Transit
Getting to Rotterdam: Transport options
Rotterdam, one of the most dynamic and modern cities in the Netherlands, is easy to reach from across Europe and beyond.
In this guide, you’ll find the best ways to get to Rotterdam by plane, train, ferry or coach, helping you choose the most convenient option for your journey.
How to get to Rotterdam by plane
If you’re travelling from outside the Netherlands, flying is one of the easiest ways to reach Rotterdam.
The country’s main international airports offer excellent transport connections to the city.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: The largest airport in the Netherlands, located just one hour from Rotterdam by direct train or coach.
🎟️ Book Your Ticket in Advance
If you’re arriving at Schiphol Airport, you can check train timetables and book your ticket to Rotterdam before you travel. This way, you’ll avoid queues at the station and have your journey organised from the moment you arrive.
Eindhoven Airport: Another popular option, located in the south-east of the Netherlands, around an hour and a half from Rotterdam.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport: The closest airport to the city. From here, you can reach Rotterdam in less than 30 minutes by taxi or public transport.
Travel Tip: If you’re flying from outside Europe, you’ll most likely arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the country’s main international gateway. From there, you can take a direct train to Rotterdam, offering a fast, comfortable and convenient journey.
Eindhoven
Eindhoven Airport is located around 8 km (5 miles) from Eindhoven city centre.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam The Hague Airport offers direct flights to 53 destinations in 14 countries.
Schiphol
Schiphol is the largest airport in the Netherlands and is located 21 km of Amsterdam
How to get to Rotterdam by ferry
Prefer travelling by sea?
Taking a ferry to Rotterdam is a popular option, especially if you’re travelling from the United Kingdom. Several ferry routes provide convenient connections to the Port of Rotterdam.
P&O Ferries: Operates a route between Kingston upon Hull and Rotterdam Europoort, with a crossing time of approximately 11 hours.
Stena Line: Offers daily sailings between Harwich and Hoek van Holland, with a journey time of around 6 to 7 hours.
DFDS Seaways: Connects Newcastle with IJmuiden in approximately 17 hours. From IJmuiden, you can continue to Rotterdam by train or coach in around 30 to 40 minutes.
Travel Tip: If you enjoy relaxing sea journeys, travelling by ferry is an excellent way to begin your trip while enjoying the North Sea before arriving in Rotterdam.
How to get to Rotterdam by train
If you’re travelling from elsewhere in Europe, taking the train is one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to reach Rotterdam.
Thanks to its excellent high-speed rail connections, the city is easily accessible from many of Europe’s major destinations.
Eurostar: High-speed services connect Rotterdam with Paris, Brussels, Antwerp and Amsterdam, making it one of the quickest and most popular travel options.
ICE: If you’re travelling from Germany or Switzerland, ICE high-speed trains provide a comfortable and efficient connection. Journeys from Frankfurt or Zurich to Rotterdam usually take between 5 and 7 hours.
Travel Tip: Travelling by train is an excellent choice if you want to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. Most international services arrive at Rotterdam Centraal, conveniently located in the heart of the city.
Ferry
You can also travel to Rotterdam by ferry from the United Kingdom.
By road
FlixBus connects Rotterdam with more than 500 towns and cities across Europe
Train
You can reach Rotterdam by Eurostar, ICE International, Intercity Direct and local trains.
How to get to Rotterdam by road
If you’re travelling on a budget, getting to Rotterdam by coach is an affordable and convenient option. Several coach companies connect Rotterdam with hundreds of cities across Europe.
FlixBus: One of Europe’s largest coach operators, offering direct connections to Rotterdam from more than 500 cities. Its main stop is located next to Rotterdam Centraal, making it easy to continue your journey.
BlaBlaCar Bus: Another budget-friendly alternative that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Fares are usually very competitive, although journey times can be longer than travelling by train.
Useful information: Rotterdam is also easily accessible by road from several major European cities. It is approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from Belgium via the A16 motorway and less than two hours from the German border.
Here are some approximate driving distances:
• Brussels: 143 km • Paris: 450 km • London: 455 km • Berlin: 690 km • Milan: 1,000 km
Getting around in Rotterdam
Once you arrive in Rotterdam, getting around the city is easy thanks to its efficient public transport network.
You can travel by metro, tram, bus or taxi, or hire a bicycle if you’d prefer to explore at your own pace.
Rotterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the Netherlands, with an extensive network of cycle paths, making cycling one of the best ways to discover the city.