Is it wise to rent a car in Amsterdam? (2024)

FAQs

Is it wise to rent a car in Amsterdam? ›

No, renting a car in Amsterdam is not necessary. You can easily get around the city by foot, bike, or using public transport. However, if you want to explore the surrounding cities or the countryside, renting a car might be a good idea.

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.

To rent a car in the Netherlands, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. Seatbelts and child seats for children up to 40 lbs are mandatory.

Some Dutch car rental companies require you to have a photo ID license. If your foreign license does not have a photo ID, you should get an IDP before traveling to Netherlands if you intend to rent a car. UK drivers with the new-style photo card license will need both the paper counterpart and photo card.

While you can't request a cab using Uber in Amsterdam yet, you can request a trip with UberX directly from the Uber app. To get started, open the Uber app, enter your pickup and dropoff locations, then select UberX from the list of ride options. You'll be matched with a driver to assist you with your trip.

The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking, as the city is one of the most walkable in the world. The Dutch National Rail (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) provides a 14-17 minute train ride from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station, costing approximately €5.50 per person.

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.

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

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

Car Rentals in Amsterdam from $20/day - Search for Rental Cars on KAYAK.

Is it necessary to rent a car in Amsterdam? No, renting a car in Amsterdam is not necessary. You can easily get around the city by foot, bike, or using public transport. However, if you want to explore the surrounding cities or the countryside, renting a car might be a good idea.

Car insurance in the Netherlands is mandatory for all drivers and is as important as arranging a Dutch driving license. There are many insurance providers and types to choose from when picking a policy.

In most of Europe, there is no car rental age limit for drivers over the age of 65.

Unlike in the UK, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in the Netherlands and overtake on the left – which can take some adjustment if you're used to driving on the left.

If you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for a local police officer to write out a ticket).

Amsterdam is the sort of city where you don't really need a car at all. Nearly everything you require is likely to be on walking distance from your hotel. Amsterdam's public transportation system is excellent and will take you to all the sights and attractions of the city.

The mobility of a car lets you find cheaper accommodations in small towns and away from the train lines. You can also play it riskier, arriving in a town with no reservation — if the hotels are full, simply drive to the next town. And driving is a godsend for those who don't believe in packing light.

While you can use these rent prices as an estimate, you should know that Amsterdam is notoriously known for high rental prices due to the shortage of houses. Our advice is to start searching homes for homes for rent in Amsterdam at least 4 months before your arrival.