Car hires in Amsterdam: practical information
Where to rent a car in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a major hot spot for travellers in Europe. Charming canals and market places, incredible museums… it's also a cyclist's dream come true. Arriving to the Netherlands with tickets from London to Amsterdam? You'll touch down in the Dutch capital at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of the world's busiest airports. From the arrivals terminal pick up a cheap rent car in Amsterdam from either Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National or Sixt.
It's also possible to find great car hire deals in Amsterdam's city centre, not just at the airport. Car hire Amsterdam train station is a good place to start. There you'll find both Hertz and 3Click. Also located centrally is Avis, at the American Hotel in and around Van Lennepbuurt. National and Hertz are located on Overtoom in the Vondelbuurt area of Amsterdam.
Driving in Amsterdam: parking and other tips
If traffic isn't enough to deter you from using a rent car in Amsterdam, then the parking situation will. This only goes for the city centre however, where even local residents have a hard time finding a place to park. Instead, look for P+R stations outside the city centre where you can park your discount car hire in Amsterdam and then travel into the city centre via public transport. Parking will cost €8/day but includes your return trip with public transport.
There are however a number of car parks in the city centre, Museumplein for example which is just a short walk from the city's central station. Be ready to dish out though, parking doesn't come cheap here! Parking is free outside the city centre on Sundays. If you know you're going to have a low cost car rental in Amsterdam for your entire trip, it may be best to book hotels in Amsterdam that offer parking to their guests.
Road trips from Amsterdam: what to do, what to see
Alkmaar
Love cheese? Make sure you stop at Alkmaar while on holidays in Amsterdam. Alkmaar is a historic city with plenty of cheese to share, just head to its central market and taste your heart out. Alkmaar is a smaller version of Amsterdam, built with canals through its centre and lovely 17th century canal-side houses. The easiest is to hire a bicycle to take you around town and even beyond to see the windmills in the countryside.
Hilversum
If you're looking for a good place to spend some time outdoors while in the Netherlands, head to Hilversum, a busy town with great parks for cycling and walking. Your first stop should be the impressive town hall, not your typical town hall architecture! Then after that hit the trails through the forests and heaths. Boomberg Park is extremely popular while many cyclists prefer the quieter parks like Costerus Garden, Dudok Park and Old Harbour Park.
Delft
One of the most iconic symbols of the Dutch culture is it's beautiful Delft pottery and ceramics. The city of Delft is worth the day trip out of Amsterdam. Check out the ceramics museum and then shop your heart out! Just remember you have to try and get all your fragile souvenirs home with you on the plane, so don't buy too much!
