Taxi to and from Schiphol
Without traffic jams, the ride between Schiphol Airport and central Amsterdam takes about 25 minutes.
- Book ahead: with an online reserved taxi you know the price in advance, the driver meets you in the arrivals hall and you skip the queue.
- Official taxi stand: if you take a taxi on the spot, follow the taxi signs in the terminal to the official stand in front of Schiphol Plaza.
- Beware of touts: never get in with someone who offers you a ride unasked in the arrivals hall or on the street, even if they hold an official-looking sign.
- By app: Uber and Bolt rides at Schiphol leave from a separate pick-up point for app taxis.
- In a group: travelling with five to eight people? Order a taxi van, which is often cheaper than two cars.
- Alternative: the train takes you to Central Station in about a quarter of an hour, see public transport. Flying via Eindhoven? Allow a good hour and a half by taxi.
Taxi stands in the city
In central Amsterdam, the easiest place to catch a taxi is at a taxi stand, which you will find at every station and on the busiest squares.
- Central Station: the biggest stand is on the IJ side of Central Station on the De Ruijterkade, with another on the Prins Hendrikkade.
- Nightlife squares: at Leidseplein taxis wait on the Stadhouderskade, at Rembrandtplein in the Amstelstraat.
- Old centre: there are also stands at Nieuwmarkt, Waterlooplein, Westermarkt and in the Spuistraat and Vijzelstraat.
- Museums and concerts: after visiting Museumplein or a concert, hop in at the Concertgebouwplein.
- On the street: you may hail a free taxi, but in the narrow streets of the centre that doesn't always work, so a taxi stand is often quicker.
How to recognise an official taxi
Official taxis in the Netherlands are easy to recognise and must follow clear rules.
- Blue number plate: a real taxi has a blue number plate and a roof sign with the taxi logo, company name and taxi number.
- Driver's card: the driver must display a driver's card visibly in the car.
- Meter or fixed price: if you just hop in, the taxi runs on the meter and the maximum fare set each year by the Dutch government applies. A fixed price is also allowed, but agree on it before the ride starts.
- Pay by card: you can pay contactless or by card in every taxi, and you are always entitled to a receipt.
- No refusals: a driver at a taxi stand may not simply refuse a short ride.
Taxi apps and booking ahead
More and more visitors order their taxi by app or phone, so they often know the fare in advance.
- Uber and Bolt: both apps work in Amsterdam, you see the price upfront and pay automatically, although prices can rise sharply at busy times.
- Taxicentrale Amsterdam: the well-known TCA can be reached on +31 20 777 7777 or via tcataxi.nl.
- Early flight: heading to Schiphol very early? Book the evening before, so you won't be standing in the street with your suitcase.
Bike taxi and water taxi
For a truly Amsterdam ride, take a taxi without an engine or one on the water.
- Bike taxi: bike taxis for up to two people ride through the centre, recognisable by a numbered permit plate, great for a short trip along the canals.
- Agree on the price: always ask a bike taxi rider what the ride costs before you set off.
- Water taxi: a water taxi picks you up from almost any quay, right down to the smallest canals, ideal for a small group or a special night out.
- Combine with a cruise: if you mainly want to see the canals, also take a look at the canal cruises.
