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Compare car rental prices from major brands in Amsterdam with Road Genius. From affordable cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up in the city at Amsterdam Centraal, Zuid or Amstel, or choose suburban spots for lower rates and easy access to the A10 ring road. For Amsterdam car rental day trips, head to Zaanse Schans, Volendam or Keukenhof, and check opening hours as many city offices close early and on Sundays.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 530144

Location	Pros	Cons
Amsterdam Centraal	Near the main train station Convenient for hotel guests No airport surcharge Easy transfer from train to car	Limited operating hours (08:00-18:00) Difficult traffic around the station Smaller selection of vehicles More expensive than suburban locations
Amsterdam Zuid	Near the business district Easier access to the A10 ring road Avoids downtown traffic Convenient for southern hotels	Limited hours on weekends Requires a trip from the center Often closed on Sundays Less convenient for tourists in the central area
Amsterdam Amstel	Near the eastern ring road Easier highway access Lower rates than central locations Less congested area	Limited operating hours Requires a trip from the center Smaller rental offices Fewer walk-in options
Suburban Locations (Sloterdijk, Zuidoost)	Lower rates Easier parking for pickup and return Quicker exit to highways Less traffic congestion	Requires a trip from the city center Limited hours (often closed Sundays) May lack some premium vehicle options You need to allow travel time from the center

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Amsterdam?

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

How to pay less?

Compare pickup spots: Check prices for airport vs city vs suburban offices like Sloterdijk, Amstel or Zuid. City pickups may avoid an airport surcharge, suburbs are often cheaper and closer to motorways. Also compare return vs one-way, as one-way fees vary by direction and season.
Time it smart: Shifting pickup/return by a few hours can change the price. Try a late-afternoon pickup and early-morning return to stretch usage. Sunday pickup can be cheaper in Amsterdam, but many city offices close Sundays, so the airport may be your best option.
Book early for peak, watch-and-rebook off-peak: For summer, tulip season and King’s Day, reserve 3–4 months ahead with free cancellation. In winter or other off-peak weeks, monitor rates and rebook if prices drop.
Rent only when you need it: Use trams and metro in the city, then rent a car just for day trips. If you must drive into town, use Amsterdam’s P+R garages for low daily parking plus transit.
Pick the smallest suitable car: Economy or compact, ideally manual, is usually cheapest and easier for Amsterdam’s narrow streets. Skip paid extras you don’t need if your phone handles navigation.
Flex your dates: Prices can swing by day. Check a day earlier/later, and consider weekday rentals, which in Amsterdam can be cheaper than busy summer weekends.

Local Parking and Driving

Parking Zone	Cost Range	Hours	Tips
Center (Zone 1)	High hourly rates apply	24/7 (enforced continuously)	Very limited street spaces Usually max 3-hour limit Blue discs not valid Not recommended for visitors
Canal Belt (Zone 2)	High hourly rates apply	Mon-Sat 9:00-24:00 Sun 12:00-24:00	Very limited availability Narrow streets make it difficult Use apps for payment Strictly enforced High fines
Outer Center (Zone 3)	Hourly rates apply	Mon-Sat 9:00-21:00 Sun 12:00-21:00	Slightly better availability Still expensive for all-day Some streets residents-only Check signs carefully
Public Garages	Hourly and daily rates apply, often significant	24/7	Oosterdok (near Central Station) Q-Park Museumplein (museum district) Q-Park Byzanthium (western canal belt) Reserve online for potential discounts
P+R Facilities	Low daily fee applies (includes transit tickets)	24/7	P+R Zeeburg (east) P+R Arena (southeast) P+R Sloterdijk (west) P+R Noord (north, behind station) P+R Olympisch Stadion (south)

Amsterdam Driving Regulations:

Low Emission Zone: Within the A10 ring road, older diesel vehicles (pre-2006) are restricted. Rental cars will comply but check if bringing your own vehicle.
City Center Restrictions: Many central streets are one-way, some restricted to local traffic or closed to cars entirely.
Canals and Bridges: Canal streets are narrow and have limited passing room. Bridges may be steep and have right-of-way limitations.
Trams: Trams have absolute right of way. Never block tram tracks and be careful when crossing them (wheels can get stuck).
Rush Hour: Avoid driving in central Amsterdam 8:00-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM if possible.
Alcohol Limit: 0.05% BAC (lower than US/UK standards); 0.02% for new drivers (under 5 years of experience).

Tips for Getting Around:

Use the P+R system if staying multiple days and exploring the center
Download the Parkmobile app for street payment
Always check street signs for restrictions, even if you see other cars there
Never park at spots for resident permits ("Vergunninghouders")
Having two wheels on the sidewalk is nearly always prohibited

Why rent a car in Amsterdam

Rent a car to get to:

Zaanse Schans – windmills (20 km / 12 miles)
Volendam & Marken – fishing villages (22 km / 14 miles)
Keukenhof Gardens – tulip fields (38 km / 24 miles)
Zandvoort Beach – beach (30 km / 19 miles)
Muiderslot – castle (17 km / 11 miles)
Alkmaar – cheese market (40 km / 25 miles)

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Amsterdam

FAQs

Can I drive in central Amsterdam?
Yes, but we don't recommend it. Many streets are one-way, some are only for local traffic and you'll find it hard to navigate around canals, cyclists and trams. Parking is also very expensive, as they charge high hourly rates and have no daily maximum.

Where should I park if I must drive into Amsterdam?
Use the P+R (Park+Ride) car parks on the city outskirts. For a low daily fee, you can park your car there. You get the discounted P+R rate when you travel to and from the city center by public transport. You just need to scan your OV-chipkaart or contactless bank card to prove your trip (your public transport fares are a separate cost). Popular P+Rs include Zeeburg (east), Arena (southeast) and Noord (north).

How strict is parking enforcement in Amsterdam?
They are extremely strict. The city uses scan-cars that automatically recognize license plates. You will get a high fine and risk having your car towed or booted if you park in a no-parking zone. You should always pay for parking right away using the parking meters or an app.

Is it difficult to navigate Amsterdam's streets?
Yes, especially in the historic center. You'll find the canal streets are narrow, many bridges have tricky right-of-way rules and the one-way systems can be confusing. You really need GPS navigation, but even when you use it, expect to make a wrong turn now and then.

Should I rent a car for my entire Amsterdam stay?
We'd say no. We only suggest renting a car for the days you plan to explore outside the city. When you're in Amsterdam itself, you'll find public transport is faster, cheaper and less stressful than driving and parking.

What's the best car type for Amsterdam driving?
You should choose the smallest car that suits your needs. It's easiest to maneuver a compact car on narrow streets and to find a parking spot. You'll find manual cars are more common and cheaper to rent than automatics. We don't recommend SUVs or larger cars for driving in the city.