Find lower car rental prices in the Netherlands with Road Genius. Find live rates of SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare offers from major brands for car rentals at Schiphol Airport and in city locations across Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven, with most airport counters open long hours and easy 24/7 returns. Filter for automatics, electric cars or people movers and check one-way rental options for trips to Belgium or Germany.
Location | Pros | Cons |
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Schiphol Airport (AMS) |
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Amsterdam City |
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Eindhoven Airport (EIN) |
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Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) |
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Off-Airport Locations |
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On average, car rentals in the Netherlands cost around €80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €30 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Schiphol adds about €50 per rental. Amsterdam city locations are often 10-20% cheaper. Off-airport sites can be cheaper too, but factor shuttle time and opening hours.
Flex dates and pickup times: Weekdays usually price lower than weekends. Avoid after-hours pickup fees (€60-75) by choosing normal business hours.
Pick the right car: Choose the smallest size that fits. Manual is usually 30-50% cheaper than automatic. A wagon can be cheaper than an SUV but still handle luggage.
Season-smart booking: For tulip season (April) and summer, book 4-6 months ahead with free cancellation. In Nov-Feb, especially February, check rates often and rebook if prices drop.
Only rent when you need it: Do Amsterdam by transit, then rent for day trips. If you drive into the city, use P+R like Zeeburg, Sloterdijk or RAI for €6-13/day instead of €30-55/day central garages.
Watch extras: Return to the same location if possible to avoid one-way fees. Refill near drop-off and keep the receipt. Add extra drivers only if needed or when a promo includes one for free.
Parking Option | Cost Range | Best For | Tips |
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City Center Street Parking | Hourly rates apply, often significant in central areas | Short stops only |
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City Parking Garages | Varies by location; hourly and day rates available | Day-long city visits |
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Park+Ride (P+R) | Daily rate plus transit ticket | City sightseeing |
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Blue Zones | Free for limited time (1-2 hours) | Short shopping trips |
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Airport Parking | Short-term and long-term options available | Flying out after rental |
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Key Driving Rules:
Speed Limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) on rural roads, 100 km/h (62 mph) on highways during day (6:00-19:00), up to 120-130 km/h (75-81 mph) allowed at night on certain stretches
Right of Way: Traffic from the right has priority at unmarked intersections, including bicycles
Cyclists: Have priority in many situations, especially in bike lanes and fietsstraat ("bicycle streets")
Alcohol Limit: 0.05% blood alcohol; 0.02% for drivers under 24
Restricted Zones: Many cities have environmental zones (milieuzones) limiting older diesel vehicles
Tolls: Dutch highways are toll-free except for Westerscheldetunnel and Kiltunnel
What to Remember:
Book a rental to visit:
Tulip fields around Lisse – Keukenhof Gardens, N208 Haarlem–Lisse
Coastal dunes and beaches – Zandvoort, Noordwijk, The Hague
Cheese towns north of Amsterdam – Edam, Volendam, Alkmaar
Afsluitdijk route to the north – A7, Groningen
Southern Limburg – Maastricht, A2
Heritage villages near Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans, Marken
Is it worth renting a car just to explore Amsterdam?
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Can I take my rental car on ferries or through tunnels?
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What's the cheapest way to handle parking in Amsterdam?