Before you book that rental car, there’s something you should know: driving in Amsterdam is a nightmare. From expensive parking to narrow streets, cars just don’t fit in this charming, bike-loving city. Here’s why ditching the car and renting a bike is the best way to explore Amsterdam.
🚗 Parking in Amsterdam Is a Real Problem
Amsterdam parking problems
Amsterdam may be a major city, but it’s not made for cars. In fact, only about 40% of people living in Amsterdam own a car. That’s because finding a place to park is nearly impossible. According to Planetizen, the whole city has only about 432,000 parking spaces—and that number is getting smaller every year.
The local government is removing around 10,000 parking spots to make room for bikes and walking paths. That means even locals struggle to find space, and tourists have it even harder.
Parking Is Very Expensive
Even if you’re lucky and find a parking spot, you’ll pay a high price. Parking in the city center costs €7.50 per hour (around $8.69 USD). Leaving your car for just a few hours can cost more than your lunch or dinner. If you’re staying for a few days, those costs add up fast.
🚴♀️ Amsterdam Is Built for Bikes
More Bikes Than People
In Amsterdam, bikes outnumber people. The city has around 881,000 bicycles and about 780,000 residents. That shows how popular biking is with locals. From students to office workers, almost everyone rides a bike.
Bike lanes are everywhere. The roads are made to keep cyclists safe. In many places, bikes even have their own traffic lights. Instead of building more car roads, the city builds bike paths, bridges, and garages.
Underwater Bike Garages and Smart Planning
Amsterdam is always finding smart ways to save space. In 2023, the city opened a huge underground bike garage near Central Station—under the canals! It can hold thousands of bikes. Compare that to a small 600-car garage built under another canal in 2018. The city clearly prefers bikes over cars.
Driving in Amsterdam Is Hard and Confusing
Narrow Streets and Old Layouts
Amsterdam is a historic city with streets that were never designed for cars. The roads are narrow, winding, and often one-way. Many streets are shared with trams, bikes, and pedestrians. If you’re not used to this setup, it’s easy to get lost or confused.
Even GPS apps can struggle to help you navigate. Many tourists find themselves stuck, frustrated, or accidentally driving into restricted zones.
Trams and Traffic Make Driving Worse
The city has a strong tram system running through the streets. Trams have the right of way, which can make driving more stressful. Add in thousands of bikes and people walking, and driving becomes more trouble than it’s worth.
🌍 Amsterdam Wants Fewer Cars, Not More
Amsterdam is planning for a cleaner, healthier future. That’s why the city is actively trying to reduce car traffic. The focus is on:
More bike lanes
Better public transport
Wider sidewalks for walking
Less air and noise pollution
City leaders like Deputy Mayor Melanie Ter Horst have said,
“We don’t have enough space for everyone to get from A to B. That’s why we need to make more space for cyclists and pedestrians.”
✅ Why You Should Choose a Bike Instead
It’s Easy, Cheap, and Fun
Renting a bike in Amsterdam is simple. You can find bike rental shops all over the city, and most places charge around €10–15 per day. Some hotels even offer free bikes.
With a bike, you can:
Move around quickly and freely
Avoid traffic and parking hassles
See more of the city
Stop anytime to take photos or grab a snack
You’ll Experience the City Like a Local
Riding a bike lets you enjoy Amsterdam like the locals do. You’ll pass beautiful canals, quiet streets, and cozy cafes. You can explore parks like Vondelpark, visit local markets, or ride through neighborhoods that cars can’t reach.
💡 Final Tips for Tourists
If you’re visiting Amsterdam:
Skip the rental car. You don’t need it, and you’ll save money.
Use bikes or public transport. Trams, buses, and ferries are easy to use and affordable.
Walk when you can. The city is small and very walkable.
Follow the bike rules. Stay in the bike lane, use hand signals, and watch for trams.
🏁 Final Words: See Amsterdam the Right Way
Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. It’s not made for driving—it’s made for biking, walking, and enjoying life at a slower pace. Renting a car will only cost you time, money, and patience.
So do what the locals do: get on a bike, enjoy the fresh air, and explore the city stress-free. You’ll see more, spend less, and feel more connected to this beautiful city.