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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 €7.50 (or €12.20 for a larger taxi of 5-8 passengers). After 2km there is a charge of €2.20 per km which reduced to €1.75/km after 25km and then €1.45/km after 50km. Longer journeys can sometimes be negotiated by a fixed fee.
A short ride in town will cost around €10, whilst a ride between Schiphol airport and the city centre should cost €40 to €50. Small 'rounding up' tips are appreciated but not necessary.
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 probably see the presence of security at the central station rank); drivers refusing to take passengers on short trips or overcharging on fares. The authorities have recently been taking action to clean up the business - however 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
For a more quirky taxi ride or tour around town consider getting on a bike taxi (wielertaxi). You will find their main rank at Dam Square and the machines take 2 passengers - prices are €30 for 30 minutes or less, €50 for 1 hour, €90 for 2 hours, €120 for 3 hours and €20 per hour after that. Operating hours daily from 11am to 3am in the night.
