Frequently asked questions

Access RAI Parking Parking Webshop P+R Travel & stay RAI Theater Facilities About RAI Logistics Entrance policy General Safe working

There will be a total of 4 entrances. You can find the location of each one in the floor plan.

Yes, of course we allow our exhibitors to visit their booth space and the new venue before the show starts. For a first overview we recommend to take a look at the floor plan.

Dogs are not allowed in RAI Amsterdam.
Assistance dogs are always welcome in RAI Amsterdam.

Yes, you’re able to enter the venue and enjoy the event with your mobility scooter.

Wheelchair assistants get free access to events organised by RAI Amsterdam. The person using the wheelchair will need to show a valid disability card and will need to pay for his/her own ticket. It will be clearly stated which exhibitions are organised by the RAI Amsterdam on the website.

Note:
When borrowing a wheelchair at RAI Amsterdam, the assistent will not receive free entry.

RAI Amsterdam is accessible for people using a wheelchair. The aisles at the show floor are spacious and the surface is flat. Elevators and disability toilets are available. Visitors with an official 'disability card' can follow route 7 to P7-parking garage. The regular RAI parking rate also applies with a disabled parking permit.

It is possible to borrow a wheelchair. A reservation is needed and can be made by sending an email to ReceptieRAID@rai.nl. Please provide us with the following information:

  • Name;
  • Telephone number;
  • Date;
  • Event/exhibition name.

A valid ID is mandatory.

 

This is possible. Please make sure you ask for a hand stamp at the entrance before you leave the building so you can enter the venue again when you return.

As a professional exhibition and conference organiser, RAI Amsterdam naturally follows social developments closely. Our Safety & Security department stays in contact with the government authorities. RAI Amsterdam aims to achieve a balance between safety and hospitality, to make sure guests can enjoy their visit to RAI Amsterdam.

RAI Amsterdam 'houses' 700 narrowcasting screens all over the building and in the exhibiting halls, a system called RAILive!
The screens show your location, halls, rooms, routes and events.

Yes, it is possible to borrow a wheelchair during major public events. Reservation in advance is necessary, send an email to ReceptieRAID@rai.nl with the following information:

  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Date of retrieval
  • Event/exhibition name

Borrowing a wheelchair is free. We do ask for a cash deposit of € 50.00. The cash deposit will be returned upon return of the undamaged wheelchair.
You are in need of a valid ID upon collection.

 

No. As a result of the European tobacco legislation, RAI Amsterdam has been smoke-free since July 1, 2008. The smoking ban applies to all RAI buildings, including the catering locations and garages. Smoking is not permitted during set-up or breakdown.

Yes, you can leave your coat in the cloak room for € 2.00.
 

A limited number of large luggage lockers is available in RAI Amsterdam. These lockers are accessible during events which use entrance C, the entrance to the Holland Complex.
Please visit the website of Lockerpoint Luggage Storage for more information, such as the dimensions of the lockers.

Of course you can also use our cloakroom.

There are ATM's available at entrance C and K of the RAI. The information desk at various entrances can give you directions to their exact location.

There will be plenty of catering facilities on-site offering a wide range of foods catering to a wide range of tastes, including Asian and Western. The offer varies by event, check here for more information.

Catering points are available throughout the exhibition complex. Check here for more information. 

 

There will be plenty of catering facilities on-site offering a wide range of foods catering to a wide range of tastes, including Asian and Western. The offer varies by event, check here for more information.

 

RAI Amsterdam offers all visitors acces to its public wifi network in the Congress Centre. Whether the wifi capabilities and the wifi network are extended depends on the organisation and therefore it varies per event.

Yes, air conditioning is in use throughout the entire venue.

The Baby Care Lounge is equipped with three comfortable chairs, a baby changing bench with two cushions, a playpen, a refrigerator and a sink with hot and cold water. Access to the Baby Care Lounge is controlled by a key system and the room can be locked from the inside by means of a cylinder lock. The key is available from Reception D on the ground floor of the Elicium by Entrance D and must be returned after use.

You can use a microwave in the designated area with baby facilities.

Yes. The Prayer Room has a washroom and two private cubicles where people of all faiths can pray or meditate in a peaceful environment. The Prayer Room is always open and accessible via Entrance D at level -1. The two private cubicles for prayer/meditation can be locked from the inside.

