Freedom beyond the canals
Car Rental in Amsterdam
You rarely need a car in the city, but it is the easiest way to reach windmills, tulip fields and castles. Compare rental deals at Schiphol Airport and in Amsterdam, and book on Booking.com.
Where to collect your car
Choose your pick-up point
Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Best if you land and head straight out of the city. Rental desks are close to arrivals and you avoid city traffic on the first day.
Compare Schiphol dealsAmsterdam city
Best if you spend the first days in the city and collect a car only for your day trips or onward journey.
Compare city dealsElsewhere in the Netherlands
Planning a longer road trip? Browse pick-up locations across the country, from Rotterdam to Maastricht.
Browse Netherlands car hireWell-known suppliers
Compare by rental company
Prices and availability are shown by Booking.com and change by date.
Honest advice
Do you really need a car?
For Amsterdam itself, usually not. The centre is compact, trams and the metro are frequent, and a bike or your own feet reach most museums. Parking is paid, scarce and expensive, and many canal-side streets are one-way or closed to cars.
A car earns its place when you leave the city. Windmills, flower fields, fishing villages and castles are 30 to 60 minutes away by road and are much easier with your own wheels. If you plan to pick up a rental only for those days, collect it on the morning you leave and return it the same evening.
Prefer not to drive at all? Public transport reaches many of the same places, and our day trip guides explain how. If you would rather have a local do the driving, we are also connected to Mike's Green Tours, a private tour company run by the owner of this site. That is our own offering, not an independent recommendation.
Where to drive
Six road trips from Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans
Windmills, cheese and clogs, about 30 minutes from the city.
Keukenhof
Spring bulb gardens, open for a short season.
Giethoorn
The car-free village you explore by boat.
Kasteel de Haar
The Netherlands' largest castle, near Utrecht.
Volendam
A harbour village on the former Zuiderzee.
Kinderdijk
UNESCO windmills in the south.
Practical tips before you book
- Compare the total price including insurance, fuel policy and any one-way fee.
- Check the cancellation terms of the rate you choose before you pay.
- Bring your driving licence, ID and a credit card in the main driver's name.
- Plan parking first. Use park-and-ride on the edge of the city if you stay centrally.
- Book early for tulip season (spring) and summer, when demand is highest.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Amsterdam?+
Not for the city itself. Trams, metro, trains and bikes cover almost everything, and parking in the centre is limited and expensive. A car makes sense for day trips to the countryside, for travelling with luggage or children, or when you continue to other parts of the Netherlands.
Should I pick up the car at Schiphol or in the city?+
If you arrive by air and are heading straight out of town, pick up at Schiphol. If you are staying in Amsterdam first, collect the car on the day you leave. That avoids paying for parking while it sits unused.
What do I need to rent a car in the Netherlands?+
Usually a valid driving licence, a passport or ID and a credit card in the main driver's name. Age limits and extra fees for young drivers differ per supplier, so check the conditions on the rental page before you book.
Is parking in Amsterdam difficult?+
In the centre, yes. Street parking is paid and scarce, and many hotels charge for parking or do not offer it. Park-and-ride locations on the edge of the city connect to the centre by tram or metro and are usually the cheaper choice.
Are there driving rules I should know about?+
Drive on the right. Cyclists and trams often have priority, so watch for them at junctions, and expect 30 or 50 km/h limits in town. Some cities have low-emission zones for older diesel vehicles, so check the rules for your route.
Does it cost more to book through this page?+
No. You see the same price on Booking.com. We earn a small commission when you book through our link, at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate disclosure: links to Booking.com on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure. Looking for a place to stay as well? See our Amsterdam hotel guides.