific zones, and transit-linked options.
| Area / Method | Free? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Noord | ✅ | Many residential areas are free; check signs. |
| Sloterdijk (Evenings/Weekends) | ✅ | Limited hours; great for evening dining or weekends. |
| P+R Zeeburg (with transit) | ✅* | €1/day with GVB transit card use almost free! |
| Sunday Free Zones | ✅ | Some areas are free on Sundays (e.g., IJburg). |
| Ferry Zones (Buiksloterweg) | ✅ | Park near the free GVB ferry to Centraal Station. |
| Shopping Centres (short-term) | ✅ | Some malls offer 1–2 hours of free parking. |
Where Can You Park for Free in Amsterdam?
You can park for free in select areas, such as Amsterdam Noord, IJburg, and during specific times in Sloterdijk. These neighbourhoods offer residential and time-restricted free parking if you know where to look.
- Amsterdam Noord: A favourite for budget-savvy locals. Free residential parking is available, especially east of the Buiksloterweg ferry.
- Sloterdijk: Evenings (after 7 PM) and weekends often mean free spaces.
- IJburg: Certain zones offer free parking, especially on Sundays.
Is There Free Street Parking in Amsterdam?
Yes but it’s limited to peripheral neighbourhoods and specific time windows. In central zones like Jordaan or De Pijp, free street parking is virtually non-existent.
Here’s a list of street parking rules that allow for free or low-cost parking around the city:
- Look for areas marked as “Blauwe Zone” (blue zone), where short-term parking with a disk is allowed free of charge.
- Residential zones in Amsterdam Noord and parts of Nieuw-West.
- Zones with Sunday or evening exemptions.
Combine Free Parking with a Ferry or Tram
The best hack? Park in a free zone and take a GVB ferry or tram into the city. This combo saves money and avoids central congestion.
These options help you leave the car and explore Amsterdam using public transport:
- Buiksloterweg Ferry: Free 24/7 GVB ferry from Noord to Amsterdam Centraal.
- P+R Options: Zeeburg, Sloterdijk, and Olympisch Stadion offer low-cost day rates (€1) when combined with public transport.
Where NOT to Try Parking for Free
Avoid central Amsterdam unless you want a fine or a tow. Paid parking is prevalent in most inner-city areas and is strictly enforced.
Here are the worst places to attempt free parking in Amsterdam:
- Jordaan
- Red Light District (De Wallen)
- Museumplein
- De Pijp
Parking here can cost up to €7.50 per hour, and enforcement is constant.
Amsterdam’s Park & Ride (P+R) Program: Almost Free
P+R parking is a brilliant alternative, although not entirely free, it’s close. You park cheaply at the city edge and hop onto a tram or metro.
Here’s how to use P+R facilities in Amsterdam for near-free parking:
- Rates: As low as € 1 per day when you continue your journey via GVB public transport.
- Top Locations: Zeeburg, Sloterdijk, ArenA, and RAI.
- Transit Trick: Make sure to use a GVB card to qualify for the discounted rate.
Fun Fact: Why is Parking So Expensive in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam’s narrow streets were never meant for cars. In the 1970s, the city began prioritising bikes and trams over vehicles.
This policy shift is why parking is so restricted and costly today; it’s all part of making Amsterdam greener and more gezellig.
Nearby Day Trips with Free Parking
You can drive out of Amsterdam and enjoy nearby attractions with stress-free, free parking.
Here are some top day trip spots where parking is easier and cheaper:
- Zaanse Schans: Open-air windmill village with free parking near the entrance.
- Haarlem: Free zones near the outskirts with quick bus/train access.
- Keukenhof (spring): Paid a lot, but plenty of free spots in nearby villages.
FAQs About Free Parking in Amsterdam
Here are answers to the most common questions about free parking in the city:
Q: Is there an app to find free parking?
A: Yes, try “Parkopedia” or “ANWB Onderweg” for real-time info.
Q: Can I park for free on holidays?
A: Some zones suspend paid parking on Dutch national holidays.
Q: Are scooters/mopeds easier to park for free?
A: Yes, and they’re exempt from many paid zones.
Want the Full Park & Ride Breakdown?
While Park & Ride (P+R) isn’t totally free, it’s the smartest near-free option for visiting Amsterdam by car. You can park at city-edge lots like Zeeburg or Sloterdijk for as little as €1/day when you continue your journey on GVB public transport.
Learn exactly how it works, where the lots are, how to activate the discount, and common mistakes to avoid in our full guide:
👉 Amsterdam P+R Explained: How to Park & Ride for Just €1 a Day
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