City in South Holland, Netherlands
Getting around Rotterdam
How to get around Rotterdam
Metro, trams and the Waterbus (river ferry) cover the center and south; cycling is flat and easy. Tap in and out with a contactless bank card on RET.
Ways to get around Rotterdam
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| RET metro and tram | From about 1 EUR plus per km with OVpay | Tap in and out; the metro connects Centraal to Zuid and Schiedam |
| Waterbus | About 3–4 EUR | River boats to Kinderdijk, Dordrecht and the center |
| Bicycle rental | About 12–18 EUR a day | Flat city with many cycle lanes |
| NS trains | Varies | Direct to Schiphol, The Hague and Amsterdam |
Ride-hailing apps in Rotterdam
A 5 km ride costs about €13–22 ($15–25).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Cars in the big cities; pricier than public transport |
| Bolt | Often cheaper than Uber in Randstad cities |
- Taxis are metered and expensive; Uber is usually cheaper. Trams and metro cover most trips until late.
Arriving in Rotterdam
Schiphol (AMS)
Direct Intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal about 30–40 min, around 15–18 EUR; taxi 100–130 EUR.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)
Small airport with a few budget routes; bus 33 to Meijersplein metro, about 3–4 EUR, 15 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences are valid for visitors; an IDP is advised with non-EU licences, especially in non-Latin scripts.
- Onward travel in Netherlands: Trains run every 10–30 minutes between cities; nowhere is more than about three hours away. Tap in and out with a contactless bank card (OVpay) on all public transport.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Rotterdam?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Bolt.
What's the best way to get around Rotterdam?
Metro, trams and the Waterbus (river ferry) cover the center and south; cycling is flat and easy. Tap in and out with a contactless bank card on RET.
How do I get from the airport to Rotterdam?
Direct Intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal about 30–40 min, around 15–18 EUR; taxi 100–130 EUR.
Is Rotterdam walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Rotterdam
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Sources
- NS Dutch Railways
- 9292 journey planner
- RET Rotterdam public transport
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport
- Rotterdam Tourist Information
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.