Car Hire Netherlands

A quick guide to the Netherlands

Cycling and cafes, Dutch masters and thriving commerce – there’s much to admire about the Netherlands. However, is it the Netherlands or Holland? It’s definitely the former. While many people call the country Holland, technically that name only covers two provinces – Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland – and there are 12 provinces in all that make up the Netherlands.

Across the nation you’ll find cities full of history and heritage, while there’s also plenty of calm and scenic rural areas and a laid-back atmosphere that’s the envy of the world. It really is a small country with a lot of everything...

Groningen and the north

The Northern Netherlands can be a bit of a surprise - a real hidden gem. The flat landscape, lakes and coast conspire perfectly to make the area ideal for outdoor pursuits. Sporty visitors will be keen to exploit the area’s geography for excellent biking, hiking, boating, sailing and numerous water sports.

For those after something less active, you can simply sit back and sample the area’s famous oysters and sea shrimps, enjoy the unique landscapes and luxuriate in the relaxed pace of life.

Whether exploring this region on an action-packed trip or at a gentler pace, take a trip to the characterful and remote West Frisian Islands. Its unique personality, fascinating maritime history and tide-battered shores make for a wondrous trip.

A bustling university town, Groningen has the lowest average age of any Dutch city and the energy to match it. It’s a place that stands out, from its quirky modern architecture to its bizarre but fun tourist attractions - the Dutch Comics Museum being a particular standout. Groningen is a hidden treasure of a city.

Rotterdam, The Hague and the south

The majority of the Netherlands’ cities can be found towards the west and south of the country. The very south-west is known as Zeeland and mostly comprises cute little fishing villages, islands and rivers.

North of that you’ll find the major European cities of The Hague and Rotterdam. The former, known locally as ‘Den Haag’, is renowned for being the home of international law, while the latter is famous for having the largest port on the continent. Both have plenty to offer, with Rotterdam notable for its nightlife and superb art collections and museums.

A ‘dam fine capital

A visit to Amsterdam should be on the ‘to do list’ of everyone who likes to travel, such is the endless list of things to see, do and experience in this truly world class city. Relaxed yet lively, modern yet packed with history, this truly idiosyncratic capital city is whatever you want it to be.

While it’s most certainly a hub of commerce and business, it’s also a cultural mecca, a place of great art, fashion, music, film and style. Some people head to the ‘dam for its vibrancy, its nightlife, its multiculturalism and its varied cuisines. Others enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, the walks around the canals, the shops or just to kick back in one of the hundreds of cool bars or chic cafés. Explore the work of Rembrandt, the life of Anne Frank or tuck into the local cuisine with Dutch cheese and fries with mayonnaise ubiquitous.

To really be able to explore the entirety of this complex little enigma of a country, you need to be able to get out there and explore it all. Car hire in Netherlands lets you do just that.  

Driving in and around the Netherlands

Driving around the Netherlands can be a real treat. The low-lying nature of the country means that there is precious little in the way of tricky terrain to master. It's a mostly flat nation, which results in seemingly endless landscapes and, when in bloom, gorgeously bright tulip fields as far as the eye can see.

While the countryside is an absolute pleasure to drive through, all the major towns and cities are extremely well connected too, and you can make your way from one to the other quickly. Dutch cities do give preference and right of way to cyclists and trams, something to watch out for. You'll drive on the right and overtake on the left, as in the majority of continental Europe. The speed limit is usually 80 km/h on open roads, with 100 km/h the maximum allowed on expressways. The fastest speed is reserved for motorways, called 'autosnelwegens', and it’s capped at 130 km/h. Drivers should keep their speed under 50 km/h in all built-up areas. 

With 139,000 km of public roads, the Dutch operate one of the densest road networks in the whole of Europe, so you won't be left wanting for options when planning a route. Every city and town is easily reachable, no matter where you are.

Most Dutch cities operate 'Blue Zones' where you can park, but you'll need to have obtained and displayed a permit before you leave your car unattended. Blue Zone permits can be picked up from police stations and from some petrol stations. It’s often easier to use the numerous car parks you’ll find in all cities.