How to find a cheap car hire deal in Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Just arrived in town? Pick up a cheap Amsterdam Schiphol rental car and hit the road for around $128 a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
Daily rental prices at Amsterdam Schiphol start from just $69.
Thinking of staying longer? Book a weekly rental from $478 and say yes to more adventures across Amsterdam.
If you want to get the best price, book your AMS car hire around four weeks in advance.
Get behind the wheel with Green Motion, Keddy By Europcar or Alamo, some of the most trusted providers at Amsterdam Schiphol.
Whether you go with Green Motion or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Amsterdam Schiphol car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in AMS. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a car hire in Amsterdam Schiphol that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your vehicle with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.
Pack more into your journey by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging $162 a day.
Sitting in second place, this provider offers daily rates of around $151.
The third option also claims a spot among the most affordable suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $187 a day.
If you're still weighing up which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of vehicle at AMS.
Compare car hire types from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Small: These cheap Amsterdam Schiphol rental cars may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, fuel efficient, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this AMS car hire option includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or zipping along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Amsterdam Schiphol that fits a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group travel, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your AMS car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Amsterdam Schiphol.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your rental in the Netherlands. Rules can vary, 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' filter and enter your age to browse your options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat rules vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Make sure you add the right one to your AMS car hire booking.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
If it's your first time driving in the Netherlands, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 45kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in the Netherlands. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've picked up the keys to your AMS car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central Amsterdam is about 18 kilometres northeast and a drive of around 25 minutes if that's your first stop.
Allow roughly 50 minutes to travel from Amsterdam Schiphol to the city centre during peak hours.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
You can also reserve a car hire in Amsterdam. If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive, wait until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Visit the leading attractions in Amsterdam before doing anything else. Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum set the tone for a great trip.
Around 48 kilometres southwest of AMS, Rotterdam deserves a place on your itinerary. Tick off can't-miss sights like Erasmus Bridge and Kijk-Kubus Museum-house.
Or pick up your Amsterdam Schiphol car hire and set out for The Hague. Around 40 kilometres southwest of the airport, Mauritshuis Museum and Inner Court & Hall Of The Knights are major attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Maastricht, around 177 kilometres south of AMS. Kick things off at TEFAF, then follow it up with Museum of Illusions.
