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How Taxis in Amsterdam Work

There are several ways to take a taxi in Amsterdam. You can use an official taxi rank, hail an authorised taxi on the street, book one in advance or use a taxi app.

Official street taxis in Amsterdam are easy to recognise. They should have:
  • A blue Dutch licence plate
  • A taxi roof light with the company name and taxi number
  • A visible fare card
  • A taximeter
The City of Amsterdam advises using licensed taxis when taking a taxi from the street or an official taxi rank.

Where to Find a Taxi in Amsterdam

Taxi ranks can be found at major transport hubs, busy squares and nightlife areas around Amsterdam.

You can also hail an available licensed taxi on the street, although using an official taxi stand or booking a taxi in advance is often easier.

The City of Amsterdam provides information about official taxi stands in Amsterdam.

Taxi apps are another common option because they allow you to enter your destination and see the price or estimated price before travelling.

How Much Does a Taxi Cost in Amsterdam?

Street taxis in the Netherlands can set their own prices, but they cannot exceed national maximum fares.

For a regular taxi carrying up to four passengers, the maximum 2026 fares are:
  • Maximum starting fare: €4.31
  • Maximum price per kilometre: €3.17
  • Maximum price per minute: €0.52
For larger taxis carrying five to eight passengers, higher maximum rates apply.

The final price of a metered journey depends on both the distance travelled and the time the journey takes. Traffic can therefore make a taxi ride more expensive.

Taxi companies do not have to charge the maximum fare, so prices can vary between taxis.

You should be able to see the taxi's rates on a fare card before starting your journey.

Fixed Taxi Prices

A taxi driver or taxi company may also offer a fixed price for your journey.

If you agree on a fixed price, do this before the journey starts. This can make the final cost easier to predict, particularly for longer journeys.

Taxi apps generally work in a similar way by showing the price or expected cost when you book.

How to Pay for a Taxi in Amsterdam

Payment options depend on the taxi company, but card and contactless payments are widely used.

If you take a traditional street taxi, it is sensible to check the available payment methods before the journey if you are unsure.

After the journey, the driver should offer you a receipt. Keep it until you are sure everything is correct, particularly if you leave something behind or need to contact the taxi company later.

Taxi or Uber in Amsterdam?

Traditional taxis and app-based taxis both operate in Amsterdam.

With a traditional taxi, you can usually enter at a taxi rank or hail an available vehicle. The journey is normally charged using the meter unless you agree on a fixed price beforehand.

With services such as Uber, you book through the app and generally see your journey price before confirming the ride. The City of Amsterdam describes app-based services such as Uber as platform taxis using fixed journey prices.

If you are specifically considering Uber, our separate guide to using Uber in Amsterdam explains how it works and what visitors should know.

Taxis from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam

Taking a taxi is one of the easiest door-to-door options when arriving at Schiphol Airport, particularly if you have luggage or are travelling with several people.

The official Schiphol taxi rank is located outside Schiphol Plaza. Follow the taxi signs and floor markings inside the terminal to reach it.

Schiphol specifically advises travellers not to accept taxi offers from drivers who approach them unsolicited inside or around the terminal. Use the official taxi rank instead.

Official Schiphol taxis use a meter, accept contactless payments and credit cards, and must provide a receipt.

You do not normally need to reserve an official taxi before arriving at Schiphol because taxis are available at the rank.

Uber and Bolt at Schiphol

App-based taxis such as Uber and Bolt use a separate designated pick-up point at Schiphol rather than the main taxi rank.

After booking through the app, follow the airport signs to the official app pick-up location.

Is a Taxi the Best Way from Schiphol to Amsterdam?

It depends on where you are staying.

If your accommodation is near Amsterdam Central Station, the train is usually simpler and considerably cheaper. Schiphol has frequent direct train connections with Amsterdam Central.

A taxi becomes more attractive if:
  • You have a lot of luggage
  • You are travelling with several people
  • Your accommodation is far from a railway station
  • You arrive very late or very early
  • You want direct door-to-door transport

Are Taxis Useful in Central Amsterdam?

Sometimes, but they are not usually the fastest way to make short journeys through the historic centre.

Amsterdam has narrow streets, bridges, busy intersections and areas where car access is restricted. For many short journeys, walking, cycling or taking a tram can be quicker.

If you are making several journeys by public transport, our guide to Amsterdam public transport tickets compares OVpay, GVB passes, airport tickets and regional options.

For longer journeys across the city, the Amsterdam metro can also be much cheaper than taking a taxi.

When Is a Taxi Useful in Amsterdam?

A taxi makes the most sense when convenience matters more than price.

It can be particularly useful when:
  • Travelling with suitcases
  • Returning to your hotel late at night
  • Travelling with children or a small group
  • Going somewhere poorly connected by public transport
  • Travelling directly to or from Schiphol
  • Weather conditions make walking or cycling unpleasant
For most sightseeing during the day, you usually do not need a taxi.

Taxi, Public Transport or Bike?

Each option works best for a different type of journey.

Taxi: best for door-to-door convenience, luggage and late-night travel.

Metro, tram or bus: best for longer journeys when you want to keep costs lower.

Bike: often the easiest way to move between neighbourhoods and attractions during the day.

If you want to explore independently, our guide to biking in Amsterdam explains the main cycling rules and practical tips for visitors.

You can also read more about how to rent a bike in Amsterdam.

Practical Taxi Tips for Amsterdam

  • Use an official taxi rank, licensed taxi or trusted booking app.
  • Look for a blue licence plate when using a Dutch taxi.
  • Check the fare card before starting a metered journey.
  • Agree on any fixed price before the journey begins.
  • Ask for or keep your receipt after the journey.
  • At Schiphol, ignore unsolicited taxi offers and follow the signs to the official taxi rank.
  • For short trips in central Amsterdam, compare the journey with walking, cycling or public transport first.

Using Taxis in Amsterdam

Taxis in Amsterdam are straightforward to use and can be very convenient when you need direct transport. They are particularly useful for airport journeys, travelling with luggage and getting around late at night.

For normal sightseeing, however, Amsterdam's compact layout means you will often be faster and spend less by walking, cycling or using public transport. A taxi is therefore best seen as an additional option rather than the main way to explore the city.