Taxis in Amsterdam

Taxis vs tram/train travel

Taxis can be handy when travelling to and from the airport, late at night when the trams have stopped running or when you're running late. Depending on the traffic during peak times, however, public transport may get you there even quicker.

New taxi regulations

Because the cost of a taxi ride in and around Amsterdam has not always been transparent to visitors and residents alike, the City of Amsterdam is working to improve the taxi ride experience in the city. By means of supervision and checks, the City is clamping down on irregularities, such as demands by taxi chauffeurs for exorbitant off-meter fares and refusing short trips.

Dissatisfied customers may lodge complaints provided they have noted the number plate, the date and the time of the journey. A receipt in this situation may prove useful. Complaint forms can be requested from the driver or downloaded online.

Transparent fares

As of 1 April 2012, a new fare structure is in place, which all licensed taxi drivers in Amsterdam must adhere to. Whereas the previous structure combined a fixed rate for the first 2 km of any journey, followed by a rate for each subsequent kilometre, there are now three components to consider in the price paid per journey.

Taxi car (maximum four passengers)

• Maximum start price: 2.66 euros

• Maximum price per kilometre: 1.95 euros

• Maximum price per minute: 0.32 euros

Taxi bus (five to eight passengers)

• Maximum start price: 5.40 euros

• Maximum price per kilometre: 2.46 euros

• Maximum price per minute: 0.37 euros

When you reach your destination, the taxi driver's automated system will total these three components and you will be offered a receipt detailing the complete fare.

The newest component relates to the duration of the journey. This means, for example, that if your journey takes longer than average due to heavy traffic, it will cost a little bit more. But if there is no traffic and the journey is quicker than average, then likewise, the overall cost is a bit less than if paying purely by the distance covered.

Regulated taxi stands

In addition, the municipality is working on the introduction of regulated taxi stands (kwaliteitstaxisstandplatsen) that can only be used by taxis with a seal of approval, known as kwaliteitstaxi's (quality taxis). To be eligible for this, chauffeurs need to demonstrate professionalism, street knowledge and understanding of vehicle safety.

The first regulated taxi stand was introduced at Amsterdam Central Station in March 2008 and a second was later introduced at Leidseplein. As of 2011, all taxis will need to be equipped with an onboard computer which will automatically print a receipt for the customer.

Alternative taxis

It wouldn't be Amsterdam if there wasn't a few quirky alternatives on offer. Going out for the evening with a few friends wearing warm jackets? Try a Tuk Tuk or Bike Taxi.

Going out and want the transportation to be just as fun as the rest of the evening? Book a Disco Taxi. Or to make an impression on visiting in-laws, why not book a horse & carriage taxi.

Check the City of Amsterdam website for more information on taxis in Amsterdam.

Helpful contacts

Schiphol Travel Taxi
(with online booking service)
Telephone: 020-653 1000

Taxicentrale Amsterdam (TCA)
(with on-line booking service)
Telephone: 020-777 7777

BTC Limousine and Chauffeur Service
(with online booking service)
Telephone: 020-262 2916

Tuk Tuk Amsterdam (Dutch)
Telephone: 020-686 8888

Wieler taxi(bike taxi)
Telephone: 06-1859 5153

Disco Taxi (Maroni Sonelli)
Telephone: 06-5469 8187

Karo's Koetstaxi (horse & carriage taxi) (in Dutch)
Telephone: 020-691 3478

Related topics

Bikes in Amsterdam

Public transport

Cars in Amsterdam