Driving and Parking in Amsterdam

Driving in the city center is strongly discouraged due Amsterdam’s narrow, winding streets, constant construction and high parking rates. However, if you must, here are a few tips to make your visit a little less hectic:

• Look out for bikers and pedestrians. They are everywhere in Amsterdam. They always have the right of way and they know it.
• Always drive on the right side of the canal. All streets in the canal ring are one-way on the right side.
• Use caution when approaching intersections, especially at canal bridges where there may not be any traffic signs whatsoever. Treat them as a four-way stop.
• Be prepared to wait behind unloading trucks. You should not have to wait longer than 5 minutes but this is the way it works in Amsterdam.

Parking in Amsterdam
Free parking in the city center does not exist, so don’t look for it. Some hotels may provide free parking permits for guests, otherwise look for a garage or street parking. Blue ticket machines for street parking are readily available throughout the city at a rate of €2.60 per hour between the hours of 9:00 and 23:00. Tips:

• Make sure that you have exact change for the parking machines as they do not give change.
• Make sure that your ticket is up to date and prominently displayed in your window to avoid being ticked or clamped.
• If you are ticketed or clamped you have 24 hours to pay the fine or you will be towed. Call parking control at (020) 553 for any queries or if towed.
• Never leave valuables in your car as break-in’s are common throughout Amsterdam. If you leave your car in an unattended area, please consider to put "no valuables inside" warning behind the windows.

Car parks in Amsterdam