You may arrive 15 min before your time slot. Depending on traffic and space, we will check whether you can enter the work terrace straight away. Should you be late (later than 30 min), we recommend that you reschedule your booking to a later time.

Yes, we work with the RAI Logistics Management System (RAI LMS) for registering freight deliveries. For access and optimum traffic flow, during set-up and breakdown of most events and for loading and unloading at the RAI, we ask you to reserve a time slot in advance via www.rai.nl/LMS.

You can amend your booking at a later date. Please complete your booking before the driver arrives at the RAI.
No, duplicate and consecutive bookings are not allowed. These will also be deleted. The idea is that you book a time slot for loading/unloading and only afterwards proceed to carry out your activities in the hall. If you need a few minutes longer, you can do so in consultation with the coordinator on duty at the traffic controllers. 

However, you may make a booking in the morning hours to deliver stuff and again in the afternoon to collect your empties if necessary. Please note you need a valid booking if you want to enter a work terrace with a vehicle.
 
Certain vehicles such as vans lower than 2.70 m in height and passenger cars cannot make a booking in RAI LMS as they are not allowed on the work terrace. This is stated in our Traffic Regulations. You cannot therefore make a booking or you will see an error message.
There are a number of places available per time slot. If your preferred time slot is not available, all places are fully booked. In that case, please choose the next available time slot.
The event will be online in RAI LMS three weeks before build-up.
Vehicles up to 2.70 m high can be parked in the car parks P1 to P4. Vehicles taller than 2.70 m should park at the designated daytime parking location after the end of the time slot. Please ask the traffic controller about this location.

No, the loading and unloading area is not meant for vans. These vans must park in the P1/P2/P3 garage (up to 1.90 m high) P4 (up to 2.70 m high). Goods lifts are available in the P1, P3 and P4 garages.
Exceptions are made during certain events. Please check the Traffic Regulations of the event concerned. These can be found on our website www.rai.nl under exhibiting. 

During build-up and breakdown hours, parking is free. Vehicles parked in the garage can leave the parking facility by scanning their build-up badge at the garage exit. Truck traffic parked at a day parking location can leave the premises free of charge without any action needed.

Thank you for your interest. RAI Amsterdam frequently has positions open for various functions but you are more than welcome to submit an open job application .
More information »

In the event calendar you will find information about all upcoming events.

Nice that you are interested in RAI Amsterdam. We offer one-stop-shop solutions for exhibitions and conferences. If you would like more information about organising an event at the RAI, call +31 (0)20 549 12 12 or email raimarketing@rai.nl.

Have you lost something? We place all the found items online.

See at iLost if your lost item has been found »

If your item is not on the website after one week, we have - unfortunately - not found it.

When you see your lost item on the iLost website, let us know as quickly as possible. We will ask you a few questions to make sure the item that you are claiming is indeed yours. After that it’s simple: you pick up your object or have it delivered at home.

For general questions and inquiries about tickets and registration, please contact info@rai.nl.

You can check our entrance policy here. 

The current venue was opened in 1961. Prior to this, the RAI was situated in the Ferdinand Bolstraat for 40 years. Where currently care centre d'Oude Raai stands. From the founding until 1922, the RAI did not own an exhibition centre, but used the famous Amsterdam Palace for folk industry (Amsterdamse Paleis voor Volksvlijt). The first RAI exhibition was held there in 1895. The RAI Association that organized this event was founded in 1893.

Rijwiel and Automobiel Industrie, which translates to: Bicycle and Automotive Industry.

If something went wrong and you think you paid too much for parking at RAI Amsterdam, please send an email to parking@rai.nl and include: 

  • The reason
  • Your license plate number
  • Your booking number
  • Proof of payment
You can charge your electric car on the ground floor in the P1 and P4 garage.

Parking garage P1/2/3 is open from 06:00 to 24:00. If necessary, these times can be adjusted for each event. It is 24/7 possible to exit the garages. 

Parking garage P4 is accessible 24/7. 

RAI Amsterdam has plenty of parking facilities at and near the exhibition centre. In addition, we offer around 30 electric charging stations.

For large public events, the capacity is not always sufficient and more distant sites are also used. Free and frequent shuttle buses are then used for transport to and from the RAI. Reference is made to these areas via signs on the public road and/or the police. 

For more information, have a look at our parking website. 

The rate is € 5.50 per hour with a maximum of € 33.00 per day. You can also buy a day ticket online upfront for € 27.00.
Motor cycles park for free in the parking zones for motor cycles outside of the parking garage.

