31 July 2025·4 min read
Uber vs Taxi in Amsterdam: Bolt, TCA Cab & Which to Use (2025)
In Amsterdam, Bolt is generally cheaper and more convenient than metered taxis. Uber also operates. Here's the full comparison including typical fares.
Amsterdam taxi pricing is deregulated — metered taxis set their own rates within regulated caps. Bolt and Uber both operate and are typically 15–25% cheaper than metered cabs for the same journey. For most city trips, a bike or the GVB tram is still the better option.
Amsterdam Taxi Options Compared (2025)
TCA / Taxi Centrale (metered)€3.19 flag fall + €2.17/km; reputable; bookable via app or phone
BoltUpfront price; typically €2–5 cheaper than TCA on same route; widely used
UberAvailable; similar pricing to Bolt; slightly fewer drivers than Bolt in Amsterdam
Schiphol Airport → city centreTaxi/Uber: €40–60; Train: €4.50 (17 min) — always take the train
City centre → VondelparkBolt: €8–14; tram: €2.00; bike: free if rented
Night surchargeAfter midnight: +20% on most metered routes; Bolt/Uber usually upfront-priced
When a Taxi Makes Sense in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is compact and has excellent public transport — taxis are rarely necessary for most tourist journeys. Cases where a taxi/Bolt is genuinely useful: arriving late at night with luggage when trams have reduced frequency; travelling to outer areas not well-served by tram (Amsterdam North before the Metro extension, Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Zuidoost); group travel where splitting a Bolt is cheaper per person than multiple tram tickets.
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Amsterdam's taxis have had a well-documented tourist-overcharging problem, particularly at Schiphol and Centraal Station. Bolt and Uber eliminate this risk with upfront pricing. If you do use a metered taxi, check that the taximeter is running from the moment you depart — not before — and that it shows a reasonable starting rate of €3–4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber Black available in Amsterdam?
Yes — Uber Black (premium cars with professional drivers) operates in Amsterdam alongside standard UberX. For airport runs or business travel, Uber Black offers a guaranteed standard vehicle. Standard Bolt or UberX is adequate for most tourist journeys.
What time do Amsterdam trams stop running?
GVB trams run roughly 6am to 12:30am, then are replaced by night buses (N-lines) running every 30–60 minutes on key routes. The night bus network is less comprehensive than daytime trams — for late-night returns to outlying hotels (e.g. near RAI, Amstel, or Airport Shuttle connections), pre-book a Bolt.
Book a pre-arranged transfer in Amsterdam
Fixed price · no meter disputes · book in advance
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That's the general range — what's YOUR route?
Fares shift by exact pickup point, time of day, and traffic. Get a personalised estimate for your specific journey in Amsterdam, plus scam warnings and the phrase to say to your driver.
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