How to find a cheap car hire deal in Amsterdam
Whether you need a small car for zipping through the city streets or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Amsterdam. Choose from options averaging R 2,615 a day and go where you want for less.
The cheapest daily rental price in Amsterdam is R 759.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from R 3,313 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
If you want to get the timing right, book around four weeks ahead to drive away with the best price on a Amsterdam car hire.
Alamo, Green Motion and Keddy By Europcar are among the most trusted providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Whether you go with Alamo or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Amsterdam car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Travel without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with prices averaging R 2,285 a day.
Taking second place is this provider, which offers daily rates of around R 2,363.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly R 2,491 a day with this supplier.
If you're not sure what kind of wheels you need, choose something from the Economy rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Amsterdam.
Flying to Amsterdam? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by booking a car hire at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. If you're flying to Amsterdam through this airport, simply pick up your wheels after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 18 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Amsterdam
Small: These cheap rental cars in Amsterdam may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Amsterdam car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra legroom and comfort make them a top choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Amsterdam that can handle the heavy stuff. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, baggage or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Amsterdam car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Amsterdam by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by supplier and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in the Netherlands may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Bringing the kids with you? Child car seat laws differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Make sure you add the right one to your Amsterdam car hire reservation.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
Get familiar with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the Netherlands.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 45kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the Netherlands is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for everything you buy on your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash to ensure you're covered in all situations.
Dutch is the language used most widely across the country.
Best hotels in Amsterdam for drivers
Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park - Small Luxury Hotels. Offering valet parking as well as a beauty salon and a garden, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Amsterdam.
Van der Valk Hotel Oostzaan - Amsterdam is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features accessible parking, plus an indoor swimming pool and a steam room. Check in here and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Amsterdam and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've found a car hire deal in Amsterdam and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stichting Het Rijksmuseum give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Amsterdam
Around 56 kilometres southwest of central Amsterdam, Rotterdam belongs on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Erasmus Bridge and Rotterdam Centraal Station.
You'll be well taken care of at Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Wings-Rotterdam and Ss Rotterdam by WestCord, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Rotterdam.
Add The Hague to your travel plans. Grab your cheap car hire in Amsterdam and drive roughly 56 kilometres southwest to discover main draws such as Mauritshuis Museum and Binnenhof & Ridderzaal.
Shanghai Hotel Holland and Park Centraal Den Haag, Part of Sircle Collection are comfortable places to stay in The Hague if you're hanging out for a while. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Maastricht, around 177 kilometres south of Amsterdam. First, swing past TEFAF, then follow it up with Museum of Illusions.
Book a room at Amrâth Grand Hotel de l’Empereur or Garner Hotel Maastricht by IHG. Make one your base for exploring everything Maastricht has to offer. They also come with parking.
