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Find competitive rental car prices at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) with Road Genius. Check rates of SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make bookings with no booking fees. Compare on-airport car rental at Schiphol Plaza with off-airport providers that run 5 to 15 minute shuttles, and note an AMS airport surcharge applies for terminal pickups. Collect your car and head straight onto the A4 to drive to Amsterdam city center, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Schiphol Plaza (Main Terminal) |
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| On-Airport Garage |
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| Off-Airport Providers |
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| Premium Services |
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Major Rental Companies at AMS:
On average, car rentals at Amsterdam Airport cost around €80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €30 per day.
Compare pickup locations on our site. AMS adds a ~€50 flat airport surcharge. For 1-2 day rentals, a city or off-airport pickup can be cheaper. Off-airport shuttles take 5-15 minutes, so check hours and frequency.
Book to the season, not always “early.” Summer and tulip season (Apr–May) sell out fast, so book 3-4 months ahead. In winter, lock a cancellable rate and recheck prices to rebook if they drop. Also test weekday vs weekend pricing.
Pick the smallest car you need. Compacts are cheaper and easier to park. Manuals often cost 30-50% less than automatics. Reserve 7+ seaters early as they spike in price.
Play with rental length and times. A 7-day rate can beat 5 days, and Fri–Mon weekend deals can be great. Avoid after-hours pickup fees (€60-75) by scheduling pickup during desk hours or the next morning.
Save on fuel. Decline pre-paid fuel. Refill off-airport for better prices, e.g. the Esso in Hoofddorp (~5 km from AMS) is usually cheaper than the on-airport Shell. Keep your receipt.
Trim paid extras. Use your phone for navigation if allowed, or book a car that already includes GPS. Watch for promos like a free additional driver. Free loyalty programmes can unlock member rates and counter-skip.
| Parking Option | Cost Range | Best For | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMS Short-Term Parking | Paid, check current rates | Picking up/dropping off passengers |
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| AMS Long-Term Parking | Paid, check current rates Lower weekly rates |
Leaving your rental while flying elsewhere |
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| AMS Waiting Area | Free short-term waiting | Waiting for arriving passengers |
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| Car Rental Return | N/A | Returning your rental vehicle |
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Local Driving Regulations:
Speed Limits: 100 km/h (62 mph) on A4 near the airport during the day (06:00-19:00). At night follow posted limits up to 130 km/h (81 mph). 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas.
Airport Roads: Pay special attention to lane markings around the airport as some lanes are for taxis/buses only.
Schiphol Tunnel: Low clearance (4m / 13 feet) affects larger vehicles and vans.
Taxi Lanes: Dedicated lanes for authorized taxis and buses. Rental cars are prohibited.
Drop-off Zones: Very short-term only (max 15 minutes) and actively enforced.
Traffic Cameras: There are many around airport approaches so stick to speed limits.
Important Rental Return Notes:
Get a car so you can easily:
Amsterdam City Center – P+R facilities
Keukenhof Gardens – tulip fields
Zaanse Schans – windmills, museums
The Hague – Binnenhof, Peace Palace
Rotterdam – Markthal, Erasmus Bridge
Haarlem – Grote Markt, Frans Hals Museum
Do I need to return my rental car with a full tank?
Yes, most rental companies use a "full-to-full" policy. You'll find a Shell station on the airport grounds right before the rental return area, though its prices are higher than stations further from the airport. You should keep your fuel receipt to prove you refueled.
How early should I arrive to return my rental car before my flight?
You should give yourself at least 30 minutes to return the car during busy times like mornings and Fridays. You also need to add the usual airport check-in time, which is 2-3 hours for international flights. All in all, you should try to get to the rental return area 2.5 to 3.5 hours before your flight leaves.
Can I pick up a rental car after midnight at AMS?
Most rental companies close their counters around 23:00. If you arrive late, you need to book an after-hours pickup beforehand. This usually costs an extra €60-75. Not all companies offer this service, so you should check if they have it available when you book.
Is there a way to avoid the long lines at rental counters?
Yes, you can join the rental company's loyalty program. Many are free and give you "skip the counter" access. Members of Hertz Gold Plus, Avis Preferred and Enterprise Plus can often go straight to their car. You should also enter all your driver's details online before you arrive.
Which car type is best for driving from AMS to Amsterdam's city center?
For Amsterdam's city center, you should choose the smallest car that suits you and your luggage. It is easier to drive and park a compact car on Amsterdam's narrow streets. If you're only visiting Amsterdam city, you might want to use public transport instead of driving into the city center.
What happens if my flight is delayed and the rental counter is closed?
You should always add your flight number when you book. Major rental companies watch flight arrivals and will usually keep their counters open longer for very late flights. For major delays, you can contact the 24-hour customer service line to make other plans.
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