Taxis in Amsterdam (2024)

Taxis in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands are generally quite expensive but can be useful to take on occasion – such as getting to the airport for early flights, taking luggage to and from the train station or during the night when public transport services are more limited.

Although it is allowed, taxis in Amsterdam are not normally hailed on the street. This is because stopping is prohibited on some roads in the city centre. In Amsterdam you generally either call a taxi company to come and pick you up or you can go to one of the many official taxi ranks around the city centre.

Sneleentaxi is a very reliable taxi booking firm offering rides anywhere in the Netherlands. This includes around Amsterdam and to/from airports. It offers competitive fixed fares up to 70% off metered rates. Book in advance and pay by credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay or iDEAL.

Book with Sneleentaxi here

There are taxi ranks (taxisstandplatsen) in the inner city centre including: De Ruiterkade (Central Station – IJ waterfront side), Prins Hendrikkade, Amstelstraat, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, Nieuwmarkt, Piet Heinkade, Spuistraat, Stadhouderskade (Leidseplein), Vijzelstraat, Waterlooplein and Westermarkt.

Taxi ranks further out of the city centre:

Amstel Station, Apollolaan, Ceintuurbaan (Sarphatipark), Concertgebouwplein, Elandsgracht, Eerste Van der Helststraat, Frederiksplein, Haarlemerplein, Linnaeusstraat, ‘s Gravesandeplein (Oosterpark) and Victorieplein.

You can also find a few taxis waiting outside major hotels. See the official Amsterdam taxi-rank map here

Licensed taxis always have a blue number plate and are usually black or metallic coloured saloon/station wagon cars. They should also have a roof light with the official Amsterdam “TaXXXi” logo and the company name and taxi number.

Taxi Rates in Amsterdam 2024

The cost of a taxi in Amsterdam depends on 3 elements – a starting tariff, a cost per km and a cost per minute which is all calculated by the compulsory meter in the vehicle.

The maximum allowable taxi rates in the Netherlands for 2024 are as follows:

The maximum waiting rate is €55.46 per hour.

What this means is that journeys in the rush hour/heavy traffic will cost more than travelling in light traffic due to the time fare component.

A short ride in town will cost around €12-18. A trip from central station to the Amsterdam RAI convention centre should cost €18-30. A ride between Schiphol airport and the city centre should cost €50-€70.

Amsterdam public transport tickets will certainly be cheaper than taking a taxi.

Small ’rounding up’ tips are appreciated but not necessary. Note that longer journeys can sometimes be negotiated by a fixed fee rather than a metered fare (though the meter always runs and you should then pay the lower of either fare).

A minority of taxi drivers in Amsterdam have given the industry a bad name over the years. Clashes between rival firms have occasionally led to confrontations at taxi ranks. Problems for visitors have included drivers refusing to take passengers on short trips or overcharging on fares.

The authorities have taken action to clean up the business – all drivers must be registered with an approved taxi organisation and have the permit on display. All journeys are tracked by GPS.

By the way, if you think you have been treated unfairly by an Amsterdam taxi then make sure you get a receipt (ritbewijs), take down your taxi’s number plate (or take a photo) and contact the taxi company directly who are obligated to handle the complaint.

Amsterdam Taxi Companies

Amsterdam taxis can be booked online with Sneleentaxi which uses reliable local firms.

The most reliable taxi company in the city is probably TCA (tcataxi.nl) with 1,250 taxis and 1,500 drivers. Call them at +31(0)20 7777777 or use the TCA iPhone/Android app.

Its taxis have red and black roof lights marked “TCA TAXI 7X7”. TCA also has VIP cars available (top of the range Mercedes, BMW and Audis) and electric vehicles.

All TCA drivers have passed exams and are entitled to drive on tram and bus lanes in Amsterdam. TCA taxis can accept credit and debit cards for payment.

Other official taxi firms: Cabbie (app only); Staxi (+31(0)20 705 8888); Taxi Direct Amsterdam (+31(0)88 7777 777); Taxistad (+31(0)20 208 0000); TCS/SchipholTaxi (+31(0)20 303 7200); Travel Electric (+31(0)88 100 4444).

Uber in Amsterdam

Uber, the international taxi app service (uber.com) is available for rides in Amsterdam.

Uber has different fare structures including Black (original service with VIP taxi sedans), Comfort (newer cars with extra legroom) or UberX (lower cost ‘everyday rides’). There is also Green (electric) and Van (up to 5 people).

Users can order a car through the phone app and payment is automatically handled.

Here are some typical Uber fares in Amsterdam though these can vary significantly depending on date and time of day:

Last update 13 December 2023, first published in 2010.

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