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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.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 530144

Location	Pros	Cons
Schiphol Airport (AMS)	Immediate car access upon landing All major rental companies on-site Desks at Schiphol Plaza (arrivals hall) Longer operating hours (06:00-23:00)	Premium location surcharge (around €50 per rental) Potential lines during peak arrival times Higher base rates than city locations
Amsterdam City	No airport surcharge Generally shorter waiting times Convenient if already staying in Amsterdam Several locations throughout the city	Shorter operating hours (08:00-18:00) Limited Sunday service Challenging driving conditions in central Amsterdam Need transportation from airport if arriving by plane
Eindhoven Airport (EIN)	On-site rental desks and parking Less crowded than Schiphol Fast processing at counters	Limited operating hours (08:00-20:00 weekdays, shorter on weekends) Fewer vehicle choices Limited after-hours service
Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)	Less crowded than Schiphol Quick processing Major brands available on-site	More limited flight connections Smaller selection of vehicles Restricted operating hours compared to Schiphol
Off-Airport Locations	Lower rates (no airport fees) Sometimes availability when major agencies are sold out Shuttle service usually provided	5-15 minute transfer time Less convenient for arrivals Often stricter policies and vehicle inspections Shuttles may run infrequently

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in the Netherlands?

On average, car rentals in the Netherlands cost around €80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €30 per day.

How to save?

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 Tips

Parking Option	Cost Range	Best For	Tips
City Center Street Parking	Hourly rates apply, often significant in central areas	Short stops only	Use apps (Parkmobile, Yellowbrick) Enter license plate correctly Enforced 24/7 in many areas Fines can be steep for violations
City Parking Garages	Varies by location; hourly and day rates available	Day-long city visits	More secure than street spaces Often near attractions Some have height restrictions Pre-book spaces online for discounts
Park+Ride (P+R)	Daily rate plus transit ticket	City sightseeing	Located on city outskirts Must use public transit to get discount Much cheaper than center spaces Amsterdam has P+Rs at Zeeburg, Arena, Sloterdijk, RAI, Noord
Blue Zones	Free for limited time (1-2 hours)	Short shopping trips	Requires blue disc on dashboard Set disc to arrival time Available in smaller towns and suburbs
Airport Parking	Short-term and long-term options available	Flying out after rental	Use P3 for long-term at Schiphol Short-term lots near terminals cost more Pre-book online for discounts

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:

Yellow lines on curbs indicate no spaces (solid) or no stopping (broken)
Never park on sidewalks, bike paths or within 5 meters (16 feet) of intersections
"Vergunninghouders" signs mean permit holders only
Many cities use scan-cars for automated ticketing

Why rent a car in the Netherlands

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

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

Is it worth renting a car just to explore Amsterdam?

No, if you're just exploring Amsterdam, you'll find it better to use public transport and walk. Parking is expensive (€30-55/day) and driving through the narrow streets is hard. You should only rent a car when you plan to explore outside the city.

Do I need an international driving permit?

Not if your license uses the Latin alphabet (like English, Spanish or French). If your license uses a different alphabet (like Arabic, Chinese or Japanese), you will need an International Driving Permit or a certified translation.

Can I take my rental car on ferries or through tunnels?

Yes, you can drive Dutch rental cars through tunnels freely. If you plan to take a ferry to an island like Texel, you should tell the rental company. You might need to buy extra insurance for ferry travel to the UK or Scandinavia.

How are traffic fines handled with rental cars?

The rental company gets the fine and charges your credit card, plus an administration fee (€25-50). Speed and red light cameras are common, so be sure to follow all traffic rules.

Is it difficult to drive in the Netherlands as a foreigner?

No, you'll find the Netherlands has great roads and clear signs. The main challenges are giving cyclists the right of way and driving in busy city centers. Driving in the countryside and on highways is easy.

What's the cheapest way to handle parking in Amsterdam?

You should use the P+R (Park+Ride) car parks on the edge of the city. For about €6-13 a day plus a public transport ticket, you can park your car and catch a tram or bus into the city center. This is much cheaper than parking in the center, which costs €30-55 a day.

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