Rotterdam is built for moving: trams, bikes, fast roads, and a city centre that does not really want you circling for a kerbside space. You can still drive in, but you will have a calmer, cheaper visit if you plan your parking before you arrive.
If you are only coming into the centre for a few hours, compare the cost of street parking with a garage deal or a P+R. Rotterdam’s streets are modern, but the parking bill can still feel old-fashioned.
This guide breaks it down into three practical options:
- Park on the street (usually the most expensive)
- Use a car park (often easier, sometimes cheaper)
- Use a Park and Ride (P+R) and finish the trip by metro, tram or bus (often the best value)
Street parking in Rotterdam (paid zones)
Paid street parking is common in Rotterdam, including around many neighbourhood centres.
What it costs (2026)
Rotterdam uses three main street-parking tariff levels:
- Centre: €6.42 per hour
- Centre ring: €3.20 per hour
- Other areas: €2.24 per hour
There are also “Stop & Shop” streets in the centre ring where you pay €0.20 for the first half hour, then the regular centre-ring rate after that.
When you have to pay
Paid-parking hours depend on the street you are on. In the city centre, many streets follow a pattern like:
- Mon–Thu: 09:00–23:00
- Fri–Sat: 09:00–01:00
- Sun: 12:00–23:00
But some streets differ, so always check the sign on the street, the parking meter, or the official parking map.
How to check your zone quickly
- Official parking map (paid zones and rules): https://kaartlaag.rotterdam.nl/parkeren
- Independent overview map (useful for comparing garages and street parking): https://www.prettigparkeren.nl/kaart/
Tip: Rotterdam largely works with licence plate parking. That means you pay for your number plate, not a paper ticket.
Parking garages (often the easiest option)
If you want to be close to the centre without worrying about street rules, a garage is usually the simplest choice. Rotterdam has municipal garages and plenty of private operators.
Municipal garages
Here are some popular municipal garages:
- Schouwburgplein 1 & 2: Convenient for the city centre and shopping districts.
- Museumpark: Ideal for museum visitors.
- Erasmusbrug: A good choice near the iconic bridge and waterfront.
- Meent & Kiphof: Located in bustling shopping and dining areas.
- Veranda: Close to entertainment venues like Pathé De Kuip.
- Oude Haven: Perfect for a night out in the historic harbour area.
The city lists its public garages here:
https://www.rotterdam.nl/openbare-parkeergarages
You can reserve a space in participating municipal garages online, up to 3 months ahead, and the city says you can park up to 50% cheaper: https://www.rotterdam.nl/parkeerplaats-reserveren
Private operators
You will find many garages run by operators such as Q-Park and APCOA. Prices vary widely by location and deal, so it is worth checking the operator’s live pricing and any day-rate offers before you drive in.
- Q-Park Rotterdam deals: https://www.q-park.nl/nl-nl/parkeren/rotterdam/goedkoop-parkeren-rotterdam/
- APCOA Rotterdam locations: https://www.apcoa.nl/kort-parkeren/locaties/rotterdam
- Interparking: Known for central locations and slightly premium rates.
- ParkingYou: Focuses on tailored parking solutions and often has competitive pricing for long stays.
If you are travelling during a busy weekend, match day or a big event, consider reserving a spot in advance where possible.
Park and Ride (P+R): park on the edge and take the metro
P+R is often the best answer if you want to avoid traffic and high prices in the centre. You park at the edge of the city and travel onward by public transport.
Rotterdam’s official P+R page (with the current list and conditions) is here:
https://www.rotterdam.nl/pr-terreinen
The key rule
Free P+R parking depends on the location and the ticket you use. Rotterdam currently links the discount to an OV-chipkaart or a RET day ticket. OVpay does not qualify for the discount at the moment.
P+R locations (overview)
Rotterdam groups its P+R sites like this:
- Max 24 hours free parking with OV-chipkaart: Kralingse Zoom, Slinge
- Max 72 hours free parking with OV-chipkaart: Meijersplein, Noorderhelling, Alexander, Hoek van Holland
- Free parking even without OV-chipkaart: Beverwaard, Capelsebrug, Melanchtonweg, Schenkel, Nesselande, Hoogvliet, Hoogvliet Tussenwater, Hoogvliet Zalmplaat, Pernis
Always follow the signs on site and the instructions at the payment machines.
How to pay for parking in Rotterdam
You can usually pay:
- at a parking meter (card payments are standard)
- via a parking app from a recognised parking provider
The city explains paid parking here:
https://www.rotterdam.nl/betaald-parkeren
Staying with friends or family in a permit zone? Use visitor parking
If you are sleeping over at someone’s place in a permit zone, do not gamble on the street rate or the hours. Ask your host to arrange visitor parking for you.
Rotterdam offers a visitor parking permit that lets your host register your licence plate for parking in their zone at a reduced rate. It also works for foreign number plates. In 2026, the city lists the cost as €0.13 per unit. The permit itself is free to apply for.
Apply or read the rules: https://www.rotterdam.nl/parkeervergunning-voor-bezoekers-aanvragen
Once your host has the permit, they can register your car using the Rotterdam Visitor Parking service:
- Web version: https://bezoek.rotterdam.nl/
- Android: https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/rotterdam-bezoekers-parkeren/id1445130214
- Apple: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=nl&id=nl.rotterdam.rbp
When registering, your host must choose the correct parking zone in the app. If the wrong zone is selected, you risk a surcharge.
How to register visitors and pick the right zone: https://www.rotterdam.nl/aanmelden-parkeren-bezoek-en-mantelzorgers
If you are visiting someone you care for, there is also a separate **caregiver parking permit** that allows free parking near the address, within the relevant sector:
https://www.rotterdam.nl/parkeervergunning-voor-mantelzorger-aanvragen
Zero Emission (ZE) zone warning for rented vans and trucks (inside the ring)
Rotterdam’s centre can look driveable right up until the ring, then the rules snap into place. Since 1 January 2025, the area inside the ring is a zero emission zone for business vans and trucks. If you are in a rented van, you can still be caught out because the rental company’s vehicle category, emission class and date of first admission decide whether you are allowed in.
What this means for you:
- Check the boundary before you drive in: https://kaartlaag.rotterdam.nl/ze-zone
- Check the vehicle, not your plans: use the national plate check and rules overview, including guidance for foreign plates: https://www.opwegnaarzes.nl/ and https://www.opwegnaarzes.nl/bedrijven/buitenlandse-voertuigen
- Enforcement is live: since 1 July 2025 Rotterdam issues automatic fines if you enter without meeting the rules or having a valid exemption. Fines are about €120 for a van and €310 for a truck.
One extra detail: from 1 January 2026 you may see a new national road sign for zero emission zones and low emission zones. The rules stay the same, but municipalities are replacing old signs between 1 January and 1 July 2026.
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