Explore Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the easiest countries in Europe to tour by motorhome. Roads are flat, well-surfaced, and short-hop between towns. Motorways are free, there is no vignette, and the country has a huge network of camperplaatsen (aires) right in the middle of pretty places. The one thing that catches British drivers out is the sheer number of cyclists, who always have priority. Take it slow in town and you will be fine.
Last verified: 21 April 2026
Got a specific question?
Got a question about driving, kit, or campsites in the Netherlands? Ask here without going through the full trip planner.
Driving rules
The daytime 100 km/h motorway limit was introduced in 2020 as part of the Dutch nitrogen-reduction programme and still applies. A few stretches revert to 130 km/h between 19:00 and 06:00, always clearly signposted. Police use average-speed cameras (trajectcontrole) extensively, so stick to the limit.
Driving tips
- Cyclists always have priority. At every junction, T-junction, and side street you must give way to bikes, including when you are turning right across a cycle lane. Watch both directions, as cycle paths often run on both sides of the road.
- Cycle lanes are often marked with red tarmac. Never park or stop on a red-surfaced strip, even briefly.
- Trams have priority over all other traffic. Never block tram tracks and give way when their indicators show.
- Dipped headlights are not compulsory by day, but are recommended in poor visibility.
- Roundabouts: traffic already on the roundabout has priority in most cases, but watch for local signs as this is not universal.
- Parking in town centres is often paid and strictly enforced by ANPR cameras. Pay at the meter via app (Parkmobile, Yellowbrick) or card.
Required kit
Towing a caravan
Tolls and vignettes
Tolls
The Netherlands does not charge tolls on its motorway network. The only fees are at a small number of tunnels and bridges. Cards are accepted at all toll points.
Vignette
There is no vignette in the Netherlands. Nothing to buy before you cross the border.
Low emission zones
Dutch milieuzones mainly restrict older diesel lorries and vans below Euro 3 or Euro 4. Most modern UK motorhomes are unaffected, but rules differ by city. Check the official site before driving into any city centre: https://www.milieuzones.nl/.
Supermarkets and shopping
Budget
Mid-range
Premium
Opening hours
Sunday trading varies significantly by town. Large cities mostly open on Sundays, smaller and more religious towns often stay shut.
Alcohol
Spirits cannot legally be sold in supermarkets. A slijterij is usually attached to or next door to the main store.
Local tips
- Pick up paracetamol and medicine from an apotheek (pharmacy) or drogist (Kruidvat, Etos). Supermarkets do not stock them.
- Bakeries open early and sell out fast. Buy bread in the morning.
- Dutch cheese shops (kaasspeciaalzaak) are worth seeking out for proper Gouda and other regional cheeses.
- Many small towns hold a weekly outdoor market (markt) on a set day. Fresh fish, cheese, stroopwafels, and flowers.
Motorhome LPG and gas in Netherlands
The Netherlands has a good LPG network, concentrated at larger forecourts and on the motorway. The Dutch standard is the ACME fitting, though a few stations still use the Dish adapter. Carry a small multi-nozzle kit to be safe. Major providers include Shell, BP, Tango, and Total.
Local bottle brands are Primagaz and Shell Gas. Both are sold at fuel stations and campsites, but you will need a matching regulator pigtail to connect them to a UK motorhome.
UK Calor bottles cannot be swapped or exchanged anywhere in Europe. Carry a 3-piece adapter kit or fit a refillable system before you leave. Read our complete guide to motorhome gas and LPG in Europe.
Motorhome electric hook-ups in Netherlands
Most Dutch campsites offer 16A hook-ups via the standard CEE blue plug, which is more generous than you will find in France or Italy. At 16A you have around 3,600 watts available, enough to run a kettle, heater, and fridge simultaneously.
Voltage is stable at 230V. Reverse polarity is uncommon on modern sites but still worth checking with a socket tester, particularly on older camperplaatsen.
Read our complete guide to motorhome electric hook-ups in Europe.
Documents you need
Your own vehicle
- Passport
- UK Photocard Driving Licence
- Vehicle Log Book (V5C)
- Insurance Certificate
- Travel Insurance Proof
Rental or hire vehicle
- VE103 Certificate
- Driving Licence Check Code
- International Driving Permit (if you still hold a paper licence)
Travelling with dogs
What to pack
- Dog lead
- Water bowl
- Vaccination records
- AHC
Food import rules
Meat, milk, and products containing either cannot be brought into the Netherlands from the UK. The main exceptions are powdered baby milk and medically prescribed pet food.
Border and entry
Useful links
Common questions
Are motorways in the Netherlands free for motorhomes?
Yes. Dutch motorways are free of tolls and there is no vignette. The only charges are a handful of tunnels: the Westerschelde tunnel costs around 5 EUR, the Kil tunnel is also tolled, and the Blankenburg tunnel near Rotterdam becomes tolled in 2026.
Do I need a milieuzone sticker for Amsterdam?
Not usually. Dutch low emission zones (milieuzones) in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag, Arnhem, and Leiden mainly restrict older diesel lorries and vans below Euro 3 or Euro 4. Most modern UK motorhomes are unaffected, but the rules vary by city so check milieuzones.nl before driving into the centre.
What are the rules for overnight parking in the Netherlands?
Wild camping is not permitted. The Netherlands has an excellent network of camperplaatsen (aires) and registered campsites, often beside canals and in small towns. Use apps such as Campercontact or Park4Night to find official stopovers. Overnight sleeping in laybys or supermarket car parks is generally not tolerated.
Can I take my dog to the Netherlands in a motorhome?
Yes. Your dog needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days old, and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from your vet issued within 10 days of travel. For the return to the UK, a vet must administer a tapeworm treatment between 24 hours and 120 hours before you arrive back.