Car rental in
Amsterdam
Our top branches in Amsterdam
Our services at Amsterdam
SIXT car rental in Amsterdam
Flying in from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you can collect your SIXT rental car at Schiphol Airport (AMS) or Amsterdam Central Station. Driving is on the right, just as in the UAE, so Dutch roads will feel familiar from the first kilometre. Head into the canal districts or out to the countryside, whichever suits the day.
A car makes day trips, spontaneous detours and efficient city touring easy. The fleet covers a range of makes and models, and you can book or manage your reservation in the SIXT app. Book your vehicle online before you travel.
Recommended vehicles for Amsterdam
- Economy cars: Easy to handle on Amsterdam's compact layout and narrow streets.
- Station wagons: Extra luggage space for family trips and attractions outside the city.
- SUVs: Comfortable for longer drives to the coast and the Dutch countryside.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Amsterdam?
You get a price estimate when you book online. Several factors affect the rate:
- Car category: Economy cars, SUVs and luxury vehicles each have their own rate.
- Rental length: The daily rate can change with the number of days you rent.
- Pick-up and drop-off locations: The branches you choose can affect the rate.
- Peak periods: Rates can rise during school holidays and major city events.
Tip: Compare dates early and consider off-peak periods to find a better rate.
Add-ons and protection packages
Tailor your rental with useful extras and the right level of cover:
- Add-ons: Navigation, child seats, additional drivers and winter tyres are available.
- Protection: Choose the protection package that fits your trip.
Driving tips for Amsterdam
Amsterdam's streets carry heavy bicycle and tram traffic, so allow extra time in the centre. If you are used to driving in the UAE, the main adjustments are the cyclists, the lower speed limits and the self-service fuel stations.
Traffic rules in Amsterdam
- Carry your UAE driving licence; an IDP is recommended as a translation aid rather than strictly required.
- Many city streets are limited to 30 km/h, with 50 km/h on main urban roads.
- Trams and cyclists have priority in many situations, so give way at crossings and on marked lanes.
- The city centre has a low-emission zone that restricts older, high-emission vehicles. Ask the branch at pick-up if you have questions about your car.
- Paid parking covers most of the city, and some neighbourhoods have additional restrictions overnight.
Road conditions and navigation
- Older canal bridges can be narrow, and one-way streets and complex junctions are common.
- Use a navigation system or phone GPS to find your way along canal-side roads.
- Historic cobblestone streets can be slippery when wet.
Parking in Amsterdam
Paid street parking is limited in the centre, so most visitors use garages or Park and Ride (P+R) sites.
- Q-Park Bijenkorf: Handy for shopping in the city centre.
- P+R Zeeburg: A good base for eastern Amsterdam.
- Parking Garage Museumplein: Close to the main museums.
Fuel
Petrol stations sell Euro 95 (comparable to Special 95 in the UAE) and diesel. Unlike in the UAE, they are typically self-service, so you fill the tank yourself. Contactless and card payments are standard.
Tip: Ask about SIXT's refuelling service to skip the search for a petrol station before drop-off.
Tolls
Amsterdam's roads and the major motorways around the city are toll-free for passenger cars. If you are used to Salik gates in Dubai, you will not meet any here.
Explore Amsterdam by rental car
A rental car puts the Dutch highlights within easy reach of the city.
Zaanse Schans: windmills and Dutch heritage
- Distance from Schiphol Airport: about 28 km
- Drive time: roughly 25-30 minutes away
Zaanse Schans is known for its windmills, wooden houses and displays of traditional Dutch crafts. You can visit the workshops and watch cheese being made. A paid car park sits at the site (around EUR 15 per day, card payment only); parking is limited, so allow time for waiting at busy periods.
Keukenhof Gardens: tulips and flower displays
- Distance from Amsterdam Central Station: about 35-40 km
- Drive time: roughly 35-40 minutes away
Keukenhof Gardens has one of Europe's largest flower displays, especially its tulips. The gardens open only for a short spring season, so check the dates before you plan the trip. On-site parking gives direct access to the gardens.
Volendam: fishing town and harbour
- Distance from central Amsterdam: 23 km
- Drive time: roughly 30 minutes away
Volendam is a small fishing town with restaurants along the harbour. Try the fresh seafood and browse the local shops. Public car parks are within walking distance of the main harbour.
Aalsmeer Flower Auction: the Dutch flower trade
- Distance from Schiphol Airport: about 10-14 km
- Drive time: roughly 15 minutes away
Aalsmeer hosts a major flower market and offers a look behind the scenes of the Dutch flower trade. Check visitor access and timings before you go. Parking is available next to the auction hall.
With a rental car in Amsterdam, you can plan the trip your way and set your own pace. Reserve your SIXT car online before you fly.
Customer reviews & feedback
What our customers are saying
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Amsterdam. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in Amsterdam
One-way rentals are allowed between SIXT stations in the Netherlands depending on the car category. It is also possible to book a car one way for select countries. An additional fee may apply.
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.
