Parking in Alkmaar: A Practical Guide for Drivers

Alkmaar's old centre is a maze of one-way streets and pedestrian zones, but with the right parking strategy you can ditch the car and explore hassle-free.

Where to Park in Alkmaar

Alkmaar's medieval centre is largely car-free, so your best bet is to use one of the peripheral car parks and walk in. The main options are the Grote Kerk parking garage (Kweethof) on the edge of the old town, the Schelphoek garage near the station, and the Pettemerstraat garage on the south side. Expect to pay around €2.50 to €3.50 per hour during the day, with a daily maximum of about €15 to €20. The Grote Kerk garage is ideal for the Waagplein and cheese market, while Schelphoek suits train travellers or those heading to the Molen van Piet.

For a cheaper alternative, try the P+R Alkmaar-Noord at the A9 motorway, where you can park all day for a flat fee (around €5) and take a bus or train into the centre. It's a 10-minute bus ride or a 25-minute walk along the Noordhollandsch Kanaal. If you're staying overnight, check whether your hotel offers a discount on nearby garages—many do. I'd book a hotel with on-site parking if you're arriving by car, as street parking is scarce and often restricted to permit holders.

Parking Rules and Fines

Alkmaar enforces parking regulations strictly, especially in the historic centre. Blue zones require a parking disc (available free from tourist offices or hotels) and have time limits, typically 1 to 2 hours. Paid parking zones operate Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 21:00, and some areas also charge on Sunday afternoons. Fines for overstaying or parking without a ticket start at around €60, so it's not worth the risk. Note that many streets in the centre are permit-only after 18:00, so don't assume a space is free just because it's evening.

If you're using a rental car, ensure you understand the payment machines—they accept coins and cards, but some older machines don't take notes. The Parkmobile app is widely supported in Alkmaar, allowing you to pay by phone and extend time remotely. Be aware that some garages have height restrictions (often 1.9m), which may affect taller vehicles. Also, on cheese market Fridays (April to September), the Waagplein area is extra busy, so arrive before 9:00 to secure a spot in the Grote Kerk garage.

Parking for Hotel Guests

If you're staying in Alkmaar, your hotel's parking situation can make or break your trip. Many central hotels, such as those near the Grote Kerk or along the canals, don't have their own lots and instead offer discounted rates at partner garages. For example, some hotels near the station have arrangements with the Schelphoek garage, where guests pay a reduced daily rate. Always confirm parking availability and cost when booking—it's rarely included in the room rate. For a stress-free stay, I'd recommend booking a hotel on the outskirts, like in Huiswaard or Overdie, where free or cheap parking is more common, and then walking or cycling into the centre.

Alternatively, consider a hotel with a private car park, such as those along the Kennemerstraatweg or near the Alkmaar railway station. These tend to be chain hotels with reliable parking, though you'll sacrifice some historic charm. During peak tourist season (April to September), parking fills up quickly, so book your spot in advance if possible. If you're visiting for the cheese market, consider arriving by train—Alkmaar station is a 10-minute walk from the Waagplein, and trains run frequently from Amsterdam and Haarlem.

When to Park and When to Skip the Car

Alkmaar is well-connected by public transport, so unless you're exploring the wider Noord-Holland region—like the beaches at Bergen aan Zee or the tulip fields near Lisse—you might not need a car at all. The train from Amsterdam takes about 35 minutes, and the station is centrally located. If you do drive, aim to arrive before 10:00 on weekdays or before 9:00 on Saturdays to snag a spot in the main garages. Sundays are generally quieter, but some garages have reduced hours. Avoid driving into the centre during the cheese market (Friday mornings from April to September) unless you enjoy navigating closed streets.

For day trips, park at Alkmaar-Noord P+R and take the bus to the centre, or use the free parking at the Alkmaar University of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool Inholland) on weekends, but check signs for restrictions. If you're heading to the beach at Egmond aan Zee, note that parking there costs around €8 per day in summer—better to take the bus from Alkmaar station. Ultimately, I'd book a hotel with parking if you're driving, and rely on trains and bikes for local trips. The savings in stress and fines are worth it.

Questions, answered

Is parking in Alkmaar expensive?

Expect €2.50–€3.50 per hour in central garages, with daily caps around €15–€20. P+R at Alkmaar-Noord is cheaper at about €5 per day, including bus travel. Street parking in blue zones is free with a disc but time-limited.

Do I need a parking disc in Alkmaar?

Yes, in blue zones you must display a parking disc showing your arrival time. Discs are available free from hotels, tourist offices, and some shops. Fines for not using one start around €60.

Where can I park overnight in Alkmaar?

Most central garages allow overnight parking, but check closing times—some close around midnight. The Grote Kerk and Schelphoek garages offer 24-hour access. Hotels often have discounted rates, so ask when booking.

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