Car Rental Groningen
Why Hertz
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Best price guarantee - in the unlikely event you find a lower Hertz price, we'll refund the difference
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No cancellation or amendment feesWhen the booking is cancelled within two days of being made.
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No hidden extras to pay - theft and damage cover included
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No credit card fees
Hertz in Groningen
A vibrant university town home to 40,000 students, Groningen has a bustling city center atmosphere and miles of canals lending it a laidback charm. Its social life revolves around the University of Groningen – one of the oldest in the Netherlands, dating to 1614.
This youthful city thrums with activity and nightlife, but step away from all that and you’ll find a place of history too, brought to life by museums that tell the tale of its storied past.
Car rental in Groningen is the ideal way to see the best of what the city has to offer, as well as giving you the opportunity to explore further afield and discover more of the Netherlands as a whole, including the buzzing capital of Amsterdam, just a two-hour drive away.
We have several pick-up points in convenient locations, and you can choose from our wide range of vehicle options, from sporty and compact models to larger family cars and SUVs suitable for groups.
We don’t charge any hidden extras, and you can pre-pay for your vehicle online or at the pick-up point. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, we aim to get you in your car as quickly as possible, so you can start discovering the joys of this fantastic Dutch city.
Pickup Locations Groningen
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Groningen - Laan Van De Vrijheid 280 A
Opening hours: Mo-Fr 0800-1800, Sa 0900-1300, Su closed
Address: Laan Van De Vrijheid 280 A
Phone: +31 (0) 50 5254536
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Groningen Airport
Opening hours: Mo-Fr 0900-1730, Sa 1000-1700, Su closed
Address: Machlaan 10C, , travel agency Eelde Airport
Phone: 31-0-50-3080850
Driving in and around Groningen
The city’s picturesque network of canals, boutique shops, and the Martini Tower are all within easy reach in your car. If you’ve arrived at the airport, simply connect on the A28 highway, and you’ll arrive in the center in less than 15 minutes. This northern city also sits at the junction of the E22 (in between Amsterdam and Bremen), and the A28 (from Zwolle and Utrecht).
It’s also worth noting that the historic center of the city is severely restricted to traffic in a bid to combat congestion and ensure the preservation of the highlights you’ll find in this area. As a result, it’s better to use one of the many parking lots near the center when you’re visiting, most of which allow you to park for 60 minutes. If you want to park for longer, use one of the twelve underground parking lots. You can find them by following the blue ‘P’ signs.
When driving in the Netherlands, you should remember that bicycles and mopeds have the right of way. At roundabouts, look out for diamond-shaped signs with yellow diamond centers - this means you have the right of way. If you see, a white inverted triangle sign with a red line, then you must give way to other drivers.
Driving in the Netherlands is on the right-hand side, as in the U.S. Speed limits on the roads range from 130 km/h (80mph) on freeways to 50 km/h (30mph) in built-up areas. The speed limit outside built-up areas is 80 km/h (50mph) and on expressways (autowegen), it’s 100 km/h (81mph). Seatbelts must be worn and cell or mobile phone use while driving is illegal.
A quick guide to Groningen
Groningen blend of eighteenth-century architecture, art museums, and restaurants make it a fantastic place to explore on vacation. From its stunning Gothic tower to immaculately designed parks, the city is bursting with life throughout the year.
The art of the city
The Martini Tower – or Martinitoren – an enormous Gothic church steeple that towers over the city, offers panoramic views and is a historical counterpoint to the modernist façade of the Groninger Museum. It’s a 15th century construction, standing on the sight of two previous towers, both destroyed by lightning. See if you can spot the bullet hole in one of the bells – here since the town was liberated in World War II.
The museum is considered one of the best in The Netherlands. Opened in 1994, the city center building was designed by architects Philippe Starck, Alessandro Mendini, and Coop Himmelblau. You’ll find it on the Zuiderhaven River, and its surreal exterior design is as fascinating as its interior collections. Inside you’ll find a soaring collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, sculptures, art displays, and contemporary art exhibitions.
Alternative attractions in Groningen include the Northern Maritime Museum, which is one of the most visited in Groningen. The museum was founded in 1930 and tells the story of the city’s maritime industry and hosts exhibits on shipbuilding, marine engines, tidal navigation, and the Dutch shipping trade.
Relax in the sunshine
The Noorderplantsoen is a short drive north of the town center and is one of the most elegant green spaces in Groningen. Expertly designed along English country garden lines, the park is a lovely place to have a picnic alongside one of its many ponds and sculpted hedges. During the summer months, it's abuzz with families, students and visitors.
Day trips from Groningen
Exploring the city and neighboring districts is a joy when you rent a car in Groningen. From the center, you have easy access to quintessential Dutch windmills in the north of the city in Hoogeland.
Alternatively, you can drive west towards the historic town of Leeuwarden via the A7 and N31 freeways. Once you arrive in the city, you can explore its ceramics shops and buy beautiful Dutch souvenirs. The famous spy Mata Hari was from Leeuwarden, but it’s an unassuming place, with wonderful artisan shops and boutiques to explore.
With its excellent connections and plethora of sights, Groningen is a relaxing base from which to discover the Netherlands. So, pick up your keys and start exploring this beautiful corner of Europe at your own pace.
