What you should know before you rent a car
Practical information
Where to rent a car in the Netherlands?
Located in northwest Europe, the Netherlands share borders with Belgium and Germany, as well as a coastline with North Sea. Its capital city is Amsterdam, which is also home to the busy international airport, Amsterdam Airport Schipol. From here, visitors can rent a car from companies including Alamo Rent a Car, Hertz, Europcar and National Car Rental. With flat roads and beautiful landscaped to be seen from your car window, renting a car and taking a road trip through the Netherlands makes for a truly memorable experience! The country is also home to a well-connected railway network, with stations such as Amsterdam Central Station and Utrecht Centraal railway station found along the network.
What are the driving rules in the Netherlands?
Planning a road trip in the Netherlands? Be aware of the rules of the road before renting a car to explore the country. These include driving on the right; wearing a seatbelt at all times; and being aware of (and adhering to) the speed limits. These are usually 50km/h in urban areas; 10 - 110km/h on rural roads; and 110 - 130km/h on the freeway. However, pay attention to road signs indicating the speed limit when driving in the Netherlands. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, so to be safe, avoid drinking before driving. It is also worth noting that cycling is a popular form of transport in the Netherlands, so when driving, look out for cyclists!
When it comes to finding somewhere to park your rental car in the Netherlands, there are a number of options. On street parking is usually metered; yellow or black and white markings on the curb indicate that parking is not allowed. Drivers will also find parking lots in towns and cities.
Road trips in the Netherlands
Beautiful cities, cultural attractions, and charming towns and villages: the Netherlands has it all. These three cities are both fascinating destinations and great starting points for a road trip around the Netherlands.
Amsterdam
The capital city of the Netherlands is known for its canals, red light district, and cobblestone streets. In Amsterdam, don't miss a visit to the Rijksmuseum art museum; the Van Gogh Museum; or the Anne Frank House. While driving in Amsterdam itself isn't the best way to travel due to the narrow streets and large number of pedestrians and cyclists, the areas surrounding the city are perfect for exploring by rental car. The charming city of Leiden is just 27 miles from Amsterdam; meanwhile, further afield, the picturesque village of Giethoorn - known for its traditional appearance, and for being mostly car free - can be reached by a 75 mile drive.
Rotterdam
Located in South Holland, Rotterdam boasts modern architecture and a history as a port city. Visit the Maritime Museum to learn more about Rotterdam's history; see art by Rembrandt and Dali at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen; and check out the view from the observation deck of the Euromast tower. Then, rent a car and head off to explore the surrounding areas: The Hague is just 14 miles away by road, while Amsterdam can be reached thanks to a drive of just under 50 miles.
The Hague
A coastal city in the west of the Netherlands, The Hague is home to the Dutch parliament building, the Binnenhof, as well as a number of other governmental and legal institutions - such as the International Court of Justice for the U.N. There are also art museums, such as the Mauritshuis and the Escher Museum; and amusement parks including Drievliet. From The Hague, a number of destinations can be easily reached by rental car. The city of Utrecht, for example, can be found just 43 miles away by road, while further south, the city of Eindhoven is an 88 mile drive away.
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