Public Transport
Public transport in Rotterdam
Rotterdam has one of the best public transport networks in the Netherlands. Thanks to its modern metro, tram, bus, ferry and shared bicycle system, you can travel easily throughout the city and reach its main attractions, neighbourhoods and shopping areas without needing a car.
Whether you’re visiting Rotterdam for a few days or have just moved to the city, understanding how public transport works will help you save both time and money while getting around.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about using public transport in Rotterdam: how to pay for your journeys with OVpay, when it’s worth using an OV-chipkaart, how the metro, trams and buses work, as well as other transport options such as the Waterbus, Watertaxi and shared bicycles.
How to Pay for Public Transport in Rotterdam
For many years, the only way to travel on public transport in the Netherlands was by using the well-known OV-chipkaart. However, most travellers now use OVpay, a much simpler system that eliminates the need to buy a transport card.
With OVpay, you can simply use your contactless bank card, mobile phone or smartwatch to travel on the metro, trams, buses and even most trains throughout the Netherlands.
Just tap the same device on the card reader when you start your journey and tap it again when you leave. The system will automatically calculate the fare and charge it to your bank account.
With OVpay you can pay using:
Contactless Visa cards.
Contactless Mastercard cards.
Apple Pay.
Google Pay.
Garmin Pay and other compatible digital wallets.
Advantages of OVpay:
No need to buy an OV-chipkaart.
No need to top up credit.
Automatic payment.
Works on almost all public transport in the Netherlands.
The most convenient option for tourists.
Rotterdam360 Tip: If you’re visiting Rotterdam for just a few days, OVpay is usually the quickest and most convenient option.
OVpay or OV-chipkaart?
One of the most common questions for first-time visitors to Rotterdam is whether it’s worth buying an OV-chipkaart.
The answer depends on how long you plan to stay in the Netherlands:
Tourist – OVpay
Business traveller – OVpay
Student – Personal OV-chipkaart
Resident – Personal OV-chipkaart
The OV-chipkaart
Although OVpay has made using public transport much easier, the OV-chipkaart is still widely used by residents and frequent public transport users.
It is a rechargeable smart card that can be used on almost all forms of public transport throughout the Netherlands.
At the start of your journey, you must tap your card on the reader at the entrance to the station, bus or tram. When you reach your destination, remember to tap out so that the system can calculate the correct fare for your journey.
If you forget to tap out, you may be charged more than the actual cost of your trip.
Anonymous OV-chipkaart
The anonymous OV-chipkaart does not display your personal details. The same card can be used by several people, although not at the same time on the same journey. It is an excellent option for visitors staying in Rotterdam for several days or weeks.
The card is blue and can be purchased and topped up at ticket machines in railway and metro stations, as well as at selected supermarkets and RET sales points.
The anonymous OV-chipkaart does not allow you to receive travel discounts, and if you lose the card, you will also lose any remaining credit. It also cannot be used with certain season tickets and travel subscriptions.
Personal OV-chipkaart
The Personal OV-chipkaart displays your name and photograph, so it can only be used by the registered cardholder.
These cards are yellow and offer several additional benefits, including monthly and weekend travel discounts, automatic top-ups, and the ability to block the card if it is lost, protecting any remaining credit. To obtain a Personal OV-chipkaart, you must apply through the RET website.
The card can be topped up automatically or manually at ticket machines located in stations, as well as at selected supermarkets and RET sales points.
There are several OV-chipkaart travel products available, including:
RET 1 Day – Unlimited travel for 24 hours.
RET 2 Hours – Unlimited travel for up to two hours.
Monthly / Annual Pass – Unlimited travel within selected zones for one month or one year.
Rotterdam Metro
The Rotterdam Metro is the fastest and most convenient way to travel around the city and its surrounding areas. The network consists of five lines, covers approximately 78 kilometres and serves 66 stations. All metro lines pass through Beurs Station, located in the heart of Rotterdam, making it easy to change between lines.
Services generally operate between 5:30 am and 12:30 am. During weekends and public holidays, some lines may operate different timetables, so it’s advisable to check the schedule before travelling.
Bicycles are allowed on the metro outside peak hours only, which are Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 9:00 am, and between 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm.
These are the five metro lines in Rotterdam:
A – Binnenhof to Schiedam / Vlaardingen.
