Minibus hire and private transfers in Amsterdam
Canal-side hotels, narrow bridges and a centre closed to heavy coaches: Amsterdam rewards groups that think about the size of their vehicle before they book it.
The S100 ring and what it means for your group
Since 1 January 2024, coaches heavier than 7.5 tonnes need an exemption to drive into the centre inside the S100 ring, the road that takes in De Ruijterkade, Nassaukade and Stadhouderskade. Only groups such as children under 12, older travellers, disabled passengers and performing artists can be granted one. A full-size coach carrying adults will therefore set the group down outside the ring, while an eight-seat van, well under the weight limit, is not caught by the rule.
Airports serving Amsterdam
Where groups go in Amsterdam
- A'DAM Lookout — Across the IJ from Centraal Station
- Heineken Experience — De Pijp
- Royal Palace Amsterdam — Dam Square
- Canal cruises — Boarding near Centraal Station
- Anne Frank House — Coach stop H16 temporarily relocated
- Van Gogh Museum — Museumplein
- Rijksmuseum — Museumplein national museum
Common pickup districts
- Schiphol area
- Sloterdijk
- Amsterdam-Noord
- Zuidas / RAI
- Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid)
- Centrum / Canal Ring
Where coaches stop instead
At most coach stops the limit is 10 minutes, though De Ruijterkade Oost allows 15. Sloterdijk, Zuid, RAI, Amstel and Holendrecht, stations on the edge of the centre, all have coach stops, and a tram or metro covers the rest. Coach stop H16 for the Anne Frank House has been moved for the time being, so allow a little extra time.
Arriving at Schiphol
By road Schiphol is roughly 18 km from the centre, 20 to 40 minutes. All passengers come out into Schiphol Plaza, and since 2 September 2024 coaches have loaded at the Koepelstraat arrival passage, a walk of about five minutes. Drivers may wait for up to six hours at P41, some 10 minutes' drive off, which helps when a long-haul flight is late. A host looks after coach drivers and passengers at busy times.
Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans and The Hague
Keukenhof at Lisse is roughly 40 km away, 40 to 60 minutes, and Zaanse Schans only about 20 km. The Hague and Rotterdam, at about 60 and 75 km, combine easily in one day, and Utrecht is around 45 km. Keeping one vehicle and driver for the day lets a family or a group of friends add a second stop without juggling train times.
Questions
Can a school group get a coach into the centre?
Possibly. Children under 12 are one of the groups for which an S100 exemption can be granted, so a primary school trip may qualify where an adult group would not.
Which vehicle suits a hotel on the Canal Ring?
For up to eight people, an executive van keeps you well under 7.5 tonnes and closer to the door. Larger adult groups do best with a stop on the ring or at an edge-of-centre station.
How long can a coach wait at a city stop?
Usually 10 minutes, or 15 at De Ruijterkade Oost, so be ready at the kerb when the vehicle pulls in.
Trip types we arrange
- Transport for conferences, trade fairs and company events
- School trip transport across Europe
- Minibus and coach hire for sports teams
- Wedding transport for guests and couples
- Transport for church groups and pilgrimages
- Wine tours by minibus and private car
- River cruise transfers for groups and families
- Accessible transport for groups and travellers
Vehicles
- Full-size coach — 49-57 seats
- Midi coach — 29-35 seats
- Minibus — 16-19 seats
- Executive van (Mercedes V-Class / Sprinter class) — up to 8 seats
- Executive car (E-Class sedan class) — 1-3 seats
- Wheelchair-accessible minibus — 10-16 plus wheelchair spaces seats
Coming to Amsterdam as a group?
Tell us your hotel, your arrival at Schiphol and how many are travelling, and we will match the vehicle to the S100 rules.
Request a quote or call 442046529800