Parking in the Netherlands 2025: How does it work?

If you’re planning to drive in the Netherlands, whether you’re a new resident, expat, or tourist, understanding how parking works is essential. Dutch cities are famous for their bikes and canals, not for abundant parking spaces.

In most Dutch cities, you need a parking permit (parkeervergunning) to park your car in residential areas. These permits are issued by the municipality (gemeente) and linked to your home address. Without one, you’ll have to pay hourly parking fees — or risk getting a fine.

Here’s how it works:

·        You apply for a permit through your municipality’s website using your DigiD (Dutch digital ID).

·        Each city has its own rules, costs, and zones.

·        Prices typically range from €100 to €500 per year, depending on where you live.

If you move to a new address, remember to update your registration, as parking permits are tied to your residence.

For Rotterdam? Request here.

Paid street parking and Parking apps

No permit? No problem, you can still use paid parking zones. Street parking in the Netherlands is managed via parking meters or mobile apps such as Yellowbrick or EasyPark.

Typical rates:

·        €2 to €7.50 per hour in city centers

·        Lower rates in suburbs and residential areas

Always look for blue “betaald parkeren” signs that indicate paid parking hours. Parking enforcement in Dutch cities is strict, fines can easily reach €60 or more.

Parking Garages and Park + Ride (P+R) Options

Using a parking garage (parkeergarage) is often more convenient, especially in busy areas. Many garages offer hourly and daily rates and are located near train stations and city centers.

If you’re visiting large cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague, consider using Park + Ride (P+R) facilities. These are located outside city centers and allow you to park for as little as €1 per day if you continue your journey by public transport. It’s one of the best-kept secrets for cheap parking in the Netherlands!

Visitor parking permits

If you’re hosting friends or family, you can apply for a visitor parking permit (bezoekersvergunning) through your municipality. This allows guests to park near your home at a reduced rate for a limited time. Applications are usually online and managed through your personal parking account.

Parking for electric vehicles and disabled drivers

·        Electric cars: Most cities have special spots with EV charging stations (laadpalen). If none are nearby, you can request one from your municipality.

·        Disabled parking: With a European Disability Parking Card, you can use dedicated spaces across the Netherlands, often free of charge.

Final tips

·        Always check local parking signs and tariffs, rules vary by city.

·        Use apps like ANWB Onderweg or Google Maps to find available parking spots and garages.

·        Never park on bike lanes, sidewalks, or near intersections, enforcement cameras and inspectors are everywhere.

·        If you live in a high-rise building with indoor parking facilities, please note that the municipality does not issue street parking permits in such cases. Therefore, residents are required to use the indoor parking, which typically costs around €200–€250 per month.

Parking in the Netherlands might seem complicated at first, but once you understand how the Dutch parking system works, it becomes much easier. Whether you need a residential parking permit, want to find cheap parking in Rotterdam, or just want to avoid fines, a bit of preparation goes a long way.