The biggest difference: fixed price vs. surge pricing
The most important difference between a taxi company with fixed prices and Uber is the pricing structure. AMS Taxi Schiphol always charges a fixed price — regardless of the time, the day or how busy it is. A journey from Haarlem to Schiphol always costs €55, whether you leave at 04:00 or on a Friday afternoon.
Uber works with dynamic prices (surge pricing). When demand is high — such as on Monday mornings, during school holidays or in bad weather — the price can turn out considerably higher than normal. You only find out what you will pay once you have booked the journey.
Good to know
Uber applies surge pricing when demand is high. This can mean that a journey that normally costs €45 costs €70–€90 at a busy moment — without you knowing in advance. With a fixed-price taxi you always pay the same amount.
Comparison: prices to Schiphol
The comparison below is based on normal fares without surge:
- UberX from Haarlem: €40–€65 (variable)
- Uber Black from Haarlem: €70–€110 (variable)
- AMS Taxi Schiphol from Haarlem: €55 fixed
At normal times UberX can be cheaper. But for early flights (high demand), school holidays or bad weather, surge pricing kicks in and you pay more. With a fixed-price taxi you always know in advance exactly what you will spend.
Reliability: who is really there at 04:00?
Uber depends on the availability of drivers in your area at the moment of booking. In urban areas this is usually not a problem, but in villages and towns outside Amsterdam — such as Beverwijk, Heemstede or Wijk aan Zee — there is less chance of an Uber driver being on the road at 04:00.
AMS Taxi Schiphol works with fixed bookings. You book a day or more in advance, and the driver is guaranteed to be there at the agreed time. No last-minute 'no driver available' or a 20-minute wait.
Good to know
In the Netherlands, Uber operates mainly in Amsterdam and larger cities. Outside the Randstad — and certainly outside regular office hours — the availability of UberX drivers is limited.
Flight monitoring: a big difference
An advantage offered only by taxi companies such as AMS Taxi Schiphol: live flight monitoring. We follow your flight by flight number. Is your flight delayed on your return? Then the driver automatically adjusts his arrival time — free of charge.
Uber drivers do not offer this. You book a journey for a fixed time, and if your flight is delayed, you have to book a new journey yourself — sometimes at surge prices.
When should you choose Uber?
Uber is a good choice if:
- You are leaving at a normal time (not early morning)
- You live in or near Amsterdam
- You need a last-minute journey
- You do not need flight monitoring
Does one of these points not apply, or do you want certainty about your price and driver? Then a fixed-price taxi is the better choice.
Conclusion
Uber and fixed-price taxis meet different needs. For everyday trips around town, Uber is practical. But for getting to your flight at Schiphol — with early departure times, luggage, flight monitoring and the certainty of a fixed price — AMS Taxi Schiphol is the more reliable choice. Book online or call +31 85 400 5400.
