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Need help with your car rental? Phone: 0808-164-1480
Need help with your car rental?
Phone: 0808-164-1480

Driving from London to Amsterdam in a Rental Car

driving from london to amsterdam

With its beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and great architecture, it's no surprise why Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. VroomVroomVroom can help you find a hire car in London so you can explore the streets of Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. From safe driving tips to licence requirements, we've got everything you need to have a memorable road trip.

How to get from London to Amsterdam?

Distance: 6 hours and 39 minutes via E40

Driving Directions: You can take the Eurotunnel from London to Amsterdam. Head onto the M20 and drive towards Folkestone and the Eurotunnel. Note that crossing the English Channel only takes 35 minutes. Once you are out of the tunnel, drive east onto the E40 and continue towards Bruges. From here, simply take the connecting motorways all the way to Amsterdam.

An alternative route is to ride the Harwich to Hoek van Holland ferry to Amsterdam. Driving from London to Amsterdam via this route may take about 9 hours depending on the crossing.

Can you rent a car from London to Amsterdam?

Yes. Major rental suppliers such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Thrifty, Green Motion, and Hertz may allow you to take your hire car in Amsterdam. However, some restrictions and additional equipment may be required for vehicles being taken out of the UK mainland.

For example, if you wish to take a UK Europcar vehicle from London to Amsterdam, you will be required by law to present form VE103B and written permission from the supplier prior to departure. You will also need to purchase the Europdrive Package, which is only available at the counter. Read our Taking Your Rental Car From the UK Across to Mainland Europe page for more details.

Driving Licence Requirements

To rent a car in the UK, you must be aged 21 or over. If you are under 25, you may also have to pay a Young Driver Surcharge. You will need to present a full driver's licence that you have held for at least one year with a valid credit card. An International Driving Permit (IDP) will also be required if your own driver's licence is not printed fully in English. Learn more about the rules of each supplier here.

Essential Information

  • You may not be allowed to drive a vehicle if you can't present a valid licence at the time of collection.
  • If you are planning to use the Eurotunnel, you must check in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled journey.
  • Remember that a Continental Breakdown Charge is mandatory and applies to all rentals outside the UK.
  • Hire cars will usually have a full tank of fuel at the start of collection and should be returned with a full tank. Otherwise, refuelling charges will apply.
  • Rental vehicles should be returned to the location/drop off point in the same condition it was in when it was picked up.
  • The speed limit on UK motorways is 70mph (112 km/h) unless stated otherwise. Once you arrive in the Netherlands, the maximum speed limit is 81mph (130 km/h).
  • The Netherlands has stricter drinking and driving laws than the UK. Did you know random breath testing is used frequently in the Amsterdam region? For a list of BAC Limits for Categories of Drivers, read here.
  • Keep in mind that most roads in the Netherlands have no toll.
  • Be sure to check the local radio and relevant travel websites for the latest and breaking news on road conditions.
  • For more information about driving in Europe, click here.