Rental car desks at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) are Car rental desks are in Schiphol Plaza, the central hall connecting the arrivals area to the train station. Follow signs for 'Car Rental' to the plaza level. The car park is in the adjacent P3 multi-storey parking garage.. Major companies include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt. The fastest transfer to Amsterdam is by Train (NS Sprinter/Intercity) (15 minutes).
Car rental desks are in Schiphol Plaza, the central hall connecting the arrivals area to the train station. Follow signs for 'Car Rental' to the plaza level. The car park is in the adjacent P3 multi-storey parking garage.
Book your rental car at AMS at least 2-3 weeks ahead for the best prices, especially during summer.
Compare prices from all companies at AMS to find the best deal:
Search 8+ companies at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (NS Sprinter/Intercity) | 15 minutes | EUR 5.40 | Direct to Amsterdam Centraal; trains run 6 times per hour |
| Airport Bus (397) | 30 minutes | EUR 6.50 | Amsterdam Airport Express to Museumplein and Elandsgracht |
| Taxi | 25-35 minutes | EUR 40-50 | Metered fare to Amsterdam center; official taxis only from the rank |
| Hotel Shuttle | 20-40 minutes | EUR 5-20 | Several airport hotel shuttle services operate on demand |
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of Europe's largest and busiest airports, handling over 70 million passengers annually. The single-terminal design, located 9 km southwest of Amsterdam, is remarkably efficient and houses all facilities under one roof, including the train station and car rental area in Schiphol Plaza.
While a rental car is unnecessary in Amsterdam — where cycling and public transport reign supreme — it becomes useful for exploring the wider Netherlands and neighbouring countries. The tulip fields of Lisse, the Hoge Veluwe National Park, the medieval city of Bruges in Belgium, and the Cologne Cathedral in Germany are all within 2-3 hours of Schiphol.
The Dutch motorway network is excellent and toll-free, though rush-hour congestion around Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht is notorious. The country's compact size means that nowhere in the Netherlands is more than 3 hours from Schiphol, making even the most distant destinations viable day trips.
No. Amsterdam is best explored by bicycle, tram, and on foot. Parking is extremely expensive and driving in the city is stressful.
No, all motorways in the Netherlands are toll-free. The only tolled roads are two tunnels (Westerscheldetunnel and Kiltunnel).
Yes, cross-border travel is seamless with no border checks. Most rental companies allow travel to neighbouring EU countries at no extra charge.
Cyclists have priority in many situations and are everywhere. Always check your mirrors and blind spots for bikes before turning or opening doors.
Country-by-country driving requirements, packing list, and emergency contacts — all in one PDF.
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