Car Rental Maastricht

Grand cobbled streets, secret underground tunnels and serene river cruises - Maastricht is a picturesque and friendly city, ideal for those seeking a relaxing vacation.

Car rental in Maastricht allows you to make the most of your stay here, and getting around is relatively easy. The highways are called ‘Autosnelweg’ or snelweg, signified by an A, while smaller roads are called ‘Autoweg’, using an N to distinguish them.

The A2 and N278 roads run through the city, making it easy to drive in as well as venture further afield. You’ll find Maastricht Airport located just outside the city. From here, take the A2 and it takes around 20 minutes to the center.

Head in the opposite direction on the A2 and it’ll take you towards Eindhoven in little over an hour. The design capital of the Netherlands hosts Dutch Design Week and is home to museums and design studios where you’ll find modern and contemporary art.

Alternatively, the A79 will have you in De Valkenier, the oldest amusement park in the Netherlands, in just 15 minutes. Enjoy a range of attractions from roller coasters to water slides.  

Maastricht is located alongside the border with Belgium. From the center it’ll take you around 15 minutes via Bosscherweg and the N78 to Hoge Kempen National Park. Get out of the car and stretch your legs before heading further into this beautiful country. 

The city is also just a short distance from Germany. Take the A79 towards the border and, once you’ve crossed it, join the A4 and it’s an hour and a half from Maastricht to the Gothic splendor of Cologne.

Speed limits on Dutch freeways vary according to the time of day and how busy it is. These are between 60mph (95 km/h) and 80mph (130 km/h) but limits will be well signposted. In towns, the speed limit goes down to 30mph (50 km/h).

There’s paid parking in the center of Maastricht, both on the street and in parking garages. You’ll see a Parking Route Information System, PRIS, which uses signage to signify where parking is available. You also have the option to use a park and walk, which you’ll find less than 10 minutes walking distance from the center. As in the U.S., you’ll drive on the right. However, it’s worth noting that you can’t turn right at a junction on a red light, even if the way is clear.

The River Meuse - Maas in Dutch - flows through the center of this lively and welcoming city, while historic architecture lines the streets. The location of Maastricht, on the southern tip of the Netherlands, between Belgium and Germany, means that you can easily discover both sides of these borders at your own pace.

Visit the oldest working watermill

Follow the scent of freshly baked bread through the winding streets and narrow alleys. As you get closer to Bishop’s Mill - or Bisschopsmolen - you’ll begin to hear the distant rattle of it working away. Stand on the bridge over the Jeker River and you’ll see the oldest working water mill, which dates back to the 7^th century, in action.

The mill has had various uses over the years - but today you’ll find bakers whisking up masterpieces. See the process from grain to bread as the bakers grind the wheat. Make sure you try the traditional and flavorsome breads and pies. After the delicious aromas that have no doubt been making your mouth water, your reward is to sample the delicious end result.

Treat your taste buds

Maastricht has earned itself the title of the Netherlands’ culinary capital, not least because of the number of Michelin-starred restaurants that sit within walking distance of the center. The two Michelin-starred Beluga overlooks the river and serves brilliantly creative dishes with a daring twist. You might also like to visit the city’s oldest café, In Den Ouden Vogelstruys, which has been serving food since the 14^th century.

In the old town you’ll find tree-lined Vrijthof Square, paved with cobblestones and known for its plethora of restaurants and cafes. Enjoy a coffee with the Romanesque Cathedral, St Servatius Basilica, as your backdrop. Dine al fresco at Grand Café d’n Ingel as you watch the world go by and enjoy Limburgse Vlaai, a popular Dutch fruit pie.

Step back in time at Saint Peter’s Fortress

Built on St Peter’s Mount, this fortress was used to defend the city from the French in the early 18^th century. Take a guided tour of the fortress, and discover the cannon gallery, secret water well and the underground tunnels, before enjoying the breathtaking views.

The fortress is at the end of St Peter’s Path, a hiking route that starts at Pieterburen in Groningen. Explore its full 310 miles if you’re a serious hiker, or simply attempt one of its 26 stages. 

You’ll also findSaint Peter’s Caves beneath the fortress. There’s 50 miles of tunnel systems to explore, where you can find out about life underground during the wars. As you enter the low light of the Gothic hallway, you’ll hear haunting and vivid stories of those who lived in the dark to escape the siege above. Don't forget to take warm clothes - the temperature can dip quite low down here.

Book your car rental in Maastricht and discover the pleasures of the Netherlands Limburg Province before exploring both sides of the border with Belgium and Germany.