Or take advantage of our affordable evening rate. For only € 12.50, you can park at RAI Amsterdam from 17:00 to 01:00. Please note, this does not apply to all events including the Huishoudbeurs and the Negenmaandenbeurs.

Note:
During the Huishoudbeurs we have different rates. Please refer to the website of the Huishoudbeurs.

Yes you can buy your online parking ticket here.

The maximum height allowed in the RAI parking garages 1/2/3 and 7 is 1.90 metres.

The maximum height allowed in the RAI parking garage 4 is 2.70 metres.

Online payment is possible via iDEAL, VISA, MasterCard or American Expess. Onsite you pay via debet or credicard (VISA, MasterCard or American Expess) and cash.

Yes. People with an official European parking card for the disabled (GPK) can use these special parking spaces, which are located close to the exit of the building. People with disabilities pay the normal RAI parking rate.

It's not possible to book a parking space for people with disabilities.
The RAI has several of these spaces. Should they be occupied, a parking attendant will help you find the best possible spot.

No, it is not possible to book a disabled parking space. The RAI has a number of disabled parking spaces. If these are already occupied, a parking attendant will help find a suitable parking space.

If the RAI car parks are full, you can use a parking area outside RAI Amsterdam only minutes away, which is served by shuttle buses.

If you booked and paid for a parking space, you can be certain of having a spot. When entering the garage or parking grounds, you will be assigned a parking space. If you booked in advance the ticket will indicate where you can park, for example P1/P2/P3/P4 or RAI / EXTERN. The ticket also explains which route you can follow.

The license plate of your car will be read automatically by a camera as you enter the garage. You will not receive an exit pass. You can pay the parking fee related to that license plate at the payment terminal before leaving the garage. When exiting the garage, your license plate will be read by the camera and the barrier will open automatically. Receipts are available from the payment terminal.

No, you cannot drive to the entrance by car. However, you can let someone get oud at Lodge P7 and then leave the site again. Lodge P7 is in the middle of the complex. Follow P - RAI 7 to get to Lodge P7.

Parking at the parking garage of RAI Amsterdam is at your own risk (see the Visitor conditions).

Your licence plate is registered by our Parking Management System as soon as your vehicle enters one of the access roads to the parking garages or areas of RAI Amsterdam. When booking via parkeren.rai.nl, your licence plate is registered in our system as well to ensure it is recognised when you enter or exit the parking garage.

Your licence plate is registered in order to calculate how long you have parked, as no parking ticket is issued when entering the garage. You can also book a parking space via parkeren.rai.nl.

It is also possible via the registration to find your car in the parking when you did not remember where you parked it.

RAI Amsterdam collects personal data provided by the customer on the personal data page, details about click and surf behaviour, and transactions via the website of RAI Amsterdam. RAI Amsterdam has exclusive access to the abovementioned data. The RAI complies with the requirements of the Dutch Personal Data Protection Act and other privacy legislation. Customer data are stored in a customer database, and used for processing orders or bookings and customer service.

RAI Amsterdam also uses the data to analyse the click and surf behaviour of its customers and establish customer profiles which are then used to complete the range of products and services on the website, and provide customers with bespoke offers from its product and service range. RAI Amsterdam may perform marketing campaigns with the address details of its customers at the request of third parties.

Customer address details can be used up to twelve (12) times a year for a mailing in which RAI Amsterdam has exclusive access to the personal data. If customers object to the collection and analysis of their data and bespoke offers from RAI Amsterdam, they can let RAI Amsterdam know via a link in the newsletter. In case customers want to have their data removed from the customer database, they can do so by contacting the RAI via parking@rai.nl.

RAI Amsterdam will not supply the personal data of customers to other persons or organisations outside of RAI Amsterdam without consent from the customer, unless it is legally obliged to do so. RAI Amsterdam takes great care to ensure the quality of its customer database. Personal data are checked regularly for correctness, and outdated & no longer relevant data are regularly removed.
Customers can correct their personal data directly via the personal data page. For questions or complaints, customers can contact the RAI via parking@rai.nl. At customers’ request, RAI Amsterdam can provide an overview of the data included in the customer database.

The licence plate details are stored in our Parking Management System for 30 days after you exit the garage, unless you booked via your licence plate, in which case the details are used for the processing and aftercare of your booking.

