tourism
Amsterdam bans tourist buses in the center
Up to 450 tourist buses drive to the city center in Amsterdam every day. Far too much, says the city administration – and imposes a freeze. photo
© picture alliance / Daniel Reinhardt/dpa
The mass rush of tourists has been causing problems for the canal city of Amsterdam for quite some time. In addition, up to 450 tourist buses populate – and pollute – the city center. This should now come to an end.
Tourist buses will no longer be allowed to drive to the center of Amsterdam from 2024. The heavy buses caused too many problems, the Dutch capital announced on Thursday. The buses would have to stop outside the center and passengers would have to switch to public transport. The rule applies to buses from 7.5 tons.
Amsterdam has been wanting to curb mass tourism for years and announced extra measures at the end of 2022. Last year around 18 million visitors stayed at least one night in the canal city. Added to this are millions of daily visitors.
According to the city, around 300 to 450 tourist buses drive to the city center every day. That was far too much for the limited space, the city administration justified the decision. The buses caused traffic to slow down in the narrow streets and endangered the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. They are also too heavy for the canal quays and bridges, and they emit too much exhaust fumes waiting for passengers with the engine running.
There will be special permits for transporting children, the elderly or people with disabilities.