Amsterdam Car Rental
Amsterdam car rentals are greatly appreciated by travelers opting for independent rides during their stay in the Dutch capital. Verily, when it comes to freedom and autonomy, nothing can be compared to the stress-free car rentals in Amsterdam. Although known for its efficiency, Amsterdam’s public transit system entails a lot of hassle, from changing between lines or transportation routes to getting stuck into crowded trains and buses. On the other hand, Amsterdam taxis are safe and top-rated. Still, they are somewhat expensive, especially if handling the entire journey’s rides. Hence, an Amsterdam car rental is a more affordable option, offering the comfort of a taxi journey but not at the same cost.
Do you Need a Car when Visiting Amsterdam?
Truth to be told, Amsterdam (at least its city center) is a totally walkable city, while bikes dominate its streets. Thus, if you intend on just wandering around downtown, walking, cycling, or using the effective tram is definitely recommended. On the other hand, there are so many worth-visiting areas around Amsterdam, and the Netherlands is a small country. In fact, you can traverse it from one side to the other in just four hours. Therefore, if you want to leave behind Amsterdam and explore the beautiful country, Amsterdam car rentals will allow you to travel at your own pace and get to know the magnificent Dutch countryside.
How to Rent a Car in Amsterdam?
All major car rental companies, along with local agencies operate in Amsterdam. Thus, finding the right Amsterdam car rental at a tempting price is totally doable. All you have to do is use a search engine and compare the results. After settling on your choice, you proceed to the reservation by filling out the booking form. Once finishing the process, you’ll receive a confirmation email, which is the voucher for your car rental.
Is it Easy to Rent a Car in Amsterdam?
Car rental in Amsterdam is easy. Still, the following tips will make it a 100% successful story:
- Make your reservation as soon as possible. In that way, you’ll secure the best deals and prices and have access to a wider variety of vehicle types.
- Checking previous customers’ reviews is always handy.
- Before setting off from the pick-up location, you should take some pics of the vehicle to have proof of already existing damages.
- Please keep in mind that Amsterdam car rental companies charge per day (24 hours). Thus, you should plan your car rental drop-off so that you won’t get charged for an extra day.
- You should choose the fuel-to-fuel policy and refill the car before returning it, as Amsterdam car rental companies usually overcharge fuel.
- Add-ons raise the price. Hence, if you want to add a GPS, an extra driver, a child seat, etc., you should expect a surcharge on your rental fares.
- Choosing a different drop-off location can also add an extra fee to the Amsterdam car rental fare.
What do I Need to Rent a Car in Amsterdam?
The usual documents are required for renting a car in Amsterdam. Thus, you’ll have to hand over a valid driver’s license, issued at least one year before the rental date, and an ID or passport. Moreover, you’ll be asked for a credit card (some Amsterdam car rental companies also accept debit cards). Please keep in mind that the documents must be in the main driver’s name.
Do I Need an International Drivers License to Rent a Car in the Netherlands?
Apart from a valid driver’s license, you may be asked for an International Driving Permit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is basically an official translation of a driver’s license. Hence, you’ll have to issue it if your license isn’t written in the Roman alphabet.
How Old do you Have to Be to Drive a Rental Car in Amsterdam?
The minimum age to drive a car rental in Amsterdam is 21 years. Nevertheless, some car types (SUVs, luxury cars, etc.) set higher age limits. Moreover, young drivers (under the age of 25) usually have to pay an extra fee.
Where to Rent a Car in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam car rental companies have desks and pick-up locations all over the city. From the airport and downtown to the surrounding neighborhoods, you can pick the location that best suits your needs. On the other hand, if arriving in Amsterdam by plane, Schiphol Airport is the most convenient place to get your car. Still, you should keep in mind that renting a car from a city’s location is usually more affordable than picking it up from the airport.
What Type of Car should you Rent in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam’s city center is full of narrow streets, while traffic jams are a usual phenomenon. What’s more, cyclists (literally to be found everywhere) and tram lines always have priority, while parking can get hard. For all these reasons, opting for a small, compact car is advisable if planning on driving around Amsterdam.
Our Tip: The most popular car rentals in Amsterdam are Kia Picanto and Fiat Panda.
How much does a Rental Car cost per Day in Amsterdam?
Car rentals in Amsterdam come with different prices, depending on various factors. Thus, the car type, the rental period, the time of the year, and extra amenities definitely affect the price. Overall, the fare for an ordinary Amsterdam car rental is around 44€/47$ per day.
Is it Right Hand Drive in Amsterdam?
The Netherlands is a right-hand traffic country. Hence, when renting your car in Amsterdam, you’ll have to drive on the right-hand side. What’s more, vehicles coming from the right always have priority (unless traffic signs indicate differently).
What is the Speed Limit in Amsterdam?
Inside the city limits, the speed limit is 50km/h (30mph), while outside the built-up area, it rises to 80km/h (50mph). On the other hand, motorways have, in general, a 120-130km/h (75-80mph) speed limit. However, the 50km/h (30mph) limit of the Amsterdam urban zone is going to get stricter, becoming 30km/h (18.6 mph).
Can you Rent a Car in Amsterdam and Drive to Germany?
The Netherlands is the perfect start for excursions to adjacent Germany and Belgium. Although Amsterdam car rental companies allow crossing borders, if you intend on visiting one of the nearby European countries, you should check with your agency before starting your trip. In fact, an extra fee may apply.
Do Rental Cars Need Full Insurance?
In general terms, car rentals in Amsterdam include a damage waiver cover to their price. Still, it is always recommended to opt for the full insurance package, waiving excess responsibility in case of an accident or damage caused by the main driver. On the other hand, some credit cards offer car rental insurance coverage. Thus, if you want to save money on your insurance fees, you should check if one of your credit cards offers you that benefit and use it for your car rental in Amsterdam.
Where to Park my Rental Car around Amsterdam?
Apart from the private parking lots scattered around the city, street parking is possible yet hard in the city center. Payments are made via debit/credit cards, and prices are considered pricey. In fact, the closer you get to Amsterdam downtown, the more you’ll pay for your parking fees. Free street parking isn’t a thing, exempt from some areas outside the city center. Alternatively, Amsterdam has implemented the P&R system (Park & Ride). Cheap parking lots are to be found outside the heart of the city, in locations efficiently linked via public transit modes. Thus, you can park your car rental there and use Amsterdam’s public transit network to reach downtown stress-free.
More Info About Car Rental in Amsterdam
- The drivers in Amsterdam tend to respect traffic laws.
- Disobeying the traffic regulations in Amsterdam will most probably result in getting a fine. In that case, you’ll have to pay the fine fees plus the car rental company’s sending expenses.
- Cyclists “rule” Amsterdam. They are everywhere and always have priority.
- The city’s main roads are the 32-km (20 miles) Motorway A10 and the A5 spreading on the western side of Amsterdam and connecting it with the Hague, Haarlem, and Alkmaar.
- Traffic jams are somewhat more tolerable than in other European countries. Still, the peak hours are from 07:00 am to 09:00 am and from 04:00 pm to 06:30 pm.
- All passengers must wear seatbelts inside the car.
- The alcohol limit is 0.05%.