8 Reasons Why You Don’t Need a Car in The Netherlands

Deciding whether to get a car in the Netherlands? No need. From the busy streets of Amsterdam to the beautiful canals of Utrecht, the country has been designed in more than one way to be free from car living. Instead, here is a list of fantastic alternatives to get you from A to B.

1. Biking Culture

As you’ll probably know by now, ‘bike-friendly’ doesn’t really begin to describe the Netherlands. Bikes rule here. With over 1530,000 kilometers of dedicated cycle paths and roads that cyclists can use (that’s 3.8 times the distance around the planet), the proof is in the pudding. Apart from being a great deal more fun than a car, getting on two wheels is often faster and an excellent way to stay fit and healthy all year round.

2. Public Transport That Works

Forget any preconceptions you may have about public transport. In the Netherlands, it is a different ballgame altogether. Its trams, trains, and buses can take you pretty much anywhere. They are efficient, frequent, clean, reliable, and generally unfazed by hostile weather conditions. Also, starting in 2025, any new buses will be zero-emission, making your journey even more environmentally friendly. Plus, with the OV-chipkaart, darting between different modes of transport is not only possible but super easy.

3. Parking Hassles & Costs

For those who know, parking in any Dutch city can be challenging. Space and cost are both issues, not to mention the time spent trying to get a spot. This automatically makes owning a car a far from ideal lifestyle choice, especially if living in a town or city. By eliminating the hassle and expense of car parking, you can live a more stress-free life.

4. City Design & Walkability

Dutch cities are designed for pedestrians and cyclists, with compact, ultra-walkable neighborhoods where many amenities are well within reach. This sort of planning fosters a healthier lifestyle by reducing reliance on cars for everyday errands, seeing friends or taking the kids to school. Needless to say, for many residents, a car is a redundant expense.

5. Environmental Benefits

Staying away from owning a car has contributed significantly to the Dutch environment. Reducing fossil dependence is a great way to lower emissions and enhance the country’s environmental objectives. Though the Netherlands has been an undisputed contender for green living, the trend of a car-free lifestyle only strengthens its house even further.

6. Financial Savings

Owning a car in the Netherlands doesn’t come cheap; it involves various costs such as the purchase price, fuel, insurance, repairs, car taxes, etc. For those looking to save money for a home, for instance, or prioritize spending elsewhere, not owing a car is an ideal way to do so and significantly boost your savings.

7. Health Benefits

Living a car-free lifestyle entails a lot more walking and biking, which could boost physical and mental well-being. It’s just one more easy way to add exercise to your day and get those 10,000 steps in.

8. Car-Sharing Services: The Best of Both Worlds

On those odd occasions when a car is necessary for the Netherlands, some car-sharing services, such as MyWheels, provide a useful solution. The largest car-sharing provider in the country, it offers the option for pay-per-use or through a flexible subscription plan. With car-sharing services like this, you can still enjoy the benefits of access to a car without the responsibility and costs of ownership. This will save you some money and create sustainable urban transportation. MyWheels provides various new models to keep things interesting, including electric, all serviced and cleaned regularly. Their sleek, user-friendly app allows users to book cars easily, quickly, and hassle-free. What’s more, they are located in all the main cities. In Amsterdam alone, they have more than 900 cars.

Final thoughts:

It is not just doable to live in the Netherlands without a car; many expats and locals often prefer it. With the cycle-friendly infrastructure, good public transportation, and walkability factor, going car-free can be liberating, a money-saver, and environmentally friendly. On occasions when you need to hire a car, MyWheels and other smart services will ensure you never get stranded. So, live the Dutch way and relish the freedom of being free from car ownership in the Netherlands!