If you fly to Turkey for the summer holidays, you often leave the car behind for two, three or even four weeks. For anyone who drives to Schiphol, "where do I leave my car?" is the first practical decision of the trip. This guide shows what to look at with long-term parking. You can find the current options on our page about long-term parking at Schiphol.
Why long-term parking is different
The car park you pick for a short weekend may not be the one you pick for three weeks. Providers build their prices differently: some charge a lot for the first days and less for the following ones, others use a fixed daily rate. So do not look at the price per day, but at the total price for your whole trip. Prices marked with ± are indicative; you see the final price before you pay.
Two common types: valet and shuttle
Valet parking: you drive to an agreed point at the terminal, a member of staff takes your car and key and parks the car at the provider's site. When you come back, the car is waiting at the agreed point. This saves time, but you hand over your key. You can read more on our page about valet parking at Schiphol.
Shuttle parking: you drive to a car park near the airport, leave the car and a shuttle bus takes you to the terminal. When you return, the shuttle brings you back to your car. Allow extra time for the ride and the waiting. Whether you keep your key is set out in the provider's terms. You can read more on our page about shuttle parking at Schiphol.
Travelling with a large family, children and lots of suitcases? Then think about what suits your flight time and the number of suitcases best.
What to look at with long-term parking
Total price
Compare the total prices of different providers for the same dates. One provider may be better value for a week, another for three weeks.
Security and site
Is the site fenced or monitored by cameras? Is the car parked indoors or outdoors? If it matters to you that the car is exposed to the weather for three weeks, check this. You see this information with the offer, as far as the provider states it.
Cancellation and change terms
Plans change. Read whether you can cancel or change free of charge and until when. Each provider sets these terms itself.
If your flight is delayed
Check in the terms what happens if your flight is delayed or you come back a day later. Pass on your flight number if the provider asks for it and get in touch straight away in case of a delay.
Maximum duration
Are you going to be away for a very long time? Ask beforehand whether the provider applies a maximum parking duration.
Preparing for the summer holidays
- During the summer holidays spaces can fill up faster; if you already know your dates, look early, but pay attention to the cancellation terms.
- Keep the confirmation email, the address and the provider's phone number on your phone.
- Take valuables out of the car or out of sight.
- Take photos of the car and the odometer, especially if you hand over the key.
- Ask your garage or the manufacturer what is sensible for the battery and fuel if the car stands for a long time.
Language and documents
Confirmations and instructions from providers may be in Dutch or English. Read the instructions before your trip and ask someone to help if anything is unclear. Keep your vehicle registration document, driving licence and insurance details at hand.
Choosing a parking space
Enter your dates, look at the available options side by side and compare the total price for your whole trip. Look in good time before the summer holidays. You can find the available parking spaces on our page about parking at Schiphol.