The details are not shared with parties other than RAI Amsterdam, unless we are legally obliged to do so. There is no link to the government road transport agency (RDW).

No, you can only book a space via our website.

Online reservations are made per calendar day. Choose the day of arrival at the RAI. You can drive out until midnight. If you drive out after midnight, it is better to buy a parking ticket in the garage.

During dance parties, you can reserve a parking ticket allowing you to drive out after midnight. Reserve your parking ticket here. 

Yes. If you booked and paid for a parking space, you can be certain of having a spot. When entering the garage or parking grounds, you will be assigned a parking space.

If you booked in advance the ticket will indicate where you can park, for example P1/P2/P3/P4 or RAI / EXTERN. The ticket also explains which route you can follow.

No, this does not automatically mean there are no more parking spaces, only that booking is no longer possible. If there are no parking spaces available at the RAI, you will be directed to an external parking area, as indicated on the access roads around the RAI via (mobile) information panels.

You can easily change your license plate yourself by logging into our parking webshop and selecting your booking there. Then select change parking space and then press the 'pencil' icon to change your license plate number. 

  • Dates cannot be changed by yourself. You can change it by sending an email to parking@rai.nl. Your booking will then be canncelled and refunded. You can then make a new booking. 
  • Cancellation of a booking is not possible. 

The conditions are simple:

  • Booking is only possible via iDEAL, VISA, MasterCard or American Express
  • Booking is only possible via parkeren.rai.nl
  • You can exit the parking garage using licence plate recognition, barcode or pin number (the latter two are indicated on your parking ticket)

After booking you will receive an email which includes a PDF file. This PDF is your confirmation and indicates the booking period and booking number.
You must have your confirmation and parking ticket or tickets when entering and exiting the parking garage (physical or on your smart phone).

You can park in parking garage 1 till 4. During special events, there are external parking locations. This will be clearly indicated in the product you select.

If you parked shorter than booked, you will not receive a refund. If you parked longer than the booked period, you can pay any extra costs at the exit.

When you arrive in the parking garage:

  1. A sensor will 'read' your licence plate. You will not receive an entry pass.

When returning to the parking garage:

  1. You do not have to pass by the payment machine. You can exit the garage thanks to licence plate recognition.
  2. If this does not work, you can scan the barcode at the exit column; the barcode is indicated on the PDF confirmation which was previously emailed to you. If you have not the printed ticket with you, you can also scan the barcode from your smartphone. Make sure it is not in dark mode and brightness on 100%.
  3. If you have parked longer than the booked period, you will have to pay for the extra days at the exit.
Yes, this is possible. But after exiting, you cannot use your parking card for 60 minutes to exit again. 

On www.amsterdam.nl/en/parking/park-and-ride you can read the conditions to get the P+R discount tariff. Also you can read here how P+R works at RAI Amsterdam and other P+R locations in Amsterdam.

Important: the P+R discount tariff is valid for the first 24 hours of parking, after that you pay the RAI parking rate.

The entrance height of car parks P1/2/3/7 is 1.90 metres. The entrance height of car park P4 is 2.70 metres.

If you did not receive the P+R discount when paying at the payment machine, but you have been in the city centre by public transport, you can still get the P+R discount.

For this you can send an e-mail with the following information to parking@rai.nl:

  • licence plate
  • Public Transport travel history (request by mail at GVB kls@gvb.nl)
  • IBAN
  • name

See the website for the options by car, taxi or public transport.

​By Metro & Bus
If you arrive at Amsterdam Central Station (CS), you can take the metro 52 (travelling time: 6 minutes, in the direction of Zuid (South), Europaplein stop). Metro 52 stops right in front of the RAI and will take you into the heart of Amsterdam.
If you are travelling by train to the Amstel station, you can take metro 51 to Amstelveen (travelling time: 5 minutes) or the bus (route 65), which will bring you to the RAI within 10 minutes. In this case you should get off at Scheldeplein. From Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, the best way to reach the RAI is with metro 50.

By Train
NS-station Amsterdam RAI is 300 meters from the RAI and has regular connections to all parts of the Netherlands, like Schiphol, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and is also linked to the international train network. Check the NS journey planner for your itinerary.

By air
You can reach RAI Amsterdam from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol by car or public transport in less than 15 minutes. Schiphol Airport is one of Europe's biggest airports and offers passengers a high standard of service.
See Schiphol.nl for flight information, 'To & From' Schiphol Amsterdam Airport and other facilities at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport.

