Environmentally friendly car rental in the Netherlands

If you're looking for car rental in the Netherlands, look no further. We offer low CO2 vehicles that are at the cutting edge of environmental technology, with a choice of hire vehicles right across the range, from small city cars to luxury limousines all of which give our customers the opportunity to reduce their CO2 emissions.

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Green Motion Car Rental Netherlands Amsterdam Schiphol Airport 767x767

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Green Motion Car Rental Netherlands Amsterdam Schiphol Airport 767x767

Green Motion Servicing Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Netherlands Schipol 1440x1080

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Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a vibrant city known for its historic canals, world-class museums, and progressive culture. It blends 17th-century charm with modern urban life, making it a favorite for both cultural sightseeing and nightlife. While driving in Amsterdam is possible, the city is famously bike-friendly and best explored on foot or by bicycle, with limited parking and traffic restrictions in the city center.

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Travel Destinations in the Netherlands by Car

 

Exploring the Netherlands by car opens up a world beyond Amsterdam’s canals, revealing a country full of contrast, beauty, and hidden treasures. Within just a few hours of driving, you can transition from bustling cities to tranquil countryside, from North Sea beaches to medieval castles, and from tulip fields to UNESCO-listed heritage sites. With a well-connected road network and short travel times, the Netherlands is made for road trips — offering the freedom to move at your own pace and stop wherever inspiration strikes.

One of the most iconic routes is the drive through the Bollenstreek (Flower Bulb Region) in spring, when tulip fields stretch across the landscape in vibrant rows of red, yellow, and purple. A car allows you to visit gardens like Keukenhof early in the day, beat the crowds, and even continue on to lesser-known flower fields beyond Lisse and Hillegom. Nearby, you can explore the historic windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled among quiet rural canals.

To the north, the province of Friesland offers peaceful lakes, quaint villages, and the charming town of Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the North.” Driving through Friesland lets you explore at your own rhythm, far from the noise of tour buses. On the western coast, beach towns like Zandvoort, Noordwijk, and Scheveningen are perfect summer destinations, easily reached by car for a day of sand and sea.

For history lovers, a drive to Delft, Leiden, or Haarlem offers elegant architecture, old churches, and lively markets, all packed into compact, walkable centers. In the south, the cities of Maastricht and ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) reveal a different cultural flavor, with southern warmth, regional cuisine, and even Roman ruins — ideal for longer weekend trips.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the drive to Hoge Veluwe National Park, where forest trails, wildlife, and the renowned Kröller-Müller Museum await. You can even hop from national park to coastline and finish the day at a seafood shack in Zeeland, watching the sun set over the North Sea.

Whether you're taking a scenic detour through countryside lanes or heading directly to cultural hotspots, a rental car in the Netherlands gives you unmatched access to the country’s diverse, drive-worthy destinations. It's the best way to discover the Netherlands beyond the train stations — spontaneous, scenic, and refreshingly off the beaten path.

Driving a rental car in the Netherlands – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the Netherlands?

You don’t need one if your driver’s license is from the EU, EEA, UK, USA, Canada, or Australia, and it’s written in the Latin alphabet. For licenses in other scripts (e.g., Cyrillic, Chinese), an IDP is recommended.

What side of the road do the Dutch drive on?

On the right-hand side of the road.

Is driving in the Netherlands safe?

Yes. The Netherlands has one of the lowest accident rates in Europe. Roads are well-maintained, and rules are strictly followed.

Are roads and signs easy to understand for tourists?

Yes. Road signs follow international standards and use easily recognizable symbols. Most are labeled in Dutch, but they are intuitive to interpret.

Do I need to be careful about cyclists?

Absolutely. Cyclists always have priority when required. Be extra cautious at intersections and watch for separate bike signals and lanes.

Are there tolls in the Netherlands?

Toll roads are virtually nonexistent, except for specific tunnels or ferries. Highway driving is otherwise free.

Is parking difficult in cities?

Yes, especially in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. Use Park & Ride areas or check for paid parking apps. Street parking is limited and often expensive.

Are winter tires or snow chains required?

Not usually. Snow and ice are rare, and winter tires are not mandatory. If you’re traveling to Germany or the Alps afterward, different rules apply.