Taxis in the Netherlands are regulated and use meters. You cannot hail a taxi on the street except at official taxi ranks, usually at train stations or airports. In Amsterdam, look for "TCA" (Taxi Centrale Amsterdam) vehicles. Typical fares start at €3.60, with €2.65 per kilometer. Night and weekend surcharges may apply. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Prices for UberX are often lower than regular taxis, but surge pricing can occur during peak hours. Dutch taxi drivers expect polite greetings and clear destinations. Tipping is not mandatory; rounding up to the nearest euro is common. Communication is usually in English or Dutch. Most taxis accept cards, but always check before entering. Taxis and ride shares are most useful late at night, with luggage, or when public transport is limited. Unlike some countries, sharing taxis with strangers is uncommon. Always check the car’s license and driver details before entering a ride-share vehicle.
Finding and Booking a Ride
Taxis in the Netherlands cannot be hailed on the street. Find them at official taxi ranks at train stations, airports, and major hotels. Amsterdam Centraal, Rotterdam Centraal, and Schiphol Airport have dedicated taxi stands. Licensed taxis display blue license plates and a roof light with the word "TAXI." Company branding, such as TCA (Amsterdam) or Staxi, is visible on vehicles. Booking is possible by phone, through official company websites, or via apps like TCA or Staxi.
Ride-sharing apps are widely used in Dutch cities. Uber operates in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. Bolt is available in Amsterdam and some other large cities. Local app "Sneleentaxi" offers pre-booked rides nationwide.
To book, use the app or website, enter your pick-up and destination, and confirm the fare. Fares for taxis in Amsterdam start at €3.60, with €2.65 per kilometer. Ride-sharing fares vary but are often similar. In rural areas, taxis are less frequent. Pre-booking is recommended, especially late at night or outside cities. Some small towns may only have local taxi companies. Always check for blue plates and official branding before entering any vehicle.
Understanding Fares and Payments
Taxis in the Netherlands use regulated meters.
- Base fare in Amsterdam: €3.60 (day), €4.10 (night, 22:00–07:00)
- Per-kilometer rate: €2.65
- Per-minute rate: €0.40
- Minimum fare: €7.50 (short trips)
- Extra charges: €2.80 for Schiphol Airport pick-up, €2 per extra passenger, €0.35 per large suitcase
- Night rates apply from 22:00 to 07:00
Ride-sharing (Uber, Bolt) is available in major cities.
- UberX base fare: around €1.50, per-kilometer: €1.20, per-minute: €0.32
- Ride-sharing is usually 10–30% cheaper than taxis
- Surge pricing applies during busy times
Payment options:
- Taxis accept cash (euros), credit cards, and Dutch debit cards (PIN)
- Most taxis and all ride-sharing apps accept contactless payments
- Uber and Bolt require in-app payment (card or PayPal)
Tips:
- Request a printed receipt from taxi drivers (verplicht in Nederland)
- Use official taxi apps (TCA, Staxi) or Uber/Bolt for fare estimates
- Confirm the fare before starting longer journeys
- Avoid unlicensed taxis to prevent overcharging
- Tipping is not required but rounding up is common
Safety and Scams: What to Watch For
Licensed taxis in the Netherlands display blue license plates and a taxi sign on the roof.
- Unlicensed taxis may approach at Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Centraal. Only use official taxi ranks or book via apps.
- Common scams: drivers quoting fixed prices above the meter rate, or taking longer routes through Amsterdam’s canals.
- Always check the meter is running. Refuse rides if the driver won’t use it.
- Uber, Bolt, and TCA (Taxi Centrale Amsterdam) are reliable ride apps in Dutch cities.
- Never accept unsolicited rides from individuals at train stations or airports.
- Hotels can book trusted taxis. Ask for the taxi’s registration number before entering.
- If overcharged, request a printed receipt ("ritbon"). Note the taxi number, found on the dashboard.
- Report issues to the ILT (Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport) via www.ilent.nl or call 1400 (within Netherlands).
- In emergencies, call 112 for police assistance.
- Most taxis accept cards, but confirm before starting the ride.
- For ride-sharing, check the driver’s name, license plate, and car model in the app before entering.
- Taxi fares are regulated. Refuse rides with unreasonably high quotes or cash-only demands.
Accessibility and Special Services
Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available in major Dutch cities.
- In Amsterdam, book via TCA or Taxi Electric. Request "rolstoel taxi" when booking.
- Uber offers "Uber Access" in Amsterdam for wheelchair users. Availability is limited outside large cities.
- Child seats are not standard. Request "kinderzitje" in advance. Some services charge €5–€10 extra.
- Pet-friendly taxis are available. Confirm with the operator when booking. Guide dogs are allowed by law.
- For groups, "taxibus" or "minivan" taxis can be reserved. Maximum capacity is usually 8 passengers.
- English is widely spoken by drivers, especially in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Some apps offer in-app language support.
- Advance booking is recommended for all special needs. During peak hours (07:00–09:00, 16:00–19:00), book at least 1–2 hours ahead.
- Most ride-sharing apps allow you to specify accessibility or special requests during booking.
Quick Tips for a Smooth Ride
Checklist before booking:
- Use official apps: TCA (Amsterdam), Taxi Electric, or Uber (available in major cities).
- Confirm blue license plates and roof taxi sign for taxis.
- Check fare estimate in the app before confirming.
Etiquette and customs:
- Greet drivers with "Hallo" or "Goedemorgen".
- Tipping is not required but rounding up is common.
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
Taxi vs. ride sharing:
- Taxis are best for immediate rides from ranks or hotels.
- Uber is often cheaper for longer distances or late nights.
Useful Dutch phrases:
- "Naar [destination], alstublieft" (To [destination], please)
- "Wat kost het naar Schiphol?" (How much to Schiphol?)
Apps and resources:
- TCA: tca.nl
- Uber: uber.com/nl
- Taxi Electric: taxielectric.nl
