The number of heavy tour buses in the center of Amsterdam has decreased by 66% since the introduction of stricter regulations on January 1, 2024. Buses heavier than 7.5 tons may now only enter the inner ring with an exemption. This reduces congestion in narrow streets and alleviates pressure on bridges and quays.
Tour buses without an exemption may still drive via the S100 and the Rhijnspoorplein, the Weesperstraat, the Valkenburgerstraat, and the Kattenburgerstraat. It has also become quieter on this route. The number of heavy tour buses has decreased by 18%: from an average of 114 per day in 2023 to 94 per day now.
On the Kattenburgerstraat itself, the number has slightly increased (from 31 to 34 per day), likely due to new boarding locations for sightseeing boats at De Ruijterkade Oost and the Zouthaven. We keep the street open for tour buses to prevent other roads, such as Van Diemenstraat, from becoming even busier. We will monitor if additional measures are necessary here.
Fines
In 2024, drivers without exemptions received a total of 814 warning letters. Starting January 1, 2025, drivers without exemptions risk a fine.
Significant Effect
Councilor Melanie van der Horst (Traffic and Transport) is pleased that the measure has had an immediate significant effect. “And that was very necessary. We all know the images of large tour buses blocking narrow streets because the road was too narrow and they had to turn around, resulting in all the traffic being stuck in exhaust fumes. Next year we will see the effect of enforcement, so I expect the number of tour buses in the city to decrease even further.”
More Tour Buses Outside the City Center
Within the Ring A10, there are now 21% more tour buses than last year. There are also more light buses. This is likely due to:
- The return of tourism after COVID
- The growth in the number of school trips
- Road works, forcing buses to detour
In the coming period, we will investigate whether additional measures are needed to limit nuisance.
Exemption Application Procedure Adjusted
Some groups need a tour bus for outings and activities, such as school classes, associations, or cultural groups. Therefore, organizations can apply for an exemption to enter the city center.
In 2024, we granted 744 day exemptions and 18 year exemptions. Sometimes applications were denied even though they fit within the purpose of the regulations. The application procedure has been adjusted so that these groups can now receive an exemption.
No Extra Stop on the Nassaukade
There was a plan to test an extra stop on the Nassaukade, but residents feared nuisance. Research showed that the stop did not improve the distribution of tour buses. The Anne Frank House also saw no added value, as the existing stops are already sufficient. Therefore, we decided not to construct the stop.
Easier Transfers to Train, Tram, Metro, and Bus
We are investigating how tour buses can better connect to public transport, for example with additional transfer locations. This will allow tour buses to be picked up at fixed locations and facilitate the transit for visitors. This can further reduce the nuisance caused by large tour buses.
Significantly Fewer Hop-On-Hop-Off Buses
Since 2019, the number of rides of Hop-On-Hop-Off buses in Amsterdam has also decreased significantly, by no less than 67%. This means that Hop-On-Hop-Off buses now average 20 rides per day. Previously, that was an average of 60. We are investigating whether and how this number can be further reduced.
Want to Know More
Would you like to know more about the regulations for tour buses? Or do you want to apply for an exemption? Visit amsterdam.nl/touringcars.