Visiting the Netherlands? If you have never driven a manual car, doing a road trip in a stick shift can quickly become stressful. Here’s why an automatic is the smarter, safer, and more relaxing choice.
Driving in the Netherlands as a Tourist
The Netherlands is insanely easy to explore by car. Think canals, windmills, coastlines, and tiny villages you would never see from a train. But remember: Dutch roads have bicycles, trams, narrow streets, and busy city centers. If you are not used to manual gear changes, that extra mental load can ruin the vibe of your trip.
Manual Cars Are Tricky if You’ve Never Used One Before
Switching gears, controlling a clutch, and avoiding stalls take practice. If you have never driven a manual, you might underestimate:
- How easy it is to stall at junctions or uphill starts.
- How stressful stop-and-go city traffic can feel when you must coordinate clutch and gear changes.
- How suddenly you have less attention left for cyclists and pedestrians if you focus on shifting instead of the road.
Automatic Cars Let You Focus on the Adventure
With an automatic you get:
- Instant peace of mind – no clutch, no stalling, no awkward hill starts.
- More attention for traffic, cyclists, and scenic views.
- Smoother driving in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam.
Bottom line: you are in the Netherlands to explore, not to rehearse gear changes.
Automatic is Actually More Common Than You Think
It used to be that automatics were rare in Europe. That is no longer true. Many major rental companies now offer automatic options across their fleets. When booking, just filter for “automatic transmission.” If you cannot find it, call the rental counter or pick a larger agency at the airport or city center.
Why an Automatic Works Better on Dutch Roads and in Cities
Dutch driving has its quirks:
- Narrow cobbled streets – you want control, not clutch panic.
- Lots of cyclists weaving between cars – you need full focus on awareness and reaction time.
- Frequent roundabouts and bridges – smooth acceleration helps you merge safely.
An automatic helps you respond calmly and confidently.
Practical Booking Tips for Automatic Rentals
- Search with the filter “automatic transmission” on rental sites.
- Book early if you want a specific model or compact automatic for city parking.
- Check fuel policy and mileage limits. Many automatics come with unlimited mileage options for road trips.
- Confirm pick up location – airport locations usually have more automatics available.
- Compare prices across aggregator sites, but always confirm the transmission type in the reservation details.
Common Questions and Quick Answers
What if I stall a manual rental car?
Stalling is common for beginners. It can be embarrassing and it can slow traffic. In the Netherlands with lots of cyclists and narrow streets, a stalled car increases danger and stress. Better to avoid this scenario completely by renting an automatic.
Are automatics more expensive?
Sometimes slightly, but often the price difference is small, especially if you book early. The extra cost is worth the reduced stress and greater safety.
Do all Dutch rental companies offer automatics?
Most big brands do, especially at airports and major cities. Smaller local branches may have limited automatic stock, so call ahead or book via a larger agency.
Final Thoughts – Make Your Trip Easier
If you have never driven a manual, choose an automatic. It will make your time in the Netherlands safer, calmer, and more fun. You came to enjoy canals, culture, and good coffee, not to fight with the clutch.
