Taxi -, Amsterdam

We were surprised that a taxi driver sought us out in the terminal. He put the jump on his fellow taxi drivers who were waiting patiently in line at the taxi stand for passengers. He wanted to charge us 50 euro for transport to our hotel in Amsterdam (near the Red Light District). We negoiated and he accepted 40 euro (tip included).

I have had different experiences with taxis, good and bad. Some drivers are very friendly and helpful, but a lot of them are highway men in disguise. Especially tourist or women travelling alone are subject to very high fare prices or harassment. You are best to book with a reputable company. Also a good tip is to make note of the license plate of the taxi if you feel you have been overcharged or intimidated.
I have had very good experiences with an Amsterdam taxi company called Ambassador Taxi Services. They pick me up from the airport or take me to it when I need to travel abroad. They give me an excellent service at a good rate. I would recommend them to any traveller going to Holland.

Taxi's in Amsterdam are the most expensive I've seen in Europe. I wouldn't get use to using taxi's to get around the city. I prefer (like most) using a bike. It is by far the easiest and least expensive way to get around the city. They actually have their own lane. Besides there are a lot of things to see and do.

You can take the train from the airport to Central Station, it is only a few dollars (maybe 3?) but I recomend taking a cab to your hotel prior to riding the train. It may coast up to 30 dollars US or 30 Euro, but it is much safer. There are a lot of pick pockets on the train and they are good, you will busy with the sights and your luggage and they will be busy robbing you... wait until you have gotten settled and have your luggage put away. I personally walk Amsterdam, great way to see the city and it's only about 25 minutes across via walking.

Taxi's in and around Amsterdam can be real expensive. Do as I do (and more locals) book a taxi in advance and it save's you a lot of money. Have good experience with the guys from IJburg. IJburg is the new neighborhood of Amsterdam.

Taxi liberalization has been a mixed success. On one hand, there is no shortage of cabs any more, but too many taxis mean drivers don’t make enough money. The less scrupulous ones try to maximize the fare from these fewer riders by any means necessary.
TCA cabs (tel: 020 777 7777) are the most reputable.
Get ready for sticker shock. You pay €7,50 to step into an Amsterdam cap, but that includes the first 2 km of travel and the meter never moves in traffic. If you want to just run in somewhere, you have to negotiate a waiting fee with the driver. 50 cents a minute is standard

I was trying to save some money and decided to take the train into Amsterdam from the airport and then just get a cab from there to where I was staying. Let me just say that it would have been worth the additional 15 or so euro to have just gotten the cab to begin with! (And you definitely do not want to have to roll luggage through the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam!) My advice is to splurge a little on the taxi - you won't regret it!

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First of all, uploading this article and all photos is with this Tunisian taxi driver's agreement.
I met him at Schiphol airport. He showed the fare - €7/first 2 km, additional €3/1 km - and using taxi meter.
Then, we reached 3 km away from the airport. Of course, I intended to pay €10 to him, but he charged me €25!
I felt his demand was too expensive, exorbitant and illegal, but he insisted that €7 is charged for a ride, €16.5 for from airport to the goal, and €1.5 for waiting (arguing with me).
At that time, I was angry with this unscrupulous driver, but now, I'm really pity him in his poor state of the economy and lack of rest for his life.
Thanks to God, my friend and family, I have a good job and income enough to have warm food every day, enjoy delicious wine at dinner and sleep well in nice room all over the world (for example, Amsterdam, London, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, e.t.c.), that would never happen to him.
Although he got €15 excess charge from me, I think that chicken money would remind him the disgusting argument all day and that his behavior would injure his soul and all taxi driver's value in Amsterdam.
If you met him in Amsterdam, please remind that he will rob your money for his and/or his family's hard life. God bless him!

After a long and exhausting search for a reliable Car Service I found Amsterdam Taxi Services. From the moment I placed my first phone call to Matthew to the moment I closed the door of his Mercedes on my last trip I have been more than appeased.
This is a small, close knit company which is run for the most part by a very friendly, helpful and reliable man named Matthew. He does everything from taking your reservation to being your chauffeur. He has even been there to answer my midnight calls needing an unexpected 5:00AM ride to the airport followed by his prompt arrival. He is wonderful. His car is always in an immaculate state and his quality control is above and beyond being well maintained. I have been using him for a little over a year now with no problems what so ever. He does everything he can to accommodate any specials needs I may have, is very helpful, safe and he is always on time. On a few occasions he has dispatched other drivers for my reservations and they also have been nothing but top-notch... On time, clean cars, English speaking, friendly and helpful. Matthew and his employees are very professional and knowledgeable of Amsterdam and it's surrounding areas. To top it off their prices are a steal, I would pay more because this company is more than worth it. I use them on a continual basis, have recommended them to all of my friends and family and I am now recommending them to you, you can reach him or his company at www.Amsterdamtaxiservices.nl good luck and have a save journey!

Roos.

Another very easy way to travel is using the hotel shuttle bus, managed by Connexxion: www.airporthotelshuttle.nl

Most hotels are serviced by the airport hotel shuttle and you will be dropped off in front of your hotel with your suitcases :-)
You pay 12 euro (per person) for use of the shuttle service. It is as convenient as a taxi, but for a much more appealing price (a taxi will cost you around 40 euro, so if you travel by yourself or with someone else the shuttle is cheaper). You can simply buy a ticket at the counter, in the central hall, at the connexxion desk.

Another tip: you can also use the airport hotel shuttle if you are not staying at the hotel you're dropped off at... simply look for the hotel nearest to where you want to go and take the shuttle!