600,000 passengers are transported in Rotterdam every day by bus, tram, metro and even by the fast ferry over water. The transport operator in Rotterdam responsible for the network is called ‘RET’. They do an excellent job in the city, where the transport is reliable, widespread and fast.
Where can I find timetables?
Timetables are found at the various transport stops. There are also LED displays on metro and tram stops that tell you when the next one will arrive. You can check the timetables online as well. Timetables for the metro, tram, bus, ferry and night bus (known as the ‘BOB’, a teasing term in Dutch for the designated driver) are available on the RET website. Local and national train timetables are listed on the NS Dutch Railway website.
Reduced fares
The NS and RET both offer reduced fares for registered OV-Chipcard holders. If you travel regularly by train during off-peak times, it might be smart to buy an NS discount pass. For €5,60 per month or €67,20 per year, this subscription gives you a 40% discount on fares during off-peak hours. The RET also offers many discounted options, which are based on monthly payments and subscription. Both transport providers offer websites that can help you in choosing the correct subscription for your needs.
Planning a journey
To find out the fastest and/or most convenient option to travel by public transport, there are smart and reliable Dutch websites that offer excellent English language options. If you will be travelling outside Rotterdam, you can use 9292 for your journey to find out which transport options you have to take and what the exact travel times and timetables are. If you will be travelling within Rotterdam, you can use either 9292 or the RET website. Both websites allow you to calculate your journey from your current location or postcode, so you don’t have to know the exact stop. The website also tells you how long it takes to walk to the stops.
Taxi
Rotterdam has many taxi services. The biggest taxi service is the Rotterdam Taxi Center or RTC. You can take a cab from one of the many taxi ranks (the biggest one is to the left of Rotterdam Central Station) or by calling them directly. The phone number for taxis is +31 (0)10 462 60 60. If you need a taxi for the airport, call the special airport taxi number: +31 (0)010 462 64 64.
RandstadsRail – Connection to The Hague and Zoetermeer
RandstadRail connects the cities of Rotterdam, The Hague and Zoetermeer. There are several rail lines and bus lines which bring you easily and quickly from one city to the other. You can reach The Hague CS from Rotterdam CS within 35 minutes with metro line E.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport
The Rotterdam The Hague Airport is a regional airport with international connections. Airlines such as Transavia, British Airways and Turkish Airways fly to over 40 destinations. Many people use the Rotterdam The Hague airport to reach their sun or ski holiday destination, but the airport is also the starting point for many business trips.
The Rotterdam The Hague Airport is easily accessible by public transport. There is a bus leaving every 15 minutes which brings you from RandstadRail stop ‘Meijersplein’ directly to the airport within 5 minutes.
