A coach tour through Amsterdam? It’s banned as of 2024

Starting from next year, coach tour buses — and any other coaches for that matter — will not be allowed to enter the city centre of Amsterdam.

The municipality of Amsterdam feels like there is no longer enough space for coach buses to explore the city, and has decided to react to the residents’ complaints. 

From January 2024, buses heavier than 7.5 tons will have to stop at the outskirts of the city. From there, tourists can take public transport, or a bike, if they’re keen on the real Dutch experience. 🚲

There will be some exceptions

In the Weesperstraat-Valkenburgerstraat-Kattenburgerstraat area, however, it will still be possible to hop on a coach tour bus.

In this circle, visitors will have a chance to see museums like Nemo, the Jewish Historical Museum, and the Hermitage, RTL Nieuws reports. 

READ MORE | The municipality of Amsterdam pushes for a bike speed limit

According to Melanie van der Horst, traffic alderman of Amsterdam, tourists aren’t the only ones using these giant buses to explore the city.

public-tram-crossing-damrak-main-street-crowded-with-tourists-amsterdam-netherlands
Maybe it’s time to use public transport instead? 🤔 Image: Freepik

“A lot of visitors come to Amsterdam every year with a coach. These are not only tourists, but also children on a school trip to Artis or the elderly who go to a museum, and we would like to offer space for that,” said Horst to RTL Nieuws. 

Protecting the city

Annoyed residents weren’t the only reason for the new rule, as the heavy vehicles can easily damage the roads, bridges, and quays of the historical city centre.

These buses can also cause congestion in the narrow streets, and make roads more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.

What do you think of the new rule? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image:Depositphotos
Mihály Droppa
Mihály Droppa
Mihály fell in love with (and in) Amsterdam, so he quit his NGO job in Budapest and moved to Amsterdam to become a journalist. His apartment is full of plants and books, two dogs, and a random mouse in the kitchen. You might find him in Vondelpark, where he spends most of his life throwing tennis balls for his vizslas and listening to podcasts. His nickname is Mex — ask him why!

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