Planning a beach day by car in the Netherlands this summer? Great idea—but don’t forget to check the parking fees before you go. According to a recent study by Gaspedaal.nl, parking at the beach will cost you an average of €16.33 per day. At the most expensive beach, Bloemendaal aan Zee, you could be looking at a hefty €33.60!
But don’t worry—there are still plenty of places where you can park for less than €10, or even for free. The study compared 83 parking spots across 50 coastal towns, so here’s what you need to know before hitting the road.
Where It’s Most Expensive to Park
If you’re heading to these beaches, be prepared to pay premium rates:
- Bloemendaal aan Zee – €33.60/day
- Scheveningen – €32.81/day
- De Koog (Texel) – €20.00/day
- Zandvoort aan Zee – €16.67/day
- Westenschouwen & Nieuw-Haamstede – €16.00/day
- Wassenaarse Slag – €15.00/day
- Schoorl aan Zee & Bergen aan Zee – €14.40/day
- Zoutelande, Domburg, and surrounding beaches – €13.50/day
- Katwijk aan Zee – €13.40/day
In contrast, places like Wijk aan Zee offer parking for as little as €4 a day, with two free parking lots available. Even better, 15 beaches, including Hoek van Holland and Callantsoog, offer completely free parking!
You can explore a full list of over 80 coastal parking options at Gaspedaal.nl.
Avoid Costly Parking Mistakes
Parking enforcement is serious business at the Dutch coast. Over 60,000 beachgoers received parking fines last year, costing an average of €133 per violation. Common mistakes include parking too close to intersections, in front of driveways, or in undesignated spots like grassy shoulders.
“People rushing to grab that last free spot often overlook signs or markings,” says Jasper Verweij, car expert at Gaspedaal.nl. “A small mistake—like missing a blue line or paid parking sign—can cost you dearly. So take your time, especially if you’re arriving later in the day.”
Watch Out for Car Break-ins
Found a spot? Great! Now double-check that your car is locked and don’t leave valuables inside. Coastal areas experience 55% more car break-ins during summer compared to inland towns.
Some places are riskier than others. In Wassenaar, break-ins are 170% more common at the beach than elsewhere in the town. Other high-risk areas include Texel, Beverwijk, Schouwen-Duiveland, and Zandvoort.
So while you’re soaking up the sun, make sure your car isn’t catching the wrong kind of attention.
Whether you’re a local expat or a visiting tourist, a beach day should be about sunshine and sea—not surprise parking fines or break-ins. Plan ahead, park smart, and enjoy the Dutch coast like a pro.
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