Find the perfect hire car at Amsterdam Airport
Amsterdam, capital city of The Netherlands won't wait and neither should you. So we make car hire quick and simple. We're waiting to meet you at the Avis desk, located at Schiphol Plaza, directly behind Arrivals 3.
Popular car hire locations in Amsterdam
Plan your trip to Amsterdam
Take a tour of the incredible Amsterdam canal system – it’s the quickest way to see the sights and soak up some local history. The Houseboat Museum on Prinsengracht gives you a taste of what life permanently afloat is like.Back on dry land, The Van Gogh Museum is the most visited in the city and a unique tribute to the work of the Netherlands’ most famous post-impressionist painter. The Anne Frank House is another of the city’s treasures and stands as a monument to the victims of World War II.
Amsterdam is of course the commercial capital of the Netherlands, as well as being the cultural capital. Its origins can be traced back to the 12th century, when the occupants of the fishing villages on the banks of the River Amstel built a dam , creating a harbour. Being so well linked as a waterway meant that Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world by the 17th century - a leading centre for the diamond trade, and for finance.
You'll find a number of fun family activities in Amsterdam. Why not explore the NEMO Science Centre, or the Artis Royal Zoo - right in the centre of Amsterdam. Or you can explore a working organic farm at Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve - where you can sample goats' milk yoghurt, cheese and even ice cream.
Road trips from Amsterdam
LisseDrive off to experience the spring garden flower park Keukenhof in Lisse, 40 minutes southwest of the capital. The Tulip Fields take centre stage, naturally. In August, you'll also be able to enjoy Castlefest - the medieval fantasy festival, located in the gardens of Castle Keukenhof.
Zaanse Schans
Just under a one hour drive north of Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans living museum is full of traditional Dutch crafts and architecture. You'll also find a cheese farm and clog workshop. Visit the town’s six windmills - situated along the river Zaan.
Kinderdijk
A day trip to Kinderdijk, an hour south, near Rotterdam, is another windmill-centric experience. There are 19 wonderfully preserved examples - built in the 18th century and this collection is the largest concentration of old windmills in all the Netherlands.
Delft
Delft is famous for its ceramics and Delft pottery. This was a home port of the Dutch East India Company - hugely influenced by imported 17th century Chinese porcelain. There's lots of museums reflecting this history, and local arts - and for a change of pace you can head to the Delft Wood for a bracing stroll.
Driving rules in the Netherlands
Which side of the road?In the Netherlands, please drive on the right side of the road.
Country driving laws
- Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
- If you're caught committing a driving offence, the police can issue an on-the-spot fine
- Trams have priority at junctions, except where signposted
- There are a large number of cyclists on the roads, and most main roads have cycle lanes. Be aware of cyclists at all times, and especially when turning right, as cyclists have the right of way
- At junctions,you have the right of way if there is a road sign with a yellow diamond at the intersection.
- You must give way if there is a row of white triangular signs on the road
Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Suburbs / residential: 30 km/h (19 mph)
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- High speed roads (Autoweg): 100 km/h (62 mph)
- Motorways (Autosnelweg): 120 - 130 km/h (70 -(80 mph)
Unless indicated by road signs.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children under age 12 must travel in the back of the car, using an appropriate child restraint for their size. Where two child restraints have been used and there is no room for a third, a seatbelt can be used
- Children aged 3 to 12 may only travel in the front of the car if seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size, and only if the seats in the back of the car are already occupied by other children using child restraint systems
- A child must never sit in a seat with an active airbag
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.