Arrival by car | I amsterdam (2024)

FAQs

Do you go through customs in Amsterdam coming from the US? ›

You will, however, go through immigration/passport control in Amsterdam. Unless you have an unreasonable delay, this should be plenty of time. As noted, you won't have to clear customs, but you will have to go through passport control and security.

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.

Traveling within Amsterdam by car

In the popular central districts, it's also common to experience crowds on the streets, making driving conditions difficult for those new to the city. Not to mention the warren of trams and fast-cycling locals.

It took about 45 minutes, but, since we had a 5+ hour layover, it wasn't an issue. The speed of passport control varies depending on time of year, time of day, and number of arriving flights. Last September the line to get through the transfer passport check was VERY long (probably an hour).

You can take a lot of things with you to or from the Netherlands, but there are of course exceptions. Some things, like illegal drugs, fake weapons and endangered animal products may never be brought into the Netherlands. For medicines, food items and large sums of cash there are separate rules.

In most cases, you'll go through customs and immigration after your flight first arrives in a new country, but there are exceptions. For example, some countries have mutual agreements intended to help speed travelers through the process, so you may go through customs and immigration before you board.

Foreigners on short-term visit may rent a car and drive with a valid foreign driver's licence for up to 6 months in Netherlands.

Taxis in Amsterdam can be more expensive than using ride-sharing apps like Uber. However, it ultimately depends on your specific journey and the current surge pricing of Uber at the time.

General road rules

It is also mandatory to keep the following items in your car while on the road: A valid driving license (rijbewijs) Vehicle registration card or certificate (kentekenbewijs) Registration certificate or code (tenaamstellingsbewijs)

Parking is difficult and expensive in Amsterdam. Parking at the airport is also very expensive.

Can a US citizen drive in Amsterdam? ›

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.

Like most of Europe, the Dutch drive on the right-hand side of the road. The roads and highways in the Netherlands are very clearly sign-posted. The Dutch road network is one of the safest in Europe. Priority is normally given to vehicles coming from the right.

Customs occurs after you pick up your checked luggage from baggage claim. If you did not check any bags, then you can bypass baggage claim and proceed straight to customs with your carry-on luggage. All your luggage — checked and carry-on — may be subject to screening at customs.

The Netherlands: Privium/FLUX

Part of an arrangement with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Privium allows Global Entry members expedited access in and out of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport—for a fee, naturally.

U.S. citizens are required to carry a U.S. passport book or valid Dutch residence permit. The U.S. passport card is not acceptable to the Dutch as identification. See also the Dutch Government website for further information.

If you have booked international connecting flights, you will normally have to go through customs and immigration at the connecting airport. This is particularly true of the United States and Canada.