Choose your funeral transport

No rule determines which specific means of transport must be used for transporting the deceased during the funeral. So the choice is yours! 

In the Netherlands, there are several ways to transport the deceased to his final resting place. Like a classic hearse, but also by boat, bicycle, motorcycle, caravan or carriage. However, it is important to take public order and safety into account.

If there is a non-natural death, the Public Prosecutor must first have permitted the funeral including the transport of the deceased.

A funeral procession can be recognized by the official flags on the left and right sides of the vehicles. The flags are only intended for accompanying the deceased to his final resting place.

A funeral procession has priority in most cases. However, a funeral procession can also take place without the official flags, but then the normal priority rules apply. In some municipalities, special regulations or ordinances must be observed for funeral transports. It is wise to obtain information about this from the municipality where the deceased is buried or cremated.

From July 1st 2010, the rule applies that a funeral procession may not be cut. At equivalent intersections, without traffic lights, priority signs or 'shark teeth', road users must give priority to the following vehicles of the funeral procession. This also applies when the funeral procession comes from the left or turns away. The first vehicle in the procession, usually the hearse, follows the normal priority rules. The regulation does not apply to priority intersections, roundabouts and intersections with traffic lights. Cars in the funeral procession must therefore stop at a red traffic light and give way on a priority road or roundabout.

When saying goodbye to a loved one, a black hearse with black flags is often used. However, there are plenty of other special means of transportation available to choose from, which can give the last ride a personal character. Below are some examples of alternative funeral transport.

The mourning cow

A funeral carriage with horses for horse lovers is quite normal. So why shouldn't cow lovers be able to take their last ride with a mourning cow? In some places this is possible. A cow can walk an average distance of 3 km and offers a special and personal way to say goodbye.

There are municipalities where you can rent a funeral bicycle. The funeral bicycle has a special trailer. On request, the bicycle will be picked up and delivered. A funeral procession can cycle behind the funeral bicycle, for which arrangements can sometimes be made with a local bicycle rental company. This way, a personal and environmentally friendly way can say goodbye to a loved one.

Waving life and our loved ones goodbye: it is something we'll all have to deal with one day. And when it comes to the last ride, there is an option to say goodbye with dignity your way. For those with a shared passion for motorcycles, there are funeral motorcycles for rent, with which the deceased can be 'on the road' until the last kilometre. But even if you are not a biker, this style of funeral transport is often available. The funeral motorcycle can then be rented including an experienced driver.

For anyone who has a passion for classic cars, there is also the option to make the last drive in a stylish Volkswagen classic. Sometimes there is the possibility of completing the funeral procession with matching beetles in different colours.

The funeral boat is a unique example of special funeral transport, which fits perfectly with someone who loves water sports. The boat offers enough space for the coffin and some family members and friends can sail along. Catering on board is often possible as well.

A truck driver or someone who had a love for trucks, logistics or agriculture can make the last ride on the loader of a truck. This way, the life of someone who worked with or loved these vehicles can be reflected.

Always lived sustainably and do you also want to end your last trip climate-neutral? That is also possible by renting a specialised funeral Tesla.