Amsterdam West offers several parking options for visitors, residents and employees in the area. From street parking and parking garages to P+R lots, each option has specific advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, availability and convenience. Parking rates vary by zone and time of day, with parking permits being advantageous for regular visitors. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about parking in Amsterdam West.
What are the different parking options in Amsterdam West?
In Amsterdam West, you can choose from street parking, parking garages, P+R lots and private parking lots. Street parking is available on most streets with parking meters or via parking apps. Parking garages provide covered spaces near shopping centers and office buildings. P+R lots on the outskirts of the district combine parking with public transportation.
Street parking is the most common option in residential areas such as Bos en Lommer and de Baarsjes. You pay by the hour via parking meters or apps such as Parkmobile and Yellowbrick. The advantage is proximity to your destination, but availability can be limited during busy hours. Some streets have permit parking for residents only.
Parking garages are found mostly at large shopping centers such as Osdorpplein and at office locations in Sloterdijk. These offer security of a spot and protection from weather. Fees are often slightly higher than street parking, but some garages offer day passes for long-term parkers. At malls, you sometimes get discounted or free parking with purchases.
P+R lots are ideal for visitors who want to reach the city center. You park cheaply on the outskirts of the city and travel further by streetcar or metro. These lots have long opening hours and surveillance. Private parking lots at hotels, restaurants or businesses are usually only available to customers or employees of those locations.
How much does parking in Amsterdam West cost per hour?
Parking fees in Amsterdam West vary by zone and time of day. In the inner ring you pay the highest rates, while suburbs are cheaper. Evening and weekend rates are lower than during the day. Day passes offer benefits for long-term parking. Parking garages often charge fixed hourly rates regardless of the time of day.
Amsterdam West falls mostly under fare zones 3 and 4, which means that charges are lower than in the city center. On weekdays, the highest rates apply between 9:00 and 19:00. After 7 p.m. and on Sundays, rates are significantly lower. Some areas even have free parking on Sundays.
Street parking is usually cheaper per hour than parking garages, but for long-term parking, a day pass in a garage can be more economical. Note that rates are adjusted regularly by the municipality. You can check current rates per street via the municipal website or parking apps.
For regular visitors or employees in the area, a parking permit may be of interest. This offers unlimited parking in a particular area for a fixed monthly or annual fee. Businesses can also apply for parking permits for their employees, which is especially convenient for coworking spaces and flexible offices.
Where can you find P+R sites in Amsterdam West?
P+R sites in and around Amsterdam West are strategically located near metro and streetcar stops. The main locations are P+R Lelylaan, P+R Henk Sneevlietweg and P+R Olympic Stadium. These lots offer cheap parking combined with public transportation to the center. Reservations can often be made through the P+R Amsterdam website.
P+R Lelylaan is located right by the train station of the same name and offers quick connections to Amsterdam Central and Schiphol Airport. The site has over 90 spaces and is accessible 24/7. From here you can travel to the city center within 15 minutes. The area is secured with cameras and has good lighting.
P+R Henk Sneevlietweg near subway station Henk Sneevlietweg has about 60 spaces. This area is popular with visitors to Zuidas and downtown. The metro takes you in 10 minutes to Station Zuid or 20 minutes to Central Station. The lot is covered and has charging points for electric cars.
The P+R system works simply: you check in with your OV-chip card when you arrive and pay a reduced rate if you traveled by public transportation the same day. Without OV travel, you pay the normal parking rate. For groups of up to 5 people in one car, the discounted P+R rate applies to everyone traveling by public transport.
How do you apply for a parking permit for Amsterdam West?
You can apply for a parking permit for Amsterdam West online through the website of the municipality of Amsterdam. Residents, businesses and caregivers are eligible for different types of permits. The application process takes about 5 business days. You will need a BSN number, license plate number and address information for the application.
For a resident permit, you must be registered at an address in Amsterdam West. You can apply for a maximum of two permits per household. The first permit has a fixed annual fee, the second is more expensive. The permit only applies in your permit area, not all of Amsterdam West.
Businesses can apply for parking permits for employees who must regularly travel by car. The number of business permits available is limited by area. Co-working venues can often make collective arrangements for their members. The cost is higher than resident permits but offers flexibility for changing employees.
Visitor permits are digital parking rights that residents can activate for their guests. You buy a credit of parking hours that you can use flexibly. Caregivers can apply for a special permit if they regularly provide care to someone in Amsterdam West. This permit is cheaper than regular visitor rights.
Which parking garages are there in Amsterdam West?
Amsterdam West has several public and private parking garages scattered throughout the borough West. Large parking garages can be found at shopping centers such as Osdorpplein, De Vlugtlaan and Nieuw West. Office areas such as Teleport and Riekerpolder have their own parking facilities. Most garages are accessible 24/7 with various payment options.
Osdorpplein parking garage is one of the largest with over 600 spaces. This garage serves the shopping center and surrounding amenities. The first few hours of parking are often free or at a reduced rate when making purchases in the mall. The garage has ample parking spaces and is wheelchair-friendly.
In the Teleport area near Sloterdijk station you will find several office garages. Some are publicly accessible, others only for employees of specific companies. These garages are convenient for visitors to the many offices and coworking spaces in this dynamic business district. Reservations are often available for day visitors.
Private parking garages at hotels and large companies sometimes offer spots for outside visitors. This can be interesting during events or busy periods. Rates vary widely, but are often competitive with public garages. Electric charging stations are becoming more common in modern garages.
Where can you park for free or cheap in Amsterdam West?
Free parking in Amsterdam West is available in some suburbs and during specific times. Areas such as parts of Geuzenveld and Osdorp still have free parking spots. On Sundays, parking on many streets is free or at reduced rates. Supermarkets and shopping centers often offer 1-2 hours of free parking for customers.
Just outside the paid parking zones you will find free spots, especially in new housing developments on the outskirts of Amsterdam West. These areas are further from the center but are accessible by bicycle or public transportation. Pay attention to signs indicating where paid parking ends. Residents often park here during the day when going to work in the city.
Evening parking is considerably cheaper in most parts of Amsterdam West. After 7 p.m. the rates drop and in some places it's even free after 9 p.m. So for evening visits to restaurants or friends, you can save quite a bit by arriving later. Always check local fare signs for exact times.
Shopping centers such as Osdorpplein, Plein '40-'45 and Sierplein offer free parking for a limited time. With your parking pass and purchase receipt, you can often park for free for 1-2 hours. Some supermarkets have their own parking lots with 90 minutes of free parking. This is ideal for short visits or if you need to be nearby for an appointment.
Finding the right parking solution in Amsterdam West depends on your specific needs, budget and the length of your visit. Whether you choose street parking, a parking garage or P+R, proper preparation will help you save time and money. For regular visitors or companies looking for flexible workspaces in the area, a parking permit or fixed parking arrangement may be the best option. Want to learn more about the options for your situation? Then take contact with us for personal advice on parking and working in Amsterdam West.