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Taxis in Amsterdam
Taxis in Amsterdam (and Netherlands) are not particularly cheap but can be useful on occasion - getting to the airport for early flights, taking luggage to and from the train station or at night-time when public transport services are limited. |
Taxis in Amsterdam are generally not hailed on the street like in many cities around the world (New York and London come to mind). In Amsterdam you can 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. Licensed taxis have a blue number plate.
There are taxi ranks at the following places: Central Station, Amstel Station, Schiphol Airport, Damrak, Dam Square, Leidseplein, Nieuwmarkt, Westermarkt, Waterlooplein, Frederiksplein, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, Spui, Elandsgracht, De Lairessestraat, Ferdinand Bol Straat. You can also find a few taxis waiting outside major hotels.
Amsterdam taxis normally run using meters. The cost for the first 2km will be fixed at €7.86 - after that a charge of €2.30 per km applies. For larger taxis holding 5-8 people there is a fixed fee of €12.78 for the first 2km, then a charge of €2.64 per km. These are 2011 prices.
A short ride in town will cost around €10; a trip from central station to the Amsterdam RAI convention centre should cost €15-20; a ride between Schiphol airport and the city centre should cost €40-€50. 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.
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 - you will often see the presence of security at the central station rank. Problems for visitors have included drivers refusing to take passengers on short trips or overcharging on fares. |
The authorities have recently been taking action to clean up the business. That said, if you do think you've been treated unfairly then take down your taxi's number plate and complain to the local council.
The most reliable taxi company in the city is probably TCA Taxicentrale Amsterdam - call them at +31(0)20-7777777. They also can take requests by SMS text at 2255 or via the iPhone TXXI app. Their taxis have red and black roof lights marked "TCA TAXI 7X7". All TCA drivers have passed exams which entitles them to drive on tram lines in Amsterdam.
Special shared taxi services are also available where you share your ride with other passengers. There is a shared service run by Schiphol airport which can work out cheaper than a private taxi to the airport, especially when travelling alone.
Note, there are cheaper public transport options available to the airport discussed here: Schiphol to Amsterdam