SchipholParking.infoSchiphol parking without a reservation: drive-up rates and when to book instead
Can you park at Schiphol without a reservation?
Yes. According to Schiphol, you can simply drive in without booking at nearly all of its car parks, and every location is open around the clock. Two exceptions need a reservation: valet parking (P6) and P12. You pay on the way out, digitally or with the QR code on your parking ticket.
Schiphol’s drive-up rates
These are the rates for parking without a reservation as Schiphol listed them on 26 October 2026:
| Car park | First 24 hours | 24 to 48 hours | After 48 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 (next to the terminal) | 59.50 euros (2.70 per 20 minutes) | 119 euros | Maximum 48 hours; 100 euros per extra day |
| P3 Long Term Sheltered | 59.50 euros | 110 euros | 16 euros per extra day |
| P3 Long Term Unsheltered | 59.50 euros | 100 euros | 16 euros per extra day |
P1 is a few minutes’ walk from the terminal; P3 is the long-stay car park, about 5 minutes away by a free shuttle that runs 24/7, every 10 minutes. Privium members have their own car parks with separate rates.
What a trip costs at drive-up rates
Worked out from the rates above:
- A day trip: 59.50 euros in P1 or P3. For a few hours, P1 costs 2.70 euros per 20 minutes.
- A weekend (two days): 100 euros in P3 unsheltered, 110 in P3 sheltered or 119 in P1.
- A week (seven days): 180 euros in P3 unsheltered (100 for the first two days plus five days at 16) or 190 euros in P3 sheltered.
- A week in P1 without a booking: not something to plan. P1 allows 48 hours without a reservation, and Schiphol adds 100 euros for every day beyond that, which would make a week 619 euros.
The pattern is clear: drive-up P1 suits short stays and pick-ups, while for anything longer than two days P3’s 16 euros a day makes the difference.
Why P1 has a 48-hour limit
Schiphol keeps P1 for people making a short trip or picking someone up, so without a reservation you can stay at most 48 hours (72 hours in Privium 1). If you want P1 for longer, you need to book online, and Schiphol only offers longer P1 bookings when there are enough free spaces. If you stay longer than a booking, the regular P1 rate applies to the extra time.
When booking ahead pays
Schiphol itself says that parking without a reservation is convenient but often more expensive, and that an online reservation is often cheaper, with the price depending on how long you stay, when you book and availability. Booking also guarantees you a space, which matters on busy holiday weekends.
For a quick comparison, put your dates into our parking estimator, which shows an indicative pre-booked total for every option, official and off-site, and see our guide to booking Schiphol parking cheaply. If you are collecting someone rather than flying, our drop-off and pick-up guide covers the free Kiss & Ride and P1 by the minute.
Drive-up or book: a quick guide
- Picking someone up or a few hours away: drive up to P1 and pay by the 20 minutes.
- A day or two, plans not fixed: drive-up P3 or P1 is simple; compare with a booking if your dates are known.
- Three days or more: P3 at drive-up rates is reasonable, but check the pre-booked price for your dates first.
- School holidays and peak weekends: book, so you are sure of a space.
Going away with friends and still deciding where to stay? Our sister site VoteStay lets the group vote on the options before you fix the dates.
Frequently asked questions
Can I park at Schiphol without a reservation?
Yes. Schiphol says you can drive in without booking at nearly all of its car parks, including P1 and both P3 car parks, and all of them are open 24/7. Valet parking and P12 always need a reservation.
How much does Schiphol parking cost without a reservation?
On 26 October 2026 Schiphol listed 59.50 euros for the first 24 hours in P1 and in P3. For 24 to 48 hours, P1 costs 119 euros, P3 sheltered 110 and P3 unsheltered 100; in P3, each day after 48 hours adds 16 euros.
How long can I park in P1 without a reservation?
A maximum of 48 hours. Schiphol adds 100 euros for each day beyond that, because it keeps P1 free for short trips and for picking people up. For a longer stay in P1 you need to book.
Is it cheaper to book Schiphol parking in advance?
Schiphol says booking online beforehand is often cheaper, with the price depending on how long you stay, when you book and availability. For trips longer than a couple of days, compare the pre-booked prices for your dates before you drive in.
Rates change, so check the current drive-up prices on schiphol.nl before you go.