Rotterdam Metro Information
When it opened in 1986, it was one of the smallest metro networks in the world. Today, the Rotterdam metro consists of 5 lines serving 62 stations. From a length of no more than 6 km, the system now covers more than 78 km. This metro system has grown. It started as the first metro network in the whole of the Netherlands and now has an annual ridership of 86 million (2015). RET is the responsible owner and operator of this important network in the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
The Rotterdam Metro is an important part of the city’s transport system, serving 300,000 passengers every day. However, it does not operate 24 hours a day, but only from 5:00 to 00:00 (M-D).
Unfortunately, the Metro does not offer air conditioning and does not allow passengers to walk between platforms. There are also no driverless trains and no screen doors on the platforms.
The fare system is managed by gates and a nationwide smart card, with a standard fare of €3 per journey. Metro operations are efficiently managed by RET.
Rotterdam Metro Map
Map of Rotterdam Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Rotterdam Metro map in PDF format.
Transportation Overview
The Rotterdam metro is an extensive network consisting of five active lines. The underground section has a length of 17.5 kilometres (10.9 miles), while the surface section, which is considered a light rail system, has a length of 8.5 kilometres (5.3 miles). Each of these lines is briefly described below:
Line A
Line A, also known as the Erasmus line, was the first line to be built and was originally called the North-South line. With a total length of 17.2 kilometres (10.7 miles), it is the shortest line in the system. It currently has 20 stations, but there are plans for an extension to Vlaardingen West, which will increase the number of stations to 24. Its distinctive colour is green, and its termini are Binnenhof and Schiedam Centrum.
Line B
The second line, Line B, originally known as the East-West line, was later renamed the Caland line. It is 20.1 kilometres long and has 23 stations. The terminus is at Nesselande and Schiedam Centrum. It is distinguished by its yellow colour. An extension in 2018 and a planned extension in 2020 will increase the number of stations to 32.
Line C
Line C, marked by the colour red, has the distinction of being the longest line, stretching 30 kilometres (18.6 miles). It consists of 26 stations, the highest in the system, with De Terp and De Akkers as its termini.
Line D
Line D is the result of the 2009 reorganisation. It is light blue in colour and has 17 stations over a distance of 21 kilometres (13 miles). The line starts at Rotterdam Centraal station and ends at De Akkers station. This line has the least number of stations.
Line E
Line E, the last line to be built after the 2009 reorganisation, is characterised by its dark blue colour. It has 23 stations along its 27 kilometres (16.8 miles), making it the second longest line in the system. Its termini are Den Haag Centraal and Slinge.
Integration with Other Transportation Modes
As one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, Rotterdam offers a wide range of transport options. In addition to the metro, the city has an extensive and historic tram system.
The trams have been in operation since 1879 and were converted from animal-powered vehicles to electric trams in 1905. The system consists of nine tram lines with a total of 322 stations. There are also three special lines. Trams are the most widely used mode of transport after the metro, and there are numerous intersections between the tram and metro systems.
In addition, the city’s bus network, with 55 lines covering 432.7 kilometres (268.9 miles), provides another effective transport solution. These buses provide direct transport for residents and complement the metro and tram services.
Water buses, mainly ferries, also contribute to the city’s transport system with seven operating lines. Given the Dutch affinity for cycling, the transport system even provides for bicycles, which extend as far as Dordrecht.
Medium- and long-distance trains are another important part of Rotterdam’s transport infrastructure. The city has seven train stations, the most important of which is Rotterdam Centraal, which connects to the D and E metro lines. Rotterdam Alexander station, in the east of Rotterdam, connects to the A and B lines, while Rotterdam Blaak station, close to the city centre, connects to the A, B and C lines.
Access to the Airport
Rotterdam The Hague Airport serves as the air transport hub for the Dutch cities of Rotterdam and The Hague. Located 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) northwest of Rotterdam, it is the third busiest airport in the Netherlands, surpassed only by Eindhoven Airport. In 2014, it handled more than one and a half million passengers per year. The airport mainly handles domestic and European flights.
As there is no direct metro connection, you have to take bus number 33 to get to the airport. This bus line provides a direct connection to Rotterdam Centraal station, which is served by metro lines D and E, and to Meijersplein station on line E.
Schedule and Frequency
Each line of the Rotterdam Metro has a different timetable. Although the specific operating hours vary from line to line, the overall operating hours are from 5:45 to 12:30.
The first train on the A line departs from Kralingse Zoom station at 5:42 a.m. The frequency is initially about every ten minutes, which continues throughout the day until about 7:25 p.m., when it changes to every 15 minutes. After midnight the frequency increases to every 20 minutes. The last train arrives at Alexander station at 12:41.
The first train on line B also departs from Kralingse Zoom station, but at 5:46 a.m. Trains initially run every 15 minutes until 7:00 a.m. This frequency then decreases to every 10 minutes, and gradually increases to every 15 minutes from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. At 12:30 a.m., the frequency becomes every 20 minutes. The last train arrives at Alexander station at 12:59.
