Car Rental Netherlands

Speed limits in the Netherlands

• The motorway speed limit in the Netherlands changes depending on the time of day. Between 6am and 7pm it is 100km/h (just over 60mph) and between 7pm and 6am it is 120km/h or 130km/h (between 75mph and 80mph).
• If the rush-hour lane is open on the motorway, the speed limit is reduced to 80km/h (50pmh) during the day or 100km/h (60mph) at night.
• On A roads and dual carriageways, the speed limit is 100km/h (60mph).
• The speed limit in built-up areas in the Netherlands is 50km/h (approximately 30mph).
• Outside built-up areas, the speed limit is 80km/h (approximately 50mph).

Main roads in the Netherlands

• The A-10 is a 32km ring road circling the capital, Amsterdam. This connects to five other motorways including the A-2, leading to Maastricht and the Amstel interchange.
• The A-13 connects Rotterdam and The Hague and is the busiest motorway in the Netherlands.
• The A-1 connects Amsterdam with the German border, passing through the provinces of Overijssel, Gelderland, Utrecht and North Holland.

Road types in the Netherlands

• Autosnelweg denotes a Dutch motorway or freeway, designed only for fast travel. Only vehicles both capable and legally allowed to drive at 60km/h are allowed to travel on these roads.
• Autoweg are other expressways that do not meet the standards for a motorway, including dual carriageways and single carriageways.
• Stadsroutes connect parts of cities to motorways or ring roads.
• Woonerf roads are known as “living roads”. They prioritize pedestrians over the flow of the traffic.

Toll roads in the Netherlands

There are no toll roads in the Netherlands but there are two tunnels that charge a toll – Kiltunnel at Dordrecht and Westerscheldetunnel. The latter runs between Ellewoutsdijk and Terneuzen. It is possible to avoid these toll tunnels but, typically, this adds so much to the journey time that it can be cheaper to pay the toll.

Driving basics

• In the Netherlands, cars drive on the right, just the same as in the US.
• One major difference is when making right turns at a red light, you are required to stop no matter which way you are turning - even if there is no other traffic.
• The Netherlands is also far stricter than the US about drivers staying on the right unless they are overtaking.
• At an intersection, you must give priority to the cars on the right.

Amsterdam

Famed for its miles of canals flanked by historic buildings, Amsterdam is a beautiful and intriguing city attracting almost nine million overseas visitors each year. Take a stroll through Vondelpark for some inner-city greenery, soak up some culture at the famous Rijksmuseum or seek out some quirky and unique souvenirs on Haarlemmerstraat.

Rotterdam

The second-largest Dutch city, and the world’s largest portm  is as popular for its maritime museums and attractions as it is for its vibrant social scene. Watch the boats being painted from a chic café at the harbor and learn about world cultures at the Wereldmuseum. Hungry? Take a trip to the “Koopboog”, or Market Hall, to sample international delicacies inside an architectural marvel.

Zeeland

The province of Zeeland is comprised of multiple towns and villages alongside some of the best beaches in the Netherlands. If you feel like stepping into the past, the Zeeuws Museum in Middelburg offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region. Or perhaps you would prefer to tantalize your taste buds at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in the area.

Maastricht

Maastricht is one of Holland’s oldest cities and is packed full of art and history. The birthplace of the euro is an ideal spot for those that like to combine the bustle of a busy city with the aesthetics of nature. Explore impressive European churches and medieval city walls before heading to a world-famous restaurant for a relaxing evening.

Groningen

A popular student city, Groningen offers plenty for those that enjoy busy nightlife, alongside trendy cafes, fine dining and open-air markets to explore. All this is just minutes away from open countryside, providing the best of both worlds for travelers who want to experience a slice of serenity as much as the excitement of city living.

Tilburg

Tilburg is renowned for its broad cultural offering, with attractions ranging from museums and art galleries to retail districts and restaurants. A visit to the Stadsmuseum to see where Vincent Van Gogh first attended drawing classes is a must. Visitors in July should also catch the largest funfair in the Benelux region, which runs annually for ten days.

The Hague

From the sandy beaches of the Scheveningen district to the coffee culture of the city center, The Hague has something for everyone. Home of the Mauritshuis, where you can view timeless art classics including Vermeer’s Girl with the Pearl Earring, the district is a melting pot of modern and ancient culture.

Leiden

As the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to many other famous artists over the centuries, Leiden has lots to discover. With almost as many canals and waterways as Amsterdam, the scenic city also boasts a total of 13 museums. These include Naturalis, an immersive and interactive nature exhibition hall named European Museum of the Year in 2021.

Nijmegen

The Netherlands’ oldest city, Nijmegen, traces its history back to Rome more than 2,000 years ago and is bursting with Roman architecture and tradition. Visit the Museum Valkhof to see ancient treasures or head north to see the remains of a genuine Roman road and canal. After that, make like a Roman emperor and enjoy a steam in one of the traditional saunas.

Arnhem

The Nederlands Openluchtmuseum in Arnhem is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting Holland, showcasing different ways of life for rural Dutch people throughout history. Arnhem is also home to the John Frost Bridge, immortalized in the 1977 movie A Bridge Too Far, as well as Hoge Veluwe National Park – plenty to explore for any history buff or casual explorer.