Europe > Netherlands > Amsterdam (AMS)
The Car or no Car advice for Amsterdam can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Amsterdam ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Amsterdam ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Amsterdam?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🚲 Amsterdam: Car or No Car? (Here’s the Honest Truth)
Amsterdam isn’t just a city—it’s a lifestyle. With canals, trams, bikes, and ferries effortlessly gliding through daily life, you quickly realise cars are not the main event here… in fact, they’re often the problem.
Quick answer:
🚫 Do not rent a car if you’re staying in Amsterdam
✅ Only consider a car if you’re planning to explore rural Netherlands or multiple towns beyond the city
Now let’s look at why.
🚶 Why You Don’t Need a Car in Amsterdam (and Probably Shouldn’t Get One)
Amsterdam is one of the most walkable and connected cities in Europe. It is purposely designed to make life easy without a car.
Reasons to Skip the Car:
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Firstly, the city centre is full of pedestrians, cyclists, and trams—not cars.
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Secondly, parking is extremely limited and very expensive (up to €7 per hour).
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Additionally, many streets are car-restricted or completely car-free.
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Finally, public transport is brilliant—fast, frequent, and well-integrated.
🚲 Your Best Friends Instead:
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Bikes – the most popular way to get around
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Trams & Metro – quick and reliable
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Ferries – free! and scenic across the IJ river
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Walking – every canal is a postcard, so you’ll want to be on foot
✔ Ideal for: City breaks, canal cruising, food tours, museums, nightlife, romantic weekends.
🚗 When a Car Might Be Helpful
To be fair, there is one scenario where renting a car makes sense—and that’s when you plan to explore beyond Amsterdam and into the countryside or coastal towns.
✅ You Might Consider a Car If:
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You’re visiting multiple towns in one day (like Volendam, Giethoorn, Kinderdijk, The Hague, Delft)
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You’re staying in rural areas or cottages
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You want to do a road trip through the Netherlands or into Belgium/Germany
However—even then—it’s worth noting that the Netherlands has outstanding trains connecting all major cities and towns with ease and speed. Often, even for exploring the country, the train is still the better option.
🧭 Quick Decision Table
| Your Travel Style | Car Needed? |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam city break (museums, canals, nightlife) | ❌ No |
| Staying in the city centre | ❌ No |
| Visiting Zaanse Schans / Volendam / Haarlem | ❌ No (train/tram/tour) |
| Dutch countryside road trip | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-country drive (Netherlands + Belgium) | ✅ Yes |
🎯 Final Verdict
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🚫 Skip the car if your trip is focused on Amsterdam itself. The city is literally built for biking, walking, and public transit—not driving.
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✅ Rent a car only if you’re embarking on a wider Dutch or European road trip.
Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities in the world to enjoy without a car. You’ll save money, stress less, and genuinely live like a local.