The first train on line C leaves De Terp station at 5.48 a.m. Like the previous lines, it initially runs every 15 minutes, but quickly changes to every 10 minutes. From 6:45 pm until closing time, the frequency returns to every 15 minutes. The last train arrives at Kralingse Zoom at 12:26.
Line D starts at 5:47 a.m. with the first train departing from Rotterdam Centraal station. The frequency starts at every 15 minutes, but quickly changes to every 10 minutes. At around 7:15, the frequency changes to every five minutes. Throughout the day, the frequency fluctuates, sometimes changing to every seven minutes and at other times dropping to just a few minutes. At 9:30 a.m. the frequency returns to every 10 minutes. From 15:15, the frequency drops to about every 4 or 5 minutes, and from 18:15 it returns to every 10 minutes. From 19:00 until closing, the frequency is every 15 minutes. The last train arrives at Slinge station at 1:04.
The service on line E starts at 5:56 from Den Haag Centraal station. Trains run every 15 minutes until 7:00, when the frequency is reduced to every 10 minutes. From 20:00 to 12:30, the frequency is every 15 minutes, briefly returning to every 10 minutes until the station closes. The last train arrives at Rotterdam Central Station at 1.23am.
Ticket Pricing and Types
A range of fares and tickets are available to meet the different needs of passengers. The Rotterdam Metro offers time-based tickets for frequent users. The simplest option is a two-hour return ticket for €3.50 ($US3.97). For those planning a full-day trip, tickets can be purchased for 8 euros ($US 9.06), with a reduced fare of 4.50 euros ($US 5.10) available.
Rotterdam’s fare system also supports the use of cards. Passengers can purchase an unregistered OV-chipkaart or a personalised card, which is unique to the cardholder. The basic fare for both cards is €0.90 ($1.02), with a reduced fare of €0.59 ($0.67). Each additional kilometre outside the Rotterdam metropolitan area costs 0.139 euros ($US 0.157), with a reduced fare of 0.092 euros ($US 0.104).
A regional monthly subscription is also available, based on a star rating system. One star costs 49 euros ($US 55.52), two stars 80 euros ($US 90.64), three stars 119 euros ($US 134.83), four stars 158 euros ($US 179.02), five stars 197 euros ($US 223.20) and six stars 237 euros ($US 268.52). Reduced rates are available for children aged 4 to 18 and adults aged 65 and over. Similar annual passes are available.
Tourists using the Rotterdam Metro can purchase a Tourist Day Pass for 13.50 euros ($US 15.30), which gives unlimited access to almost all public transport in the province of South Holland for one day.
System Rules
To maintain harmony among passengers, RET, the operator of the Rotterdam metro, has introduced a number of rules:
- Passengers must always have a valid ticket. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 38.50 euros ($US 43.05).
- Vandalising the system can result in a hefty fine of 90 euros ($US 101.97).
- Prams are allowed on board, but wheelchairs have priority.
- Dogs can travel on the metro at no extra cost, but they cannot occupy seats.
- Bicycles are allowed on board at off-peak times, i.e. between 9am and 4pm and after 6.30pm on weekdays and all day at weekends.
- Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted in system facilities.
Future Developments
Although it started out as the world’s smallest metro, the Rotterdam metro has undergone considerable expansion and is expected to continue developing. There are plans to extend lines A and B in the coming years, with various projects scheduled for completion by 2020. The system is currently undergoing a major reorganisation, as RET has integrated the Schiedam-Hoek van Holland rail services into the metro. This will lead to changes in the terminal stations of lines A and B.
Useful Tips
To make your journey in the Rotterdam metro as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, you should bear in mind the following tips:
- Station names and signs are in both Dutch and English. Even a basic understanding of these languages should be enough to navigate the metro without any problems.
- Don’t forget which mode of transport you are using. Although they are all operated by RET, the process of boarding a ferry is very different from boarding a tram, bus or metro.
- Make sure your ticket covers the time you need to reach your destination to avoid costly fines.
Fascinating Facts
- At its inception, it held the title of the world’s smallest metro system, with a length of just 5.9 kilometres (3.7 miles).
- It was the first metro system in the Netherlands. Today there are two metro systems in the country, the other being in the capital, Amsterdam.
- The system has been reorganised and renamed several times. In particular, it was renamed Erasmus and Caland, after the famous figures Desiderius Erasmus and Pieter Caland.
Touring Rotterdam via Metro
Known for its ports, sea, rivers, commercial activity and transport infrastructure, Rotterdam has always been recognised as the financial heart of the Netherlands. However, the city’s many attractions are increasingly attracting tourists. The Rotterdam Metro is an excellent means of transport for both locals and tourists wishing to explore the city. Some notable attractions accessible by metro are listed below:
Sonneveld House: Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy exploring this quintessentially Dutