Tourists in the beautiful "city of color" can
choose to go in taxi, especially if there isn't any time
to waist. The safest way to catch a cab is by making a previous
reservation at one of the telephone numbers written down
in all guide books and at hotels' receptions. However, Amsterdam
has an interesting offer even when it comes to something
as common as taxi. Visitors are presented two options: bike
taxis and regular ones.
Bike taxis are a revolutionary European concept of rapid
as well as non- polluting transportation. Bike taxis are
the perfect combination between the benefits of a car and
the environmental protection of middle age rickshaws. Bike
taxis were conceived for the transport of maximum three
persons and has additional batteries to power the engine
when steering over bridges, for instance, or when carrying
overweight.
As we speak, Amsterdam is crossed by 11 bike taxis taking
locals and visitors wherever they need in due time, at considerably
lower costs than classic cabs. For those interested in getting
a view on how much a bike taxi charges, 3minutes cost €1
per person, while trips outside city centre reach up to
€5. Bike taxis have a permissive schedule, available
to most people and covering high traffic hours, from 10
a.m. to 1.00 a.m.
Classic taxis can be found, more often, in Central Station,
Leidseplein and Dam Square. Although it may turn out difficult
to pick up a taxi on the streets of Amsterdam, visitors
may reach both in town and outside of the town destinations.
The general taxi charge is €1,8 per km plus a tip up
to 15%, fortunately the same at any day or night hour. Another
popular facility offered by the taxi service in association
with Dutch Business Limousine, is the transport service
from Schiphol International Airport to Amsterdam. The service
doesn't only provide comfortable and prompt transportation
but also saves the customer the trouble of making his way
around the airport and, eventually, around the city. Charges
for this facility start at €40 and may easily reach
up to €65 and more.
|
