Free Parking on Sundays — 2026

The Sunday rule in the Netherlands

There's a common belief that parking in the Netherlands is free on Sundays. This is not a national law — it's a city-by-city policy. Some cities offer free Sunday parking across the board. Others charge exactly the same as a weekday. And a few have a patchwork of zones, some free and some not.

The golden rule: always check the sign at the parking location before leaving your car. The sign shows the paid hours. If Sunday isn't listed, it's free.

Amsterdam: Sunday is NOT free

This is the big one. Amsterdam charges for parking on Sundays in virtually the entire city. In the centre, the rate is €8.05/hr running from 9:00 to 24:00 on Sundays. In De Pijp and Oost, it's from 12:00. In some outer zones like Nieuw-West, Sunday is indeed free — but these areas are far from tourist attractions.

Don't assume Amsterdam Sundays are free. They are not. If you park at Dam Square on Sunday morning without paying, you will get a €72.90 fine.

Eindhoven: Sunday IS free

Eindhoven is one of the best cities for parking in the Netherlands, and free Sunday parking is one of the reasons. Parking on Sundays is free throughout most of Eindhoven, including the city centre. The paid hours in the Centrum zone are Mon-Sat 9:00-18:00 only.

This makes Eindhoven a great day-trip destination for a Sunday. Visit the Van Abbemuseum, explore Strijp-S, or walk around the Markt — all without paying a cent for parking.

Rotterdam: Sunday is mostly free

Rotterdam charges on Sundays in some inner zones but not most of them. The Centrum zone around Coolsingel and Blaak is paid Mon-Sat only. Most residential areas are free on Sundays. Exceptions exist near the Cruise Terminal and some tourist hotspots in summer — check the signs.

The Hague: Free on Sundays in most areas

The Hague's paid parking hours are typically Mon-Sat 9:00-21:00 in the centre. Sundays are free in most zones. Scheveningen beach area is an exception during summer (April-September) when it charges daily.

Utrecht: Sunday is paid in the centre

Utrecht charges on Sundays in the centre zone: 12:00-23:00 on Sundays. This is a half-day charge, not all-day, but it's not free. Outer areas are typically free on Sundays. The P+R options remain good value at €5/24hr.

Groningen: Free on Sundays

Groningen's paid hours in the Binnenstad are Mon-Sat 9:00-21:00. Sundays are free throughout the city. Combined with Groningen's relatively low weekday rates (from €1.80/hr in garages), it's one of the most affordable parking cities in the Netherlands.

Leiden: Mostly free on Sundays

Leiden's historic centre charges Mon-Sat 9:00-21:00. Sundays are free in most zones. Perfect for a Sunday market visit — Leiden's Saturday and Sunday markets are worth the trip, and parking won't cost you anything on Sunday.

Maastricht: Free on Sundays

Maastricht has consistently offered free Sunday parking in the Binnenstad. The paid hours are Mon-Sat 9:00-21:00. Sundays are free, making it an excellent reason to visit on a Sunday — especially for the Vrijthof area and the Sunday antique market.

Breda: Free on Sundays

Breda charges Mon-Sat 9:00-21:00 in the Centrum zone. Sundays are free. As one of the cheaper parking cities in the Netherlands overall (€2.80/hr on weekdays), Breda combined with free Sundays makes it very accessible by car.