Car Rental at Amsterdam Centr. Train Station (2024)

FAQs

Is it advisable to rent a car in Amsterdam? ›

If you already have booked a hotel in the city centre of Amsterdam we do not recommend you to rent a car. Parking fees in the city centre are very high and most attractions in the centre are within walking distance. If you didn't book a hotel already we advise you to check out the hotels in the Amsterdam region.

The usual documents are required for renting a car in Amsterdam. Thus, you'll have to hand over a valid driver's license, issued at least one year before the rental date, and an ID or passport. Moreover, you'll be asked for a credit card (some Amsterdam car rental companies also accept debit cards).

The distance between Amsterdam Centraal Station and Amsterdam City Center - Sloterdijk is 4 km.

Do you need an international driver's licence to rent a car in the Netherlands? You do not need an International Driving Permit unless your national driver's licence is written in a non-roman alphabet. If that is the case, remember to bring both when you pick up your car rental.

Taxis in Amsterdam can be more expensive than using ride-sharing apps like Uber. However, it ultimately depends on your specific journey and the current surge pricing of Uber at the time.

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.

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.

Basic rules for driving in the Netherlands

You'll need to prove that you have car insurance cover so take the certificate with you (but you don't need a European 'green card') and you must carry with you documents that show the identity of the car, such as a V5 'logbook'.

Station / Airport guide

The Amsterdam Central Train Station (Amsterdam CS) opened in 1889 and is located in the heart of the city. Amsterdam Centraal station offers train connections to many domestic and international cities. The Amsterdam Tourist Office is conveniently located just outside of the train station.

How much is a train ticket from Amsterdam airport to Central station? ›

Amsterdam Centraal is the Dutch capital's main station, located right in the heart of Amsterdam, easy walking distance from most of the city's sights and hotels. The impressive station building was designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers and completed in 1884.

Choose the best ways to get around Amsterdam

Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around Amsterdam. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place.

Good to know when renting in Amsterdam

You will need a valid driver's license and an identity card or passport. If your license is in a non-Roman alphabet like Chinese, you will also need an international driving permit. The minimum age to rent a car in the Netherlands is 21, having held a valid license for 2 years.

If you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for a local police officer to write out a ticket).

Amsterdam is the sort of city where you don't really need a car at all. Nearly everything you require is likely to be on walking distance from your hotel. Amsterdam's public transportation system is excellent and will take you to all the sights and attractions of the city.

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.

In order to drive a car in the Netherlands you'll need to be over 18 years of age, carry a valid driving licence and have third-party insurance. Before you hit the road, read up on licences, insurance and rental in the Netherlands.

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.