When I visited Rotterdam, one of the first things I wanted to master was its public transportation system. I wanted to explore every corner of the city without the hassle of renting a car or spending too much on taxis. Rotterdam’s public transportation system is well-organized, efficient, and covers everything from the bustling city center to the quieter outskirts and nearby cities. With a mix of trams, trains, buses, and even water taxis and boats, it was a breeze to get around while enjoying the vibrant culture and sights of this modern city.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my experiences navigating Rotterdam’s public transport, including tips on how to use trams, trains, and boats, where to get tickets, and how to make the most of this easy-to-use system.
Trams: The Heart of Rotterdam’s Public Transport
When I arrived in Rotterdam, I was immediately struck by the sleek trams that effortlessly glided through the city streets. The RET (Rotterdamse Elektrische Tram) operates the tram system, and it quickly became my preferred mode of transport. The tram network in Rotterdam covers a large area, making it incredibly easy to hop on and get to various parts of the city in no time.
How to Use the Trams
Using the trams was straightforward once I got the hang of it. I purchased an OV-chipkaart, a contactless smart card that works across all public transport systems in the Netherlands. You can load money onto the card and simply tap in and out when boarding and exiting the tram. The OV-chipkaart can be purchased at stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores throughout the city, making it easy to get started. You can also use single-use tickets, but the OV-chipkaart is much more convenient if you’re planning to explore Rotterdam over several days.
Getting Around by Tram
One of my favorite tram routes was Line 7, which took me from the city center all the way to the lovely Museumpark and eventually to the quiet neighborhood of Delfshaven. Museumpark is a great stop if you’re interested in art and culture, as it houses several museums, including the Kunsthal and Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. Delfshaven, on the other hand, is a picturesque historic neighborhood filled with charming canals and 17th-century buildings.
Another great tram line I took was Line 8, which stops at Euromast, Rotterdam’s famous observation tower. The tram dropped me off right next to the park where the Euromast is located, making it super convenient to visit one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
Ticket Prices and Discounts
For me, the OV-chipkaart was the best way to manage transport costs. You can load the card with any amount and top it up whenever needed. Each tram ride costs €1.50 to €4, depending on the distance traveled. If you’re a student, senior, or a frequent traveler, you might be eligible for discounts. There’s also a day pass available if you plan on using the trams extensively in a single day, which is great for tourists like me who want to explore a lot in a short time. The day pass is priced at around €9.
Trains: Connecting Rotterdam and Beyond
While the trams were great for getting around the city, I found that Rotterdam’s train network was perfect for longer trips to nearby cities. Whether you’re planning a day trip to The Hague, Delft, or even Amsterdam, Rotterdam’s trains offer fast and frequent services to these destinations.
Rotterdam Central Station: A Hub of Activity
Rotterdam’s Central Station (Rotterdam Centraal) is a bustling hub of activity. This station is a masterpiece of modern architecture, with its sleek, angular roof that seems to point towards the sky. When I first stepped inside, I was amazed at how clean and organized it was. The station is well-signposted, and finding the right train or platform was easy, even for someone unfamiliar with the system.
The NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) operates the trains, and I found the service to be punctual and reliable. I took a train to Delft, which was only about a 15-minute ride. Delft is a beautiful historic town known for its pottery and charming canals, and it’s definitely worth a visit. The train was clean, with comfortable seating and plenty of room for luggage.
Tickets and Fares
As with the trams, I used my OV-chipkaart to pay for train rides. For longer trips, you can also purchase single-use paper tickets at ticket machines located in every train station. These machines accept both cash and card payments. My ride from Rotterdam to Delft cost around €3.50, and longer trips to places like Amsterdam were about €15.
If you plan on taking multiple train rides during your stay, it might be worth looking into day passes or discount cards that offer reduced fares on weekends or during off-peak hours. I used an off-peak day pass on one occasion, which saved me a lot of money.
Amsterdam to Rotterdam
One day, I decided to take a train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, which was about a 40-minute ride on the Intercity Direct, a high-speed service that connects the two cities. The train was smooth and fast, and before I knew it, I was walking along the canals of Amsterdam. If you’re considering a day trip to Amsterdam, this train is the perfect option.
Water Taxis and Boats: Rotterdam from a Different Perspective
What makes Rotterdam particularly unique is its extensive use of waterways for public transport. The Watertaxi and various boat services offer a fantastic way to see the city from a different angle. Rotterdam is, after all, a major port city, and getting around by water feels like a quintessential part of the experience.
Watertaxi: Fast and Fun
One of the highlights of my trip was taking the Watertaxi. These small boats can take you across the Maas River and to various points along the waterfront, including attractions like Hotel New York, the SS Rotterdam, and Fenix Food Factory.
I boarded the Watertaxi near the Erasmus Bridge and took a short trip to the Katendrecht neighborhood, home to some of the city’s best food spots. The Watertaxi is fast, and while it’s not the cheapest option (fares range from €4 to €10 depending on the distance), it’s a thrilling experience that offers stunning views of Rotterdam’s skyline and waterfront architecture.
Waterbus: For Day Trips and More
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly boat option, the Waterbus is a great choice. The Waterbus operates along the Maas River and connects Rotterdam with nearby towns like Kinderdijk, famous for its UNESCO-listed windmills, and Dordrecht, a picturesque town with beautiful old buildings.
I took the Waterbus to Kinderdijk, and it was a pleasant 30-minute ride that only cost me €6. The Waterbus is an excellent option if you’re looking for a day trip outside of Rotterdam, and it’s much more affordable than taking a traditional tourist boat.
Walking: Discovering Rotterdam on Foot
While the public transport in Rotterdam is fantastic, there’s something special about walking around the city. The streets are wide, clean, and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. One of my favorite walks was along the Nieuwe Maas River, where I could take in the impressive Erasmus Bridge and the stunning De Rotterdam building.
The city is also home to several green spaces like Het Park near Euromast, which is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. I found walking to be the best way to fully absorb Rotterdam’s modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Many of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other, so if you enjoy exploring at your own pace, walking is an excellent way to see Rotterdam.
Renting a Bike: The Dutch Way of Getting Around
As you might expect from a Dutch city, Rotterdam is incredibly bike-friendly. Renting a bike is easy, and there are bike lanes on almost every street. I rented a bike from Fietspunt, located near Central Station, and found it to be one of the best ways to explore the city. Cycling along the Maasboulevard gave me some of the best views of the river and skyline.
Rental prices are reasonable, typically starting at around €10 per day, and most bike shops offer a range of options, from standard city bikes to electric bikes.
Rotterdam’s public transportation system is a dream for travelers. Whether you’re zipping through the city on a tram, taking a leisurely boat ride on the Maas, or catching a train to explore the wider Netherlands, getting around is affordable, efficient, and stress-free. I found the system easy to navigate and full of options for every type of traveler. If you’re planning a visit to Rotterdam, mastering its public transport will allow you to explore everything this incredible city has to offer—without breaking the bank.
