Transit

How To Get To Rotterdam: Transportation Options

Rotterdam, one of the most dynamic and modern cities in the Netherlands, is easy to reach from various places in Europe and beyond.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to get to Rotterdam by plane, train, ferry, or bus, so you can choose the best option based on where you’re coming from.

How to get to Rotterdam by plane

If you’re coming from outside the Netherlands, flying to Rotterdam is very easy.

The country has several international airports that connect you to Rotterdam quickly.

Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam): This is the largest airport in the Netherlands and is only an hour away from Rotterdam by train or bus.
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Eindhoven Airport: Another common option, located in the southeast of the Netherlands, approximately an hour and a half from Rotterdam.

Rotterdam-The Hague Airport: This is the closest airport to the city. From here, you can reach Rotterdam in less than 30 minutes by taxi or public transport.

Tip: If you’re traveling from outside Europe, you’re likely to arrive at Schiphol, which is the main international airport. From there, you can take a direct train to Rotterdam, which is fast and comfortable.

How to get to Rotterdam by ferry

Do you prefer to travel by sea? Then, traveling to Rotterdam by ferry is quite a popular option.

From the UK, there are several ferry routes connecting to Rotterdam’s port. Some options include:

P&O Ferries: Travels from Kingston Upon Hull to Rotterdam Europoort, a journey of approximately 11 hours.

Stena Line: Offers daily routes between Harwich and Hoek van Holland, with a journey time of 6-7 hours.

DFDS Seaways: Connects Newcastle with Ijmuiden, a trip of about 17 hours. From Ijmuiden, you can take a train or bus to Rotterdam in about 30-40 minutes.

Tip: If you enjoy peaceful sea journeys, the ferry is a great option to enjoy the views before arriving in Rotterdam.

How to get to Rotterdam by train

If you’re in Europe, traveling to Rotterdam by train is one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to get there.

Connected by several high-speed trains, you can easily reach Rotterdam from some of the main cities on the continent.

Thalys: This high-speed train line connects Paris, Brussels, Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, being a fast and very popular option.

ICE: If you’re coming from Germany or Switzerland, ICE trains offer a comfortable and efficient connection. The journey from Frankfurt or Zurich to Rotterdam takes between 5 and 7 hours.

Tip: Trains in Europe are an excellent option if you prefer to enjoy the landscape while traveling comfortably.

How to get to Rotterdam by road

If you’re on a tighter budget, traveling to Rotterdam by bus is an affordable and accessible option. Several companies connect Rotterdam with cities across Europe:

FlixBus: This bus company connects Rotterdam with more than 500 cities across Europe. The main FlixBus station is next to Rotterdam Central Station, making it easy to reach your destination.

BlaBlaCar Bus: Another affordable option that has grown in popularity. Prices are very competitive, although the journeys can be long.

Useful Information: Rotterdam is accessible by road from several major cities. From Belgium, you can reach it in 1.5 hours (via the A16), and from Germany in less than 2 hours.

Here are some examples of approximate driving distances: Brussels:

• Bruselas: 143 km • París: 450 km • Londres: 455 km • Berlín: 690 km • Milán: 1,000 km

How to get around in Rotterdam

Once you arrive in Rotterdam, it’s very easy to get around the city thanks to its public transportation system.

You can take trams, buses, or taxis, and you can also rent a bike if you want to explore more freely.

Rotterdam is a very bike-friendly city, so feel free to join the cyclists!