Is it wise to rent a car in Amsterdam? (2024)

FAQs

Is it wise to rent a car in Amsterdam? ›

If you already have booked a hotel in the city centre of Amsterdam we do not recommend you to rent a car. Parking fees in the city centre are very high and most attractions in the centre are within walking distance. If you didn't book a hotel already we advise you to check out the hotels in the Amsterdam region.

Amsterdam is the sort of city where you don't really need a car at all. Nearly everything you require is likely to be on walking distance from your hotel. Amsterdam's public transportation system is excellent and will take you to all the sights and attractions of the city.

Driving in Amsterdam is not really recommended as the city centre streets are narrow, there is often ongoing construction work and parking places are limited and expensive. Most visitors to Amsterdam and the Netherlands can get around efficiently by public transport.

To rent a car in the Netherlands, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. Seatbelts and child seats for children up to 40 lbs are mandatory.

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).

If you already have booked a hotel in the city centre of Amsterdam we do not recommend you to rent a car. Parking fees in the city centre are very high and most attractions in the centre are within walking distance. If you didn't book a hotel already we advise you to check out the hotels in the Amsterdam region.

The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking, as the city is one of the most walkable in the world. The Dutch National Rail (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) provides a 14-17 minute train ride from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station, costing approximately €5.50 per person.

Tourists are allowed to drive in the Netherlands on a valid state license, preferably in combination with an International Driver's License which may be obtained in the United States through the AAA.

What side of the road do they drive on in the Netherlands? Unlike in the UK, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in the Netherlands and overtake on the left – which can take some adjustment if you're used to driving on the left.

Each year, about one million visitors arrive in Amsterdam by car. While the city is very hospitable to drivers, the inner city is quite an enclosed area. Before arriving, it is advisable to learn about the city's motorways, roads and parking options in order to make the most of your trip.

What is the driving etiquette in the Netherlands? ›

The most important rules for driving in the Netherlands

You always have to drive on the rightmost lane, unless you're overtaking. In case of a solid centre line (rather than an interrupted line) overtaking is not allowed. You're not allowed to drive with an alcohol level of over 0,5 per mille (which is usually 2 beers)

A standard one-way fee for a car rental from Amsterdam to Paris is around $436, and from Paris to Barcelona, it is around $618. Fees constantly change based on the destination and time of the year you are booking, so be aware that the fee may change if you alter your itinerary.

Some Dutch car rental companies require you to have a photo ID license. If your foreign license does not have a photo ID, you should get an IDP before traveling to Netherlands if you intend to rent a car.

Boasting a whole range of transport opportunities, Amsterdam can take you where you need to go via a boat, bike, train, tram or bus. The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking but if you need to get somewhere fast, the use of an OV chip card is the answer.

After walking or biking, the Amsterdam tram is the most scenic way to travel through the city. Fifteen tram routes crisscross the city, and visitors can use their GVB OV-chipkaart to take a ride on the 200-some trams offered.

Despite being home to a total of 3.1 million residents, the research discovered the city centre is eminently walkable, with plenty to see along the way. Amsterdam is perhaps best known for its proliferation of bicycles, but still came in 10th spot on the list, thanks to its easily-navigable canal walkways.

While you can't request a cab using Uber in Amsterdam yet, you can request a trip with UberX directly from the Uber app. To get started, open the Uber app, enter your pickup and dropoff locations, then select UberX from the list of ride options. You'll be matched with a driver to assist you with your trip.

What is the best way to get around Amsterdam? The chances are, most people would be quick to answer “bicycle.” And while that's definitely not wrong, you may not know that there is just as good a case to be made for walking – yes walking – as the best way to see Amsterdam.