Park and Ride (P+R) in Amsterdam is a transportation system that encourages visitors and residents to park their cars outside the city center and continue their journey using public transportation, such as trams or buses.
The concept aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the city center while providing an efficient and affordable commuting option for people traveling into Amsterdam.
If you’re planning to visit Amsterdam, you might be wondering how to navigate the city’s bustling streets and find affordable parking. Fortunately, Amsterdam has an excellent Park and Ride (P+R) system that allows you to park your car on the outskirts of the city and take public transportation to the city center.
This article will explore how to use the P+R system in Amsterdam, its benefits, and some tips for making the most of this eco-friendly and convenient system.
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Locations of Park and Ride (P+R) in Amsterdam
Below are Amsterdam’s most popular Park and Ride (P+R) locations.
P+R Arena Transferium Burgemeester Stramanweg 130, 1101 EP Amsterdam
- At the Ajax Arena stadium
- Capacity: 500
- At freeways A9 and A2, exit Transferium; take either the train or the metro from Bijlmer station into the city, metro lines 54, 50.
P+R Bos en Lommer, Leeuwendalersweg 23b, 1055 JE Amsterdam
- Near the S104 exit from the A10 ring road.
- This car park is open from 7 am to 10 pm.
- You may leave the lot with your car at any time 24/7
- Take tram 14; bus 15, 21, 80, 82, 247, 315, 352 and metro 50 into the city centre of Amsterdam.
Stadion (Olympic Stadium), Olympisch Stadion 44, 1076 DE Amsterdam
- Capacity: 250
- Located at ring road the A10, exit S108
- Take tram 16, 24 into the city centre
- This parking lot also has free bicycles for you to use (up to two bikes per car – your ID will be required).
P+R Sloterdijk, Piarcoplein 1, 1043 DW Amsterdam
- At Sloterdijk train station
- Capacity: 200
- Freeway A10 exit S102
- Take the train from the Sloterdijk station, metro 50, bus 48, tram 12
- This parking lot has also free bicycles to lend (up to two bikes per car – your ID will be required).
P+R Zeeburg, Zuiderzeeweg 46 1095 KJ Amsterdam
- At Piet Heintunnel
- Capacity:250
- From A10 exit S114
- Take tram: 26, bus 37, 245. into the city centre of Amsterdam
Requirements for Using the Park and Ride System
To use the P+R system, you need to meet the following requirements.
- You must arrive at the P+R facility before 10 a.m.
- You must purchase a P+R GVB card, which includes a parking ticket and public transportation ticket. The card is valid for up to 24 hours and costs €8 for parking plus €1 per person for public transportation. You can buy the P+R GVB card at the P+R facility or at a participating public transportation station.
- You must use a public transportation ticket to travel to and from the P+R facility and within the city centre. If you don’t use a public transportation ticket, you will be charged a higher parking fee.
How To Use The Park and Ride System
To use the P+R system, follow these steps:
- Drive to a P+R facility.
- Take a parking ticket from the machine at the entrance. Keep this ticket safe, as you’ll need it to exit the facility.
- Find a parking spot and park your car.
- Purchase a P+R GVB card from the machine at the facility or at a participating public transportation station. Make sure to validate the card before using it.
- Take public transportation to the city center.
- When returning to the P+R facility, use your public transportation ticket to travel back and validate your parking ticket before leaving the facility.
Cost of Using the Park and Ride System
The cost of using the P+R system in Amsterdam is very reasonable, especially compared to parking in the city center. For €8, you get parking for up to 24 hours and public transportation for up to five people. You’ll be charged a higher parking fee if you don’t use public transportation.
Benefits of Using Park and Ride in Amsterdam
Reduced Parking Fees
Parking in Amsterdam can be expensive, especially in the city center. By using the P+R system, you can save significant money on parking fees.
Easy and Convenient Access to the City Center
Amsterdam’s P+R facilities are strategically located on the city’s outskirts, offering easy access to public transportation that takes you directly to the city center. This means you don’t have to navigate Amsterdam’s busy and congested streets by car.
Reduced Traffic Congestion in the City Center
By using the P+R system, you’re saving money on parking fees and helping reduce traffic congestion in the city center. This is especially important in a city where cycling and walking are the primary modes of transportation.
Improved Air Quality in the City Center
Reducing traffic congestion in the city center also has the added benefit of improving air quality. This is important for Amsterdam’s residents and visitors’ health and well-being.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Using the P+R system is an eco-friendly choice that can help reduce your carbon footprint. By using public transportation instead of driving your car into the city center, you’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Best P+R Facilities for Specific Destinations
Depending on where you want to go in Amsterdam, certain P+R facilities may be more convenient than others. For example, if you plan to visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum, P+R Olympisch Stadion is a good option. If you plan to visit the Anne Frank House, P+R Zeeburg is a good option.
What is The Best Time to Use Park and Ride System?
To get the most out of the P+R system, arriving at the P+R facility before 10 a.m is best. This will ensure you can take advantage of the reduced parking fees and avoid the busiest times in the city center.
Other Transportation Options in Amsterdam
While the P+R system is an excellent option for getting around Amsterdam, other transportation options, including buses, trams, and bicycles, are available.
Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation in Amsterdam, with many rental options available throughout the city. Free parking in Amsterdam is possible, but the options are minimal.
Amsterdam’s Park and Ride system is a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the city. By parking your car on the city’s outskirts and taking public transportation to the city center, you can save money on parking fees, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
With several P+R facilities throughout the city, it’s easy to use and explore all that Amsterdam offers.
Remember to arrive at the P+R facility before 10 a.m., purchase a P+R GVB card, and use public transportation to get around the city center. Happy exploring!