The RAI is ideally suited for visitors who travel by car. It is situated alongside the Amsterdam’s A10 orbital motorway (exit S109) and has its own underground car parks. This means that the RAI is easily accessible for visitors coming from the Netherlands or abroad. All the main motorways can be reached without difficulty from the orbital motorway.

Numerous signboards indicate the route to the RAI. During large exhibitions orange signs displaying ‘P RAI’ will direct you to additional parking places. From there a free shuttle bus will bring you to the RAI.

For routeplanner navigate to:

RAI Amsterdam
Europaplein 24
1078 GZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Please use the following address to navigate to RAI Amsterdam:

RAI Amsterdam
Europaplein 24
1078 GZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands

  • By car/taxi: approx. 15 minutes (allow for considerably more time during rush hour)
  • By train: 11 minutes from RAI train station
  • By car/taxi: approx. 10 minutes (allow for considerably more time during rush hour)
  • By metro 52 (subway): approx. 6 minutes from Europaplein stop
  • By tram: approx. 25 minutes
  • to Schiphol Airport approx. € 45.00
  • to the city centre approx. € 25.00
  • to the Central Station approx. € 30.00

View information on the city of Amsterdam, including tourist attractions.

There are many restaurants, shops and supermarkets in the vicinity of the RAI Amsterdam.

Information and reviews of restaurants in Amsterdam

Via RAI Hotel Services,  +31 (0)20 549 19 27 or hotelservices@rai.nl, you can book a hotel at attractive rates.

More information »

Our safety regulations are listed in the Safe Working Practices Manual. The safety rules are also displayed on signs at the entrances to the RAI.

We have listed the changes for you in our Safe Working 3.0 Flyer.

Yes, safety shoes and a safety helmet are required unless otherwise communicated.

Personal protective equipment is available in our Access & Safety Center.

Safety shoes must meet the EN-ISO 20345 standard with a CE mark. Class S3 or higher is required during assembly and disassembly. Shoes must be properly maintained. A safety helmet must comply with the EN 397 standard with a CE mark.

No, a bump cap does not meet RAI safety requirements.

If you have registered in advance, you can collect your badge with your QR code at the Access & Safety Centre or at the entrances. Please do bring a valid ID with you.
If you have not pre-registered, you can obtain a badge at the Access & Safety Center. Again, please do not forget your ID.

At the Access & Safety Centre you can get more information about the different locations within the RAI.

This information is available in the exhibitor portal and/or is communicated by the organization of the event you are participating in.

No, this is not possible. However, after an event closes, it is possible to clean out your booth. From no later than 2.5 hours after the closure of an event it is possible to dismantle your stand. It is compulsory to wear personal protective equipment during the build-up and breakdown of an event.

You can find information about logistics around an event on our Logistics page RAI.

In some cases this is possible if prior or on-site permission is granted by the RAI.

For more information and the possibilities for storing materials please contact DB Schenker.

You should immediately call our emergency number +31 (0)20 549 12 34.

You can collect your tickets at least one hour before the show at the ticket booth which is situated in the lobby of the RAI Theatre.

Seats so children can sit higher for a better view, are available at the entrance of the theatre. Are you attending a show especially for children? We recommend to bring a car seat or a pillow because our stock is limited.

Yes, there are eight wheelchair seats in the theatre. Please do not forget to mention it explicitly when you reserve your tickets. There are also wheelchair ramps available.

You can have a drink or a cup of coffee in the lobby of the theatre. In the Grand Café our theatre restaurant is open where you can enjoy a special theatre menu

Besides wheelchair seats and parking spaces, there are other services available. RAI Theatre is easily accessible for wheelchairs.

The RAI Theatre has an induction loop. All you have to do is put your hearing aid on ‘t’ position. When your hearing aid does not have that function it is possible to lend a hearing aid. Please make sure you can hand over a valid ID.

No, filming, photographing or recording is not allowed during the show unless the production explicitly allows it.

It is not allowed to eat or drink during the show. You can have a drink in the lobby, before, after or during the pause. Or have dinner in a restaurant nearby the RAI before or after the show. You can find more information about the options here. 

Your cell phone must be switched off during a show.

When you arrive and the show has already started, please contact the doorkeeper. We will wait for a right moment to escort you to your seats. Sometimes that is during the pause. In case there is no break, it could be impossible to join the show.