Is Amsterdam Wheelchair-Friendly? A Practical Guide for Accessible Travel in the Netherlands
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Jun 29, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 10
Amsterdam is a charming, mostly flat city with romantic canals and centuries-old streets—but how accessible is it for travelers with mobility challenges?
The short answer: with the right planning, Amsterdam can be an excellent destination for wheelchair users, scooter riders, and anyone needing mobility assistance. But there are some challenges to be aware of.
In this detailed guide, you'll find essential tips and recommendations for a smooth, enjoyable, and fully accessible vacation in Amsterdam. Whether you're using a wheelchair, mobility scooter, walker, or crutches—this post will help you plan with confidence.
✅ Want help planning your accessible trip to Amsterdam? Book a private guided tour or custom itinerary here.
How Accessible Is Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a flat city—no hills, no steep climbs. Most inclines you'll encounter are gentle ramps up and down the city’s many charming canal bridges. Compared to other European capitals, that makes it quite friendly for wheelchairs and scooters.
However, the city’s old-world charm comes with narrow sidewalks, cobbled streets, and vehicle-restricted areas. Some hotels and attractions may not have step-free access. Entryways often include stairs, and many restaurants have bathrooms located in basements.
But here's the good news: with the right information and early planning, you can absolutely enjoy a fantastic, fully accessible trip to Amsterdam.
Accessibility at Schiphol Airport
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the city center. It's one of the most accessible airports in Europe, offering excellent assistance services for travelers with disabilities.
If you need help upon arrival—such as getting from the gate to baggage claim or navigating the terminal—be sure to book the airport’s complimentary assistance at least 48 hours in advance through their official website.
Public Transportation Accessibility
Amsterdam's public transport system is modern and increasingly accessible, but before you go, get the essential rundown on using public transportation for your trip to the Netherlands—especially in Amsterdam—by checking out our guide [here](link to a previous blog post).
Now that you're an expert on how the system works, let's dive into some important details about accessibility:
Taxis and Transfers for Wheelchair Users
Want to skip the hassle? Pre-book a transfer with a wheelchair-accessible taxi. Just search online for “wheelchair taxi from Schiphol” to find local providers that offer comfortable rides directly to your hotel.
Trains
Trains in the Netherlands are mostly accessible. Stations like Schiphol and Amsterdam Central have elevators and wide platforms. Most trains allow wheelchair access and space onboard. Need extra assistance boarding or exiting? Dutch Railways offers a pre-booked assistance service, including ramps and staff support. More info here.
Trams
Older trams have a low-floor middle section that’s accessible for wheelchairs. Newer trams offer even better accessibility with marked priority spaces. Not all tram stops, however, are wheelchair-friendly. Use the GVB website to check which stops are accessible.
Hotels in Amsterdam: What You Need to Know
Many hotels in Amsterdam are housed in 17th-century buildings—beautiful, but often narrow and tall, with steep staircases and limited space for elevators. Some hotels have combined multiple buildings to create space for elevators, but accessibility varies widely.
Before booking, do not rely solely on booking platforms. Visit the hotel’s official website and email their reservations team directly. Ask specific questions and request photos of the accessible room and bathroom.
Make sure to ask about:
Step-free entry to the hotel
Elevator width and availability
Doorway widths
Accessible bathrooms with grab bars and roll-in showers
Clearance under the sink
Shower chairs (if not built-in)
Recommended Accessible Hotels in Amsterdam:
Dining Out: What to Expect
Restaurants follow the same rules as hotels: check first. While many cafes have a small ramp, bathrooms are often in the basement with no elevator access. Google Street View is a great tool for checking entrance steps, and sometimes accessible entries are available via side alleys—just ask!
Always email or message the restaurant in advance and be specific with your accessibility needs.
Top Accessible Attractions in Amsterdam
Many of Amsterdam’s best attractions are accessible or have accessible areas. Always confirm directly with each site before your visit.
✅ Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands’ national art museum is fully accessible, with elevators, wheelchair rentals (reserve in advance), and accessible restrooms. Companions with an official companion pass enter free. Note: in case of extreme crowds or special circumstances, mobility scooters may be restricted.
Buy tickets | Book a private guided tour in English
✅ Portuguese Synagogue
Located in Amsterdam’s former Jewish Quarter, this 17th-century synagogue complex includes a mikvah, rabbi’s office, and the world’s oldest Jewish library. It was recently renovated with full accessibility, including ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms.
Buy tickets | Book a Jewish Quarter tour in English
✅ ARTIS Royal Zoo
Just a short walk from the synagogue, this historic zoo offers accessible paths, elevators, and restrooms. Companions may enter free with proper documentation.
✅ Canal Cruise
Experience Amsterdam from the water with an accessible canal cruise—yes, they exist!
🚫 Anne Frank House
The original Secret Annex is unfortunately not accessible. The house is centuries old with steep stairs and no elevator. Visitors with mobility challenges can access the new wing (exhibitions, café, museum store) and enjoy a virtual tour of the hiding place using VR goggles provided on-site.
More Accessible Attractions
Accessible Shopping in Amsterdam
Most major shopping areas in central Amsterdam have ramps at entrances, but interior space can be tight. Big-name stores like Zara, H&M, and Mango have elevators between floors.
Accessible malls and department stores:
De Bijenkorf (Dam Square)
Magna Plaza (behind the Royal Palace)
Kalverpassage (Kalverstraat)
All have elevators and accessible restrooms.
Open-air markets are wheelchair-friendly, but avoid weekends or midday hours due to heavy crowds.
Accessible Tours in and Beyond Amsterdam
Accessible walking tours are available in Amsterdam and other parts of the Netherlands. These tours are thoughtfully adapted for wheelchairs and scooters, but they typically take longer due to detours or city maintenance work.
Book an accessible tour here
Equipment Rentals
Need a wheelchair, scooter, walker, or accessible vehicle? Tourists can rent mobility gear through Accessible Travel Netherlands, a company specializing in accessible travel in the Netherlands. They can also help create a personalized travel plan based on your mobility needs.
Essential Accessibility Apps
Find accessible restrooms in Europe, including real user reviews and photos.
Google Maps: Accessible Places
Since May 2020, Google Maps lets you check if a location is wheelchair-accessible. Turn on “Accessible Places” in the app settings.
Plan with Confidence
Amsterdam may be centuries old, but it's evolving fast—and there's no reason to miss out. With careful planning and the right local help, travelers with mobility needs can explore, enjoy, and fall in love with this incredible city.
🧭 Ready to explore Amsterdam? Discover my unique tours now!
🧳 Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Let’s plan your perfect vacation!
Disclosure: If you book through the links in this post, I may earn a small commission—usually at no extra cost to you. In fact, you might even get a discount!
© All rights reserved. No part of this post may be copied, modified, shared, or used in any form—commercial or otherwise—without written permission from the authors. Sharing a direct link to the post or this website is encouraged and appreciated.
