Getting Around, Rotterdam Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands)

With bus transport, tramways and a modern underground metro system, Rotterdam has never been so easy to travel around. The public transportation network operating in Rotterdam is easy to understand and cheap to use, although only on Fridays and Saturdays do buses run after midnight.

Despite the wealth of transport options available, many locals find that the best way to travel between central locations is by bicycle, while for tourists, the water taxis provide scenic views and a little sightseeing along the way. If you find the need for taxi transport, central ranks are easy to come by, or alternatively you can book taxis by telephone.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) / Arriving by Air

The city is served by its very own airport, which is just 8 km / 5 miles north-west of the city centre. Rotterdam Airport is relatively small and features regular flights to cities such as Birmingham, London, Manchester and Paris. Regular bus transport is on hand and provides a cheap way to travel into the city centre, with a journey time of no more than 20 minutes. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is also relatively close to Rotterdam and linked by trains in just under one hour.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) Guide

Car Rental

Rotterdam is well-connected to the Netherlands and Belgium by a series of fast motorways. Car rental is available at both the airport and around the city, with a particularly popular Avis outlet located along the Kruisplein. Parking in central Rotterdam can be a problem and the city uses a chipping card system known as 'Chipknip', although some pay machines do accept credit cards. For many, the four free park and ride sites located on the outskirts of central Rotterdam are preferable, being well connected by public transport. Metro train stations are conveniently sited next to each of these park and ride sites, offering a simple way to travel into the city centre itself.

Book your Rotterdam Car Rental here.

Buses, Coaches and Trams

Public bus transport in the city is provided by RET (Rotterdamse Electrische Tram), along with the additional travel companies of both ARRIVA and Connexxion servicing the neighbouring towns and villages well. However, for many visitors, the city's trams offer the best way to travel around central Rotterdam, with tram lines connecting many notable places of interest. 'Chipkaarts' are used as a means of payment on public transport and are available for purchase at the Centraal train station and also the Beurs metro stations.

Trains and Metro

Rotterdam Centraal Station is a huge modern train station, being recently renovated and modernised. The Centraal Station is located on the main line to Amsterdam (one hour), with trains travelling here from as far as Brussels and Paris. High-speed train transport links many leading Dutch cities, such as The Hague (Den Haag), Middelburg and also Utrecht.

Subway train transport is especially popular in Rotterdam and the metro system comprises just two underground lines, which meet at the metro stations of both Churchill Plein and also Beurs.