Tip 7: Cheap Car Parking

Stop Overpaying! Discover Tips for Cheap Parking in NL

Parking in the Netherlands can be expensive, especially in major cities. But with the right strategies, you can save a lot. Discover how to find cheap car parking options in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, The Hague, and beyond using reservation systems, P+R facilities, and handy apps.

Parking costs in Dutch cities are notoriously high, but with a bit of planning, you can avoid overspending. Whether you’re in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, or The Hague, several strategies can help you find affordable parking. This guide will walk you through the best options, including city-owned parking reservations, P+R facilities, and useful apps.

Before diving into city-specific parking strategies, it’s useful to understand some general tips that can help you save on parking throughout the Netherlands. Whether you’re in a bustling city like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, or The Hague, or exploring smaller towns, these strategies will help you cut down on parking costs. Detailed tips for specific cities will be discussed later in the article.

Using Parkopedia: If you’re willing to walk a bit, apps like Parkopedia (for iOS or for Android) can help you locate free parking areas outside city centers. This is particularly useful in residential neighborhoods where parking is often free, allowing you to save money by avoiding expensive city-center parking.

P+R Strategy: Park and Ride (P+R) facilities are a smart way to reduce parking costs by parking on the outskirts of cities and taking public transport into the center. Parking in suburbs or near train stations is often much cheaper than parking in city centers. Remember to check the local P+R rules, as some facilities may have specific requirements or time restrictions.

If you prefer traditional parking without discounts, using a parking app like EasyPark or Yellowbrick is the most convenient option throughout the Netherlands. These apps allow you to find and pay for parking directly from your phone, ensuring you only pay for the exact time you park, which can be more cost-effective than using a parking machine where you typically need to estimate your parking time in advance. While some apps may charge a small monthly fee or a minor fee for each parking session, they are often still cheaper overall. Additionally, these apps allow you to compare parking rates across different areas, helping you choose the most cost-effective location no matter where you are in the country.

Cheap Car Parking in a Nutshell

• Advance Reservations: Booking parking spots in advance can save you money and guarantee a spot. In Rotterdam, city-operated garages offer significant discounts when you reserve ahead, sometimes up to 50% off.
• P+R Facilities: Park and Ride options offer extremely low-cost parking on the city outskirts if you’re willing to use public transport to reach the center.
• Parking Apps: Utilize apps like  to find and pay for parking, compare rates, and only pay for the exact time you park.
• On-Street vs Garage Parking: Parking in a garage tends to be cheaper and more convenient than on-street parking.
• Free Parking Zones: Use apps like Parkopedia to locate free parking areas, typically in residential or suburban neighborhoods.
• Weekend Deals: Many garages offer special deals on weekends.

Amsterdam is known for its high parking fees, but with careful planning and the right tools, you can save significantly on parking costs. Here’s how you can find affordable parking options in the city.

Booking a parking spot in advance at one of Amsterdam’s parking garages can lead to significant savings. Look for deals at garages like Q-Park and ParkBee, where advance bookings can offer lower rates. You can find more information and make reservations at Q-Park Amsterdam or ParkBee.

While reserving a parking spot in Amsterdam doesn’t usually come with fixed discounts like in other cities, it guarantees a spot and provides peace of mind, especially in high-demand areas. These garages often offer special deals that change regularly, with particularly good offers available on weekends. In general, parking in a garage tends to be slightly cheaper than on-street parking.

Amsterdam Cost Comparison

• On-Street Parking:
  €7.50 per hour in the city center
• Garage Parking without Reservation:
  +/- €7.50 per hour
• With Reservation:
  As low as €10 per day during weekends
• P+R:
  As low as €6 per day

How P+R Works: Amsterdam’s Park and Ride (P+R) locations offer one of the most cost-effective parking solutions in the city. You can park at these facilities for as little as €6 per 24 hours if you travel into the city center using public transportation. This option is ideal for day trips or longer stays. Note that P+R rates are available after 10 AM on weekdays and all day on weekends. For more details, check out the Amsterdam P+R page.

Popular P+R Locations:

• P+R Sloterdijk
• P+R Bos en Lommer
• P+R RAI

Rotterdam offers several budget-friendly parking options, especially if you book in advance. Here’s how to make the most of the city’s parking system.

Rotterdam offers a convenient way to save on parking by reserving a spot in advance at one of the city-operated garages via the Rotterdam Parking Reservations website. When you make a reservation through the city’s official parking website, you can save up to 50% compared to paying on arrival.

Participating Garages:
Meent, Schouwburgplein 1, Schouwburgplein 2, Kiphof, Oude Haven, De Boompjes, Museumpark, Erasmusbrug

Rotterdam Cost Comparison

• On-Street Parking:
  €5 – €6 per hour in the city center
• Garage Parking without Reservation:
  +/- €4 per hour
• With Reservation:
  As low as €2,50 per hour
• P+R:
  For free or up to €4 per day

Key Points:

• Advance Booking: Reservations must be made at least 1 hour before your intended arrival. This ensures that your spot is secured and the system is ready to recognize your vehicle.
• Payment: You pay upfront via iDeal when making your reservation, so there’s no need to worry about payment when you arrive or leave.
• Arrival Flexibility: It’s okay to arrive slightly earlier than your reserved time, as the system will still recognize your booking.
• Extended Stays: If you stay longer than the time you reserved, you’ll need to pay for the additional time at regular rates before leaving the garage.

How P+R Works: Rotterdam’s P+R options allow you to park for free or at a minimal fee if you continue your journey by public transport. After parking, you’ll need to take a tram, bus, or metro into the city center. The parking cost is typically €2-€4 for 24 hours, but if you use an OV-chipkaart and make a round trip on public transport, parking can be free. More details can be found on the Rotterdam P+R page.

Popular P+R Locations: The following locations are particularly convenient if you want to head to the city center, offering free parking when you take public transport from the P+R to continue your journey.

• P+R Kralingse Zoom
• P+R Alexander
• P+R Noorderhelling

The Hague offers several options for budget-friendly parking, whether you’re looking to reserve a spot in advance or make use of P+R facilities. Here’s how to park smartly in the city without breaking the bank.

Booking a parking spot in advance at one of The Hague’s parking garages can lead to significant savings and convenience. Look for deals at garages like Q-Park and ParkBee, where advance bookings can offer lower rates. You can find more information and make reservations at Q-Park The Hague or ParkBee.

While reserving a parking spot in The Hague doesn’t usually come with fixed discounts, it guarantees a spot in high-demand areas. Like in Amsterdam, these garages often offer special deals that change regularly, with particularly good offers available on weekends. In general, parking in a garage tends to be slightly cheaper than on-street parking in the city center.

The Hague Cost Comparison

• On-Street Parking:
  €6,50 per hour in the city center
• Garage Parking without Reservation:
  +/- €5 per hour
• With Reservation:
  As low as €10 per day during weekends
• P+R:
  For free or up to €6 per day

How P+R Works: Though fewer in number than in cities like Rotterdam or Amsterdam, The Hague’s Park and Ride (P+R) facilities offer a cost-effective parking solution for travelers willing to use public transport. For more information about the cities P+R locations visit the The Hague P+R website.

Popular P+R Locations: 

• P+R Hoornwijck
• P+R Mariahoeve (Free)
• P+R Station Ypenburg (Free)
• P+R Station Leidschenveen haven