B – Nesselande to Hoek van Holland Strand.
C – De Terp to De Akkers.
D – Rotterdam Centraal to De Akkers.
E – Den Haag Centraal to Slinge.
You can view several public transport maps of Rotterdam using this link.
Rotterdam tram
The tram is an excellent way to explore Rotterdam city centre and many of its surrounding neighbourhoods. The network currently consists of ten tram lines and more than 300 stops across the city.
Since March 2024, it has no longer been possible to buy tickets directly on board the trams. You can easily pay using OVpay, an OV-chipkaart, a contactless bank card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a ticket purchased in advance from a ticket machine or an RET Service Point.
These are the ten tram lines operating from January 2025:
Tram 1 – Holy – Rotterdam Centraal – De Esch.
Tram 2 – Charlois – Keizerswaard.
Tram 3 – Beverwaard – Rotterdam Centraal.
Tram 4 – Molenlaan – Rotterdam Centraal – Heemraadsplein.
Tram 5 – Carnisselande – Rotterdam Centraal.
Tram 6 – Kleiweg – Rotterdam Centraal – Heemraadsplein.
Tram 7 – Woudestein – Rotterdam Centraal – Marconiplein.
Tram 8 – Spangen – Rotterdam Centraal – Schiebroek.
Tram 11 – Woudhoek – Rotterdam Centraal – De Esch.
Tram 12 – Rotterdam Centraal – Stadion Feyenoord – P+R Beverwaard. Operates only during events at Feyenoord Stadium.
You can view the tram network map in the downloads section.
Rotterdam busses
The bus network complements the metro and tram systems, connecting neighbourhoods that are not served by other forms of public transport, as well as many towns and suburbs around Rotterdam.
There are currently more than 50 bus routes covering approximately 430 kilometres. Timetables can be checked at bus stops, in the official RET app or on the RET website.
As with the tram network, it has no longer been possible to buy tickets directly on board buses since March 2024. You can travel using OVpay, an OV-chipkaart, a contactless bank card or a ticket purchased in advance.
If you are using OVpay or an OV-chipkaart, always remember to tap in when boarding and tap in when boarding and tap out when leaving the bus so that the correct fare is calculated.
Night Buses
Several night bus routes operate on Friday and Saturday nights, connecting Rotterdam city centre with different neighbourhoods and nearby municipalities.
You can check the night bus timetables using this link.
If you are travelling with an OV-chipkaart, remember to tap your card on the reader when leaving the bus.
Other Ways to Get Around Rotterdam
Waterbus. The Waterbus is an excellent way to travel along the river and visit places such as Kinderdijk, Dordrecht, Ridderkerk and Alblasserdam. As well as being a practical means of transport, it offers nice views of Rotterdam’s skyline.
The fare depends on your destination, and bicycles are allowed on many routes. It’s always worth checking the timetable on the official Waterbus website, as some services are not included in the 9292 journey planner.
Watertaxi. The Watertaxi is one of Rotterdam’s most unique experiences. Its high-speed boats connect more than 50 jetties across Rotterdam and Schiedam, allowing you to travel along the River Maas while enjoying spectacular views of the city.
Although it is more expensive than regular public transport, it is a highly recommended experience, especially if you’re visiting Rotterdam for the first time.
Tuk Tuk. If you’re looking for a different way to explore Rotterdam, you can also take a Tuk Tuk. In addition to transporting passengers, many drivers offer guided city tours, providing a fun and original way to discover Rotterdam’s main attractions. Visit the link below for more information.
Bicycle. Cycling remains the preferred mode of transport for many Dutch people and is one of the best ways to explore Rotterdam. The city has an extensive network of cycle paths, making it easy, safe and convenient to get around.
In recent years, the use of electric bikes has increased significantly. If you rent or buy one, always use a good-quality lock and, whenever possible, take the battery with you if you leave the bike parked for an extended period to reduce the risk of theft.
If you have a Personal OV-chipkaart, you can also rent an OV-fiets (public bike), which is part of the Dutch shared bicycle scheme. Bicycles can be collected from most major railway stations and designated OV-fiets rental points. One of the main advantages is the low rental price, currently €4.15 for up to 24 hours.
When you’ve finished using the bike, simply return it to an OV-fiets rental location. You can even rent up to two bicycles with a single Personal OV-chipkaart.