Local rules and requirements
Renting a car in the Netherlands is a straightforward process, but there are some rules and requirements that you should be aware of before you hit the road. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
Age restrictions
Most car rental companies in the Netherlands require drivers to be at least 21 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for at least one year. However, some companies may require drivers to be at least 23 or even 25 years old. Additionally, some companies may charge a young driver fee for drivers under the age of 25.
Driver’s license
You will need to present a valid driver’s license when you pick up your rental car in the Netherlands. If your license is not in English, German, French, Italian, or Spanish, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent a car. It’s always a good idea to check with the rental company beforehand to see if an IDP is required.
Insurance
All rental cars in the Netherlands come with mandatory third-party liability insurance. However, this insurance may not cover damage to the rental car itself or theft of the car. Many rental companies offer additional insurance options that cover these types of risks. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any insurance policy before you purchase it.
Road rules
The Netherlands has strict road rules that all drivers must follow. Here are a few key rules to keep in mind:
- Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts.
- Children under the age of 12 and less than 1.35 meters tall must sit in a child car seat.
- The maximum speed limit on highways is 130 km/h, but in some areas it may be lower.
- The legal blood alcohol content limit for drivers is 0.5 promille.
Major car rental companies in the Netherlands
If you’re planning to rent a car in the Netherlands, there are many car rental companies to choose from. Here are a few of the major companies with locations at main airports:
Hertz
Hertz is one of the largest car rental companies in the world, with locations in over 150 countries. In the Netherlands, Hertz has locations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and Eindhoven Airport. Hertz offers a wide range of vehicles, including economy cars, luxury cars, and SUVs.
Website: https://www.hertz.com/p/car-rental/netherlands
Avis
Avis is another popular car rental company with locations around the world. In the Netherlands, Avis has locations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and Eindhoven Airport, among others. Avis offers a variety of vehicles, including compact cars, vans, and luxury cars.
Website: https://www.avis.com/en/locations/nl
Europcar
Europcar is a European car rental company with locations in over 140 countries. In the Netherlands, Europcar has locations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and other major cities. Europcar offers a range of vehicles, including economy cars, family cars, and premium cars.
Website: https://www.europcar.com/location/netherlands
Sixt
Sixt is a German car rental company that operates in over 100 countries. In the Netherlands, Sixt has locations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and other major cities. Sixt offers a variety of vehicles, including economy cars, luxury cars, and SUVs.
Website: https://www.sixt.com/car-rental/netherlands/
Budget
Budget is a global car rental company with locations in over 120 countries. In the Netherlands, Budget has locations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and other major cities. Budget offers a range of vehicles, including economy cars, SUVs, and luxury cars.
Website: https://www.budget.com/en/locations/nl
Enterprise
Enterprise is a US-based car rental company with locations in over 85 countries. In the Netherlands, Enterprise has locations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and other major cities. Enterprise offers a variety of vehicles, including economy cars, SUVs, and luxury cars.
Website: https://www.enterprise.nl/en/home.html
Renting a car in the Netherlands is a convenient way to explore the country’s many attractions. Before you rent a car, be sure to familiarize yourself with the local rules and requirements, including age restrictions, driver’s license requirements, and insurance options. With a little bit of preparation, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable driving experience in the Netherlands. When choosing a rental company, consider the major companies listed above, which offer a range of vehicles and convenient locations.