Car rental at Groningen Airport

GRQ Airport Car Rental - Groningen Airport

Compare deals from 3 rental companies right at the airport. Start your trip the moment you land.

LocationAirport
Providers3
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+

Quick answer: At Groningen Airport you can compare rental cars from 3 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.

Best priceBook 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.

About Renting a Car at Groningen Airport

Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ) is 25 km south of Groningen's centre and has 3 rental companies on site for convenient car pickup immediately after landing. The airport handles charter traffic and regional flights and is a practical alternative to Schiphol for travellers to northern Netherlands. From here, you can reach Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland without detours.

GRQ is located in Tynaarlo municipality on N28, approximately 25 km south of Groningen centre (25 minutes) and 15 km north of Assen (15 minutes). Drenthe's capital Assen with TT Circuit is the nearest larger city to the south, and Hoge Veluwe National Park is reached in 150 km south via A28. Pick up your car directly in the arrivals hall - GRQ is small enough that the whole process takes under 15 minutes.

Drive north to Groningen centre (25 km) along N28 for food and accommodation - prices are lower than at the airport. Refuel in Assen (15 km south) rather than at the airport for better fuel prices. How far is Groningen Airport Eelde from Groningen centre?

It's approximately 25 km north via N28 and normally takes 20-25 minutes by car. Which rental companies are at Groningen Airport Eelde? There are 3 rental companies at GRQ.

Compare prices on SmartCarRental.com before you arrive for the best offer. Is it possible to use public transport from GRQ instead of renting a car? Bus line 9 runs between GRQ and Groningen centre in approximately 30 minutes, but for trips to Drenthe and the Wadden Sea, a rental car is clearly more convenient.

We compare prices from all major providers at Groningen Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What to Know Before Picking Up at Groningen Airport

🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms

  • Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
  • Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
  • Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.

🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents

  • Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
  • Passport or national ID
  • Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of Netherlands. Check if an IDP is needed.

📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup

  • Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
  • Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
  • Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.

Rental Companies at Groningen Airport

Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).

Dollar
Thrifty
Hertz

Essential Info for Renting at Groningen Airport

Practical answers and tips before you book.

✅ Quick Answers ▼

At Groningen Airport you can compare rentals from 3 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.

  • Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
  • Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
  • Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in Netherlands ▼

In Netherlands you drive on the right side.

  • Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
  • Rural roads: 100 km/h
  • Motorway: 100 km/h
  • Alcohol limit: 0.5 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼

Parking in cities can be expensive, always check signs.

Road tolls: Watch for signs about toll fees.

Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Groningen Airport

Which rental companies are available at Groningen Airport?▼
You can compare 3 rental companies at Groningen Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Netherlands?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Groningen Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in Netherlands is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in Netherlands?▼
In Netherlands you drive on the right side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Groningen Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Groningen Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Groningen Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2-4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide

15-Day Weather Forecast for Groningen Airport

Other Rental Locations Near Groningen Airport

Let's get you on the road

3 rental companies at Groningen Airport. Enter your dates and find the right car.

Lock in today's prices