Is Amsterdam car friendly?
Each year, about one million visitors arrive in Amsterdam by car. While the city is very hospitable to drivers, the inner city is quite an enclosed area. Before arriving, it is advisable to learn about the city's motorways, roads and parking options in order to make the most of your trip.
As a tourist, you are allowed to drive in the Netherlands as long as you possess all the valid documents and essential items.
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.
Everything you need to know about getting around Amsterdam. Comfy footwear and a good sense of direction will get you far in Amsterdam – it's one of the easiest European cities to get around. The Dutch capital's center is very walkable as it's so compact – perhaps a little too much as it tends to get very crowded.
Driving in Amsterdam is not really recommended as the city centre streets are narrow, there is often ongoing construction work and parking places are limited and expensive. Most visitors to Amsterdam and the Netherlands can get around efficiently by public transport.
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.
Amsterdam boasts an impressive public transport network including metros, buses, trams, ferries and trains to help you get around the capital.
On average a rental car in the Netherlands costs C$ 51 per day.
Many car rental agencies offer car hire deals that customers can pick in Paris and drive into Amsterdam. In this case, both one-way and round trips are offered by the suppliers. With Cars Rental France, you can either plan a one-way rental or round trip.
Take an Uber
Plus, Uber has a reputation for being cheaper than taxis most of the time. Although you can conveniently pay with your credit or debit card, the downside is that they generally don't accept cash.
Does Amsterdam have Uber?
Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Amsterdam
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Amsterdam.
How many nights should I stay in Amsterdam? As a general rule, most travelers can plan on spending between 2-4 days in Amsterdam, depending on whether or not they take any day trips, and how long they plan to spend in the Netherlands overall.
Yes, Amsterdam is generally safe at night. The city has a low crime rate and is well-lit and well-patrolled by police. However, it is still important to take the usual precautions when out at night, such as avoiding dark alleys and being aware of your surroundings.
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.
Venice, Italy
In fact, attempting to drive in Venice is illegal. Of course, it's possible to leave your car just outside the city, but it will cost a hefty price.
We hate to break it to you, but owning a car in the Netherlands is really expensive — especially in larger cities. The average hourly rate is €2.80 an hour, but you can expect to pay €3-4 an hour in cities like The Hague, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, and as much as €7.50 in Amsterdam city centre.
A passport must be valid for at least three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area. The 12-page U.S. emergency passport is not accepted by Dutch authorities for visa-free entry into the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is an easy country to navigate thanks to its well-maintained roads and the short distances between cities and sightseeing destinations. While the road rules across much of Europe are relatively standardized you should brush up on the individual countries to avoid fines and offenses.
Citizens. American tourists and business travelers can go to the Netherlands without a visa for up to 90 days.
Fifteen tram routes crisscross the city, and visitors can use their GVB OV-chipkaart to take a ride on the 200-some trams offered. As with the bus or the metro, the most convenient ticket option on the tram is either a one-hour ticket or the day card, which can be purchased for one day or up to seven days.
What is the best way for tourists to travel in Amsterdam?
You can hop on a tram, bus, or metro train, all operated by the city's primary travel operator, Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf (GVB). Or you can explore the city like the locals: on a bicycle. As the GVB covers three modes of public transport—metro, tram, and bus—you only need one ticket to access them all.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
With speed limits of just 30 km/h, Amsterdam prioritises people and active transport, making it one of the most walkable cities in the world.
| Small cars | $35 - $172 |
|---|---|
| All Car Types | $95 - $195 |
Driving Requirements
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.
| Economy | $20/day |
|---|---|
| Standard | $43/day |
| Full-size | $47/day |
| Mini | $22/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $22/day |
References
- https://www.cabinzero.com/blogs/our-journey/most-walkable-cities-in-the-world
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Netherlands.html
- https://nl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/driving-in-the-netherlands/
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/getting-around-amsterdam
- https://www.ca.kayak.com/Netherlands-Car-Rentals.174.crc.html
- https://www.carsrentalfrance.com/car-rental-paris-amsterdam/
- https://www.keithmichaels.co.uk/news/car-free-cities-in-europe-and-america/
- https://travel.usnews.com/Amsterdam_Netherlands/Getting_Around/
- https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/destinations/holland/driving-in-holland
- https://www.autoeurope.com/driving-information/netherlands/
- https://www.momondo.com/car-rental/Netherlands-174-crc.ksp
- https://www.kayak.com/Cheap-Amsterdam-Car-Rentals.1334.cars.ksp
- https://www.sixt.com/magazine/tips/driving-in-the-netherlands/
- https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/travel-stay/getting-around
- https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/netherlands/
- https://www.quora.com/Is-it-safe-for-tourists-to-walk-around-at-night-alone-in-Amsterdam-airport-area-included
- https://www.tripsavvy.com/guide-to-amsterdam-public-transit-1456384
- https://dutchreview.com/traveling/renting-a-car-netherlands-amsterdam/
- https://dutchreview.com/traveling/11-things-know-before-taking-taxi-netherlands/
- https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/amsterdam/
- https://www.etiaseu.com/us-citizens/etias-netherlands
- https://www.amsterdamtips.com/driving-in-amsterdam
- https://dutchreview.com/expat/guide-to-owning-a-car-in-the-netherlands/
- https://www.headout.com/blog/3-day-amsterdam-itinerary/
