Taxis in Amsterdam

taxis vs tram/train travel

Taxi's can be handy when travelling to and from the airport, 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 Municipality of Amsterdam recently circulated a flyer in English with basic information on rates to various destinations around town. By means of supervision and checks, the City is clamping down on irregularities, such as demands by taxi chaffeurs for exorbitant off-meter fares and refusing short trips.

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

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, chaffeurs need to demonstrate professionality, street knowledge, and understanding of vehicle safety.

The first regulated taxi stand was introduced at the Central Station in March 2008. The City is planning to implement a second at the Leidseplein in due time. Among other measures being planned, the municipality will also be requiring, from 2011, that all taxis are to be equipped with an onboard computer which will automatically print a receipt for the customer.

Alternative taxi's

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. Make an impression on visiting in-laws: book a horse & carriage taxi.

More information on taxis in Amsterdam is listed on www.taxi.amsterdam.nl (Dutch). 

Helpful contacts

Schiphol Travel Taxi
Website (with on-line booking service)
Telephone: 020 653 1000

Taxicentrale Amsterdam (TCA)
Website (with on-line booking service)
Telephone: 020 677 7777

BTC Limousine and Chauffeur Service
Website (with on-line booking service)
Telephone: 010 4589819

Tuk Tuk Amsterdam
Website
Telephone: 0900 99 333 99

Weiler taxi (Bike taxi)
Website
Telephone: depends on booking date, refer to website.

Disco Taxi (Maroni Sonelli)
E-mail: discotaxi (at) europe.com
Telephone: 06 54698187

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