Price guide
How much is a taxi in Amsterdam? A guide to rates, rideshares, and avoiding scams
A standard taxi from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center costs between €45 and €60. Within the city, expect to pay €15 to €30 for a short ride, calculated using strictly regulated national maximum tariffs based on a starting fee, distance, and time.
Amsterdam is a city built for bikes and boats, but sometimes you just need a car. Whether you are landing at Schiphol Airport with heavy suitcases after a long flight or heading home after a late night in the Jordaan, knowing how much you should actually pay for a ride is the best way to avoid getting ripped off.
I built TruePrice to help travelers spot overpriced tourist traps, and taxis are one of the most common places people overpay. Let us break down how the taxi system works in Amsterdam, what the official rates are, and when you should skip the cab entirely.
How are Amsterdam taxi rates calculated?
Unlike cities where taxi prices are wild West territory, the Netherlands regulates taxi fares at a national level. There is a legal maximum tariff that drivers are allowed to charge. This rate is calculated using three distinct components: a starting fee, a rate per kilometer, and a rate per minute.
For a standard passenger car (up to 4 people), the maximum rates are:
- Maximum starting fee: €4.02
- Maximum rate per kilometer: €2.96
- Maximum rate per minute: €0.49
If you take a larger taxi van (5 to 8 people), the maximum rates increase:
- Maximum starting fee: €8.17
- Maximum rate per kilometer: €3.72
- Maximum rate per minute: €0.55
It is important to understand that these are maximum rates. Drivers are allowed to charge less, but in practice, metered street taxis almost always charge the absolute maximum. Your final fare is a combination of distance and time: if you get stuck in Amsterdam’s traffic jams along the canals, the price will tick up even if you are barely moving. If a driver refuses to use the meter, or if the meter is not visible, do not start the journey. You are always entitled to a printed receipt at the end of your ride, which shows the exact route taken, the distance, the duration, and the taxi’s registration details.
How much is a taxi from Schiphol to Amsterdam city center?
A standard metered taxi from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam center usually costs between €45 and €65. The journey takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and your exact destination.
When you exit the arrivals hall at Schiphol, you will see signs pointing to the official taxi queue. Do not follow anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a taxi. These are illegal, unlicensed drivers (known locally as snorders) who frequently charge unsuspecting tourists €100 to €150 for a simple ride to the center.
At the official taxi stand, you can choose any car you like: you do not have to take the first one in line. Many of the official airport taxis are high-end electric vehicles like Teslas. You can ask the driver for a fixed price before you get in. Many official drivers are willing to agree on a flat rate of around €50 to €55 to the city center, which can save you money if there is heavy traffic.
Official street taxis vs Uber and Bolt
Ride-hailing apps are fully legal and highly active in Amsterdam. Uber and Bolt both operate in the city, and they are generally cheaper than hailing a traditional taxi on the street.
Traditional taxis (like those from TCA, the largest official taxi central in Amsterdam) can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi ranks near major squares like Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, and Centraal Station. They must use the meter unless you agree on a fixed price beforehand.
Here is how the different options compare for common routes:
| Route | Official Metered Taxi | Uber / Bolt (Standard) | Train / Tram (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schiphol Airport to Dam Square | €50 - €65 | €35 - €50 | €4.90 (Train) |
| Centraal Station to Museumplein | €18 - €25 | €12 - €18 | €3.20 (Tram) |
| Leidseplein to De Pijp | €12 - €16 | €8 - €12 | €1.60 (Tram) |
| Dam Square to Amsterdam Noord (via IJ-tunnel) | €20 - €28 | €14 - €20 | Free (Ferry) |
While Uber is usually cheaper, there is a catch: surge pricing. During heavy rain, Friday night club hours, or major events at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Uber prices can double or triple. In those moments, a traditional metered taxi might actually end up being cheaper, provided you can find one.
Common Amsterdam taxi scams and how to spot them
While the Dutch taxi market is highly regulated, tourists are still frequent targets for dishonest drivers. Here are the most common tricks to watch out for:
- The “broken” meter: The driver claims the meter is broken and offers a high flat rate. By law, a taxi cannot operate without a working meter. If they refuse to turn it on, get out of the car.
- The long route: Some drivers will take a detour via the A10 ring road to pad the distance. While the highway is sometimes faster than driving through the narrow city center canals, it adds significant kilometers. Keep an eye on your own map app during the ride.
- The card machine “error”: At the end of the trip, the driver claims the card reader is broken and demands cash. In Amsterdam, taxis are legally required to accept cards. If the machine is broken, it is the driver’s problem: you are not obliged to go to an ATM to fetch cash. Usually, the machine suddenly starts working again if you politely insist you only have a card.
- Illegal terminal hustlers: As mentioned, never accept a ride from someone soliciting passengers inside Schiphol Airport or Centraal Station. Official drivers must wait at the designated ranks outside.
Every official taxi in the Netherlands has blue license plates. If the car has standard yellow Dutch plates, it is not a licensed taxi, and you should not get in. If you do run into a major issue, make sure to take a photo of the blue license plate and the driver’s ID card (which must be visible on the dashboard) and submit a complaint at taxiklacht.nl.
When the train, tram, or bike beats a taxi
Before you spend €20 on a short taxi ride, consider where you are going. Amsterdam is compact, and public transport is incredibly efficient.
If you are traveling from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal, the train is almost always better than a taxi. It costs just €4.90, runs every few minutes, and takes exactly 14 minutes. A taxi will take at least 25 minutes, cost ten times as much, and drop you off in the same spot.
Within the city, the tram network is fast and easy to use. You can tap on and off using your contactless debit or credit card. If you want the true local experience, renting a bike costs about €10 to €15 per day, which is less than the cost of a single short taxi ride, and it will get you through the narrow streets of the canal district much faster than any car ever could.
To make sure you never pay tourist-trap prices for transport, food, or activities on your travels, download TruePrice free on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762357469
Frequently asked questions
Are taxis expensive in Amsterdam?
Yes, Amsterdam has some of the highest taxi rates in Europe due to high labor costs and strict vehicle regulations. Short trips within the center quickly add up to €15 or €20.
Do Amsterdam taxis accept credit cards?
Yes, by law, all official Amsterdam taxis must accept credit cards and debit cards. Drivers cannot refuse a ride because you want to pay with a card.
Should you tip taxi drivers in Amsterdam?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up to the nearest €5 or leaving a 5% to 10% tip for good service is standard practice.
Is Uber cheaper than a normal taxi in Amsterdam?
Generally, yes. Uber and Bolt are usually 15% to 30% cheaper than metered street taxis, except during periods of high surge pricing like heavy rain or Saturday nights.
How do I recognize an official taxi in Amsterdam?
Official taxis always have blue license plates, a roof light showing their company name, and an official rate card visible from both inside and outside the vehicle.