How to find a cheap car hire deal in Utrecht
Turn the key on your trip with a cheap rental car in Utrecht. With prices averaging R 3,016 a day, it's travel freedom that doesn't cost a fortune. From economy models to full-size family cars, we'll help you find the right wheels at a price that works.
R 756 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Utrecht.
Planning an extended stay and want to go further than the usual stops? R 3,931 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To score the best price on a Utrecht car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Rates generally rise as your travel dates approach, and waiting too long might mean missing out.
Find your perfect ride with Hertz, Thrifty or Budget. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Whether you choose Hertz or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Utrecht car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others charge extra for it.
Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can snag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Utrecht.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average R 1,565 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,211.
The third option also performs well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly R 3,840 a day.
The Economy rental category is a dependable pick if you're not sure which ride is right for you. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other in Utrecht.
Compare car hire types in Utrecht
Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or just planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this Utrecht car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Utrecht that can handle the big jobs. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Utrecht car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Utrecht by adding some handy 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
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car hire in the Netherlands. Rules can differ, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Kids coming with you? Car seat rules vary according to the location, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Find out if you need to add one to your Utrecht car hire reservation.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the Netherlands.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 45kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
In the Netherlands, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, hand the keys to someone else or take another form of transport.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for all your purchases and expenses on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to make sure you're always covered.
Dutch is the language you'll hear most people speaking in this country.
Best hotels in Utrecht for drivers
Offering parking, Court Hotel Utrecht City Centre gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 0.97 kilometres from central Utrecht and also comes with bicycle rentals and room service.
UKI-Hotel also works well if you've got a few road trips in mind. It features parking, along with Wi-Fi and internet access. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Utrecht and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in Utrecht and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Canals area, TivoliVredenburg and Domtoren are a classic introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Utrecht
Around 32 kilometres northwest of central Utrecht, Amsterdam deserves a spot on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.
Amsterdam Teleport Hotel and XO Hotels Park West are reliable accommodation options with parking in Amsterdam.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Utrecht and then head for Rotterdam. Roughly 48 kilometres southwest of Utrecht, Erasmus Bridge and Rotterdam Centraal Station are highlights that are worth going out of your way for.
Take it easy after a day spent exploring Rotterdam at Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Wings-Rotterdam or Ss Rotterdam by WestCord. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Heerlen, about 145 kilometres southeast of Utrecht. First, swing past Kinderstad, then take your time exploring Kasteel Eyckholt.
Book a room at Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Parkstad- Zuid Limburg or Bastion Hotel Heerlen. They make it a breeze to discover everything Heerlen has to offer. They also come with parking.
