Parking in Amsterdam is expensive in the city centre, cheaper in outer districts, and significantly more affordable through official Park and Ride locations outside the A10 ring road.
Central zones charge €5 to €8 per hour, while P+R reduces parking to around €6 per 24 hours when public transport is validated. Rates updated March 2026.
According to the 2025 Parking Tariff Overview published by Gemeente Amsterdam, central street parking remains intentionally high to discourage long stays and reduce car traffic in historic districts.
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How expensive is parking in Amsterdam city centre?
Central Amsterdam parking costs €5 to €8 per hour, and daily totals often exceed €60.
The 2025 Tariff Decision for Paid Parking Zones confirms that Centrum and Canal Belt areas fall into the highest rate category. Paid parking typically applies Monday to Sunday until midnight.
Six hours at €6.50 per hour equals €39. A full 10 hour day can exceed €65.
Digital enforcement operates through license plate recognition vehicles managed by the city’s Parking and Traffic Department.
Why is parking so expensive in Amsterdam?
High parking prices are part of a long term traffic reduction policy.
Amsterdam’s Mobility Approach 2030 outlines a continued reduction of on street parking in central districts. Between 2019 and 2025, the city removed approximately 11,000 street parking spaces. The policy target includes removing thousands more spaces by 2030, particularly inside the Canal Belt and De Pijp.
The city reallocates former parking space to bike lanes, pedestrian areas, and greenery.
Higher fines and tariffs align with this broader car reduction strategy.
Step by step guide: How to use Amsterdam P+R correctly
To receive the discounted P+R rate, you must combine parking with registered public transport travel.
The P+R Regulation Update 2024 sets these requirements:
- Park at a designated P+R facility outside the A10 ring road.
- Travel into the city using tram, metro, or bus.
- Check in and check out using a valid OV chip card or ticket.
- Return within the permitted timeframe.
- Pay at the P+R machine before exiting.
If you skip validation, the system applies the full hourly tariff, which removes the discount.
Main P+R locations
- P+R ArenA
- P+R Sloterdijk
- P+R Noord
- P+R Zeeburg
Travel time to Amsterdam Centraal ranges from 10 to 25 minutes.
Garage vs street parking comparison
Garages offer certainty and shelter, while street parking depends on availability and zone restrictions.
Below is a structured comparison to help you decide:
Amsterdam Parking Comparison
| Feature | Street Parking | Parking Garage |
|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Cost | €5 to €8 centre | €6 to €10 centre |
| Space Guarantee | No | Yes |
| Weather Protection | No | Yes |
| Risk of Fines | Higher if misread zone | Lower once inside |
| Best For | Short visits | Planned stays |
Street parking can be slightly cheaper per hour but may require time to find space. Garages cost more but reduce risk and stress.
Is parking cheaper at night or on Sunday?
Central Amsterdam usually charges paid parking seven days per week, including Sunday.
The 2025 Paid Parking Zone Schedule confirms that most Centrum areas apply tariffs from 09:00 to 24:00. Some outer districts offer free overnight hours, but this varies by postcode.
Sunday free parking inside the A10 ring road is uncommon.
Always check the tariff board for your exact street.
What parking apps work in Amsterdam?
Most parking payments in Amsterdam are digital and linked to your license plate.
Approved providers include:
- Yellowbrick
- Parkmobile
- EasyPark
These systems integrate with Amsterdam’s digital enforcement network. Physical paper tickets are largely phased out.
App based payment reduces the risk of overpaying because you can end the session remotely.
Exact parking fines in Amsterdam
Standard parking fines in 2026 are approximately €116, excluding administrative charges.
The 2025 National Traffic Enforcement Adjustment increased base fines to reflect inflation and enforcement costs.
Common violations:
- Not paying for parking
- Expired session
- Parking in permit only zone
- Incorrect P+R validation
- Blocking an EV charging bay
Fines increased in recent years due to stricter enforcement policy and updated national penalty schedules.
Rental and foreign vehicles remain traceable through EU vehicle registration systems.
Real Parking Cost Scenarios
All scenarios use 2026 published tariff averages.
Cost scenario: 6 hour city visit
A 6 hour visit in central Amsterdam costs roughly €35 to €45.
Example:
6 hours x €6.50 = €39
Using P+R:
Parking €6
Public transport €6 to €8
Total ≈ €12 to €14
Savings: approximately €25 to €30.
Cost scenario: Weekend stay (2 nights)
48 hours of central street parking can exceed €300 if charged continuously.
Example:
48 hours x €6.50 = €312
Using P+R for two days:
€6 to €12 parking total
Public transport extra
If staying in outer districts with lower tariffs, weekend parking may drop to €40 to €70 depending on zone.
Cost scenario: 3 night hotel stay in Canal Belt
Three nights near the Canal Belt typically costs €180 to €240 in street parking fees.
Example:
3 days x €65 daily average = €195
Hotel garage rates often range from €40 to €60 per night.
P+R combined with tram or metro remains the lowest cost option for multi night stays.
Is there free parking in Amsterdam?
Free parking exists mainly outside the A10 ring road and is rare near central districts.
City zoning maps show that nearly all areas inside the ring require payment or resident permits.
Policies can change annually as part of the Mobility Approach 2030 plan.
Should tourists drive into the historic centre?
Driving into the historic centre increases cost and does not improve convenience for most visitors.
Amsterdam continues expanding car reduced areas. Recent years have seen additional traffic restrictions near the Canal Belt and Red Light District to improve pedestrian flow.
The long term plan includes expanding car free zones and reducing through traffic.
For most tourists, parking outside the centre and using tram or metro is more efficient.
How much does parking cost at Schiphol Airport?
Schiphol Airport parking prices depend on proximity to the terminal, with long stay areas offering lower daily rates.
Terminal adjacent parking is designed for short stays and carries premium pricing. Long stay facilities offer lower daily rates with shuttle connections.
Compare airport parking against P+R plus train travel before choosing.
Unique Planning Insight: Parking Space Reduction Trend
Amsterdam has removed roughly 11,000 on street parking spaces since 2019 as part of its mobility transition plan.
The goal is to continue reducing central street parking through 2030 to create more pedestrian and cycling space.
For visitors, this means:
- Higher competition for central spaces
- Gradual tariff increases
- Greater reliance on P+R and public transport
Parking strategy in Amsterdam is shifting long term. Tourists who plan around this policy save money and avoid fines.