Hertz car rental in Leiden

Car rental in Leiden, one of the largest cities in the South Holland region, gives you the chance to explore this historic university town. Since the late 1500s, its beautiful cobblestone streets, quaint courtyards, canals and bridges have been hosting student and visitors alike.

With car rental from Hertz, you can experience everything Leiden has to offer - both within and outside of the city center.

Peruse the canals and outskirts of Leiden city center or venture further afield to the coast and neighboring towns in your Hertz rental car. Rotterdam is just a short 40-minute drive south, while Amsterdam is only 45 minutes north via the A5.

With a handy pick up point in the center of the city and a vast choice of vehicles to suit your needs, Hertz is the best place to begin your vacation to Leiden and the South Holland region.

Driving in and around Leiden

Parking in Leiden

• The major shopping streets in Leiden are car-free, which means you’ll need to park your rental car just a little out of the center.
• The Lammermarkt parking lot is about an eight-minute walk from the city center and has plenty of spaces.
• When parking on the street, be aware of rates and parking times, which vary between parking zones.
• You can generally park in a space close to the center between 9am and 9pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm to 9pm on Sundays. But check local signs.

Traffic in Leiden

Peak traffic times in Leiden are between 7:30am and 10am then again between 4pm and 6pm in the evenings.

Rotterdam Airport to Leiden

Driving your rental car to Leiden from Rotterdam Airport should take you about 30 minutes.

• Drive down the A13 for around five minutes (depending on traffic) and take the A4/E19 exit towards Burgemester Detmersweg.
• Follow the A4/E19 for around seven miles before exiting at Zoeterwoude towards the N206.
• Continue up the N206 for four miles (approximately 15 minutes depending on traffic) towards Leiden city center.

Roads and freeways

Holland has an extensive network of freeways, where the speed limit varies between 100km/h (62mph) and 130km/h (80mph).

The A4 leads from Amsterdam to the border of Belgium and is the major freeway that goes by Leiden.

On the south side of Leiden is the N11, a highway that runs from Leiden to the A12 at Bodegraven. If you plan to visit the coast, you should follow the N206.

Driving rules and regulations

As is the same throughout Holland, in Leiden you’ll be driving on the right side of the road and overtaking on the left.

You must always have your driver’s license on you when driving, as well as your car rental registration papers and insurance documents.

Be aware of changing speed limits when driving in and around Leiden. The maximum limit within the city is 50km/h (31mph). Speed limits are clearly signposted on the driver’s side of the road in km/h, so you shouldn’t be caught off guard.

A quick guide to Leiden

What to see and do in Leiden

Hortus Botanicus

Leiden is known for its university, of which Hortus Botanicus (2311 GJ Leiden) is a part of. The garden was originally laid in 1590, making it one of the oldest maintained gardens in the world.

A stroll through this botanical wonderland is a delight for nature lovers. Within its various greenhouses are more than 10,000 species of plants, including tropical orchids, the Custard Apple and variations of the Pitcher Plant family. It also welcomes wildlife, including dozens of bird species from around the globe. Paid parking is available nearby.

Burcht van Leiden

The medieval fortification Burcht van Leiden (2312 EK Leiden) was built on top of an old motte (raised, earthy mound), and is now one of Leiden’s most famous landmarks.

Built during the 11^th century, it was originally a well-structured military keep set where the Rhine, Oude Rijn and Nieuwe Rijn meet. Today, it’s a luscious green public park. Stroll the length of the battlements and enjoy fantastic river views from the top of the fort. A number of parking lots are within walking distance.

Leiden canal system

Leiden’s canals wind around the entire city center, with many waterways interlinking to form a full network worthy of exploration.

By touring the canals by boat, you’ll be gifted a greater understanding of the city and its unique quirks. Make sure to drift past the Van der Wefpark and Botanical Gardens – two of the most picturesque parts of the canal tour.

Leiden’s best hotels

ExLibris Boutique Hotel

This luxurious boutique hotel (2311SL Leiden) is nestled within the Pieters district in the historic center, with a variety of museums and sights on its doorstep.

It’s just a two-minute walk from the hotel to The Pietersketrk (a looming, late gothic church), making it the perfect base for your city break.

Huys van Leyden

An intimate hotel, Huys van Leyden (2312 RJ Leiden) is a heritage-listed 1611 property sitting by the Oude Singel canal. The hotel has retained many of its original features, with modern additions such as the spa and sauna.

You can even benefit from free parking, meaning you can safely leave your vehicle behind when setting off on foot.

Leiden’s best places to eat

In den Doofpot

In den Doofpot’s (2312 CE Leiden) head chef, Patrick Brugman is of a sky-high caliber, with plenty of creative experience to fuel his menu ideas.

The menu changes every month, and features innovative dishes including smoked tzatziki with green apple and sea bass with razor-clam vinaigrette. They also have an extensive vegetarian menu, which is available upon request or when you make your essential advanced reservation.

Fresh ‘n Fast

Perfect for tourists keen to get on with exploring, Fresh ‘n Fast (2311 SK Leiden) is a quick and fantastic burger joint in the high-end part of town next to the Pieterskerk.

Serving only organic and locally-produced food, the restaurant has a reputation for delicious fresh meals. They have an excellent range of vegetarian options served in plentiful portions.