Is parking at Schiphol more expensive than a taxi?
If you are planning a trip and wondering whether to park at Schiphol or take a taxi, you are not alone. Many travelers assume parking is cheaper because they already own a car. However, when all real costs are included: fuel, vehicle wear, time and convenience, the outcome is often different.
This article provides an objective comparison between Schiphol parking costs and the price of a taxi to Schiphol, using realistic examples for 3, 5 and 8 days.
What Does Parking at Schiphol Cost?
For vacations of several days, most travelers choose P3 Long-Term Parking. This is generally the most affordable official option. Rates vary by season and availability. During busy periods, such as school holidays, prices are higher.
On average, you can assume the following indications based on the official Schiphol parking rates:
| Number of days | Indication parking costs |
|---|---|
| 3 days | €65 – €85 |
| 5 days | €85 – €110 |
| 8 days | €110 – €150 |
These amounts are averages and may fluctuate depending on demand and booking time.
But the parking rate alone does not give a complete picture.
Extra Costs That Are Often Forgotten
When you drive to Schiphol by car, you incur more costs than just parking.
If you live, for example, 30 kilometers from Schiphol, you drive approximately 60 kilometers there and back. Fuel alone will quickly cost you between 12 and 15 euros, depending on your car and fuel price.
If you also include maintenance, wear and tear and depreciation, the actual vehicle costs average around €0.30 to €0.40 per kilometer. For 60 kilometers, that means approximately €18 to €24 in total vehicle costs.
In addition, parking takes time. At P3, you need to find a space, unload your luggage and take a shuttle bus to the terminal. This adds an average of 15 to 25 minutes of extra travel time. After a long flight, this feels less comfortable.
Mini Conclusion on Parking
For a five-day trip, the actual cost calculation may look like this:
Parking: €95
Fuel + vehicle costs: €20
Total realistic costs: approximately €115
And we have not yet included time and comfort.
What Does a Taxi to Schiphol Cost?
With a taxi, it works differently. The price is fixed and does not change based on the number of days you are away. If you choose a fixed price, you know in advance exactly what you will pay.
For a return trip from, for example, Amsterdam or surrounding municipalities, the price is often between €70 and €120, depending on distance and provider.
View our fixed rates to Schiphol here.
The big difference is that you have no additional vehicle costs and are dropped off directly at the departure hall.
Fair Comparison: Parking vs Taxi
Let’s take a concrete example.
Situation:
35 kilometers from Schiphol
2 persons
5 days of vacation
Option 1: Parking
Parking: €100
Fuel + wear and tear: €25
Total: approximately €125
Option 2: Taxi (return fixed price)
Taxi there and back: €95 – €110
No additional costs
| 5 days – 35 km distance | Parking | Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | €100 | €95 |
| Fuel | €15 | €0 |
| Wear and tear | €10 | €0 |
| Shuttle & extra time | Extra | None |
| Total | ± €125 | €95 – €110 |
Mini Conclusion
For several days and multiple travelers, it turns out in practice that a taxi is often not more expensive and sometimes even cheaper.
Comfort, Convenience and Stress
Costs are important, but convenience also plays a role. With a taxi, you are picked up at home and dropped off directly at the departure hall. You do not need to search for a parking spot and do not need to take a shuttle bus. Upon return, you step directly into the car and go home.
For a trip of eight days, this means your vacation starts at your front door.
When Is Parking More Advantageous?
Parking can be more advantageous when you are only away for one or two days, travel alone or live very close to Schiphol. In those cases, the additional vehicle costs are limited and the difference is smaller.
Conclusion
Is parking at Schiphol more expensive than a taxi? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. For short trips, parking may be slightly cheaper. For longer trips or multiple people, a taxi often turns out to be financially comparable or even more advantageous. If you include comfort and convenience in your decision, many travelers ultimately choose a taxi.