Public Transport in Rotterdam
15 Dec 2017
12:00
The Dutch mostly get around Rotterdam by bike. While it is definitely possible to rent a bicycle and explore the city on two wheels, this is (unfortunately) not for everyone. Are you not very confident about your cycling skills? Fortunately, Rotterdam also has an impressive public transport system. Get from point A to point B in one of the many buses, trams or metros!
Public Transport in Rotterdam
Rotterdam’s public transport system is operated by RET and includes the tram, bus and metro. In order to travel with Dutch public transport, you need a valid OV-Chipkaart or ticket. While an OV-Chipkaart is not very accessible for those only spending a few days in Rotterdam, bus and tram tickets are very affordable. A ticket costs 3 euro and is valid for an hour. This means that, within the hour, you make as many changes as you would like. However, the ticket is only valid in buses, trams and metros operated by RET. It is also possible to buy a day ticket, which is valid for 24 hours. These tickets are available at ticket machines at various metro stations.
The Most Important Stations
The most important metro station is called Beurs. From this station, you can change to and from all metro lines. Would you like to use the train? No problem! The train stations Rotterdam Centraal, Schiedam Centrum, Rotterdam Alexander and Rotterdam Blaak are all connected to Rotterdam’s metro system. Some metro lines take you outside the city, for example to The Hague, Spijkenisse and Capelle aan de IJssel. The most important bus station is Rotterdam Zuidplein. This station connects Rotterdam’s many neighbourhoods. You can not only find many city buses at this station, but also buses that have destinations outside of Rotterdam (like Kinderdijk). Rotterdam Zuidplein is not only a bus station, but also metro station.
Bus 32
Is this your first time in Rotterdam and are you looking for a quick and easy way to explore all the city’s touristic attractions? Bus 32 takes you to Rotterdam’s most popular sights: the famous bridges over the Maas, the Markthal, the Coolsingel, the zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp) and the Nieuwe Instituut. Hop off the bus, take a look around, take some photos and hop on again! Between the 13rd of July and the 1st of September, a guide will travel with bus 32 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning. The guide will tell you everything you want to know about the city, free of charge!