Taxis in Amsterdam (2026)

Taxis in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands are generally reliable but quite expensive.

However they are very 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.

Taxis in Amsterdam are not normally hailed on the street, although it is allowed. 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

For a good value ‘meet and greet’ service to/from Schiphol Airport book a taxi with Welcome Pickups.

It has professional, hand-picked drivers who monitor your flight and there is no surge pricing. It also offers private sight-seeing rides to various Dutch cities.

Taxi Ranks in Amsterdam

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 2026

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 2026 are as follows:

The maximum waiting rate is €59.41 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 €13-20. A trip from central station to the Amsterdam RAI convention centre should cost €20-33. A ride between Schiphol airport and the city centre should cost €50-€80.

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).

When arriving at Schiphol Airport go to the official taxi stand and ignore calls from touts across the road holding official looking signs.

Uber and Bolt in Amsterdam

International ride-hailing apps Uber and Bolt are both present in Amsterdam.

Users can order a car through their respective apps and payment for the trip is automatically handled.

Both companies offer a variety of fares depending on the type of vehicle requested.

Here are some typical ride-hailing fares in Amsterdam though these can vary significantly depending on date, time of day, availability of vehicles and current demand:

Last checked and updated 1 January 2026, first published in 2010.

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