Things to know when driving Schiphol Airport
A short drive in your rental car from Schiphol Airport, you’ll find classic Dutch sights like pretty tree-lined canals, tulip fields and cyclists pottering along quiet cobbled streets. You’re perfectly placed to drive into Amsterdam itself, or to visit the towns and idyllic countryside of the beautiful Noord Holland Province.
You’ll find this area has an impressively comprehensive road network. From our pick-up location, you can drive straight to the A4 motorway, which heads north-east to Amsterdam or south towards The Hague. Major routes also lead to nearby cities like Haarlem and Hilversum.
The motorways form a ring around the capital and that can help you avoid any potential congestion during peak hours. From Amsterdam, the A1 motorway heads east to the German border, while the A2 heads south towards Maastricht and on into Belgium.
The northern part of the Netherlands is very flat, which makes for more relaxed driving. You’ll find good quality roads – and no tolls. The Netherlands is compact, with a lot of urban centers, but overall it is an easy country for drivers. Large areas of the city center are pedestrianized, and you'll also need to be very aware of cyclists – 63% of local’s cycle on a daily basis, so be sure to look out for them when driving your rental car.
You’ll find that you drive on the right and most traffic regulations are similar to the rest of mainland Europe. The Dutch speed limits are 31mph in built-up areas, 62mph on open roads and up to 80mph on motorways.
Note that the local police can issue you with on-the-spot fines for breaking driving laws. For more details about Dutch driving rules visit here.
More About Traveling Schiphol Airport
The unique capital city of Amsterdam and the coast and countryside of Noord Holland Province make a perfect area to explore by rental car. On one side is the relaxed and welcoming city with all its sights, on the other, is the fascinating flat countryside of windmills and dams. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, it makes a very appealing combination.
The roots of Amsterdam
Amsterdam was built on lots of islands intersected by waterways and you can still see the canals and the old layout of the city today. If you tour traditional neighborhoods like Jordaan, you’ll spot that many of the original buildings still stand.
Amsterdam is full of landmark sights, including the home of teenage wartime diarist Anne Frank and the Rijksmuseum, the national art gallery packed with Dutch masterpieces. A tour of the Heineken Experience in the old Victorian brewery showcases the company's history within the city, while a visit to the 17th-century Royal Palace will inspire you with the artifacts of the Dutch royal family.
Chic culture
Today’s Amsterdam is famous for its liberal atmosphere and café culture. You’ll find all sorts of quirky independent cafes across the city – the best areas for a wander are the streets of the Harlemstraat district and the atmospheric alleys.
Inside the striking modern architecture of the Van Gough Museum, you’ll be able to take in the world’s biggest collection of the Dutch artist’s paintings and drawings. It’s one of the world’s most visited art museums.
The futuristic green building of the Nemo Science Center stands on a narrow spit of land between waterways and is a perfect family-friendly attraction. The five floors of exciting interactive games and displays are as educational as they are entertaining.
Amsterdam is also the center of international diamond trading. The new Diamond Museum was opened to celebrate the city’s history with the jewels and features plenty of real diamonds as well as displays about the diamond industry.
You’ll find Amsterdam is a cultured progressive city. The perfect example is the extraordinary Bimhouse, a venue for live jazz in a black box on stilts right on the harbor side. Even if you don’t go to one of the almost daily performances, there’s a great café with views over the water.
Exploring the Province
A short drive south from Amsterdam in your rental car is Utrecht, a city packed with historic sights. The most prominent landmark is the 14th-cenutry Dom Tower, the country’s tallest church, and the 465 steps to the top will reward you with a great view over the city rooftops.
Try Zandvoort for a traditional seaside resort with a wide sandy beach. The beaches run right along this coast up to the string of unspoilt Wadden Islands in the north.
A fantastic day trip from Amsterdam is to the Kinderdijk World Heritage Site, to the south-west. About 250 years ago villagers built a system of 19 traditional windmills to help pump water away from farmland - the best way to see them is from a boat trip on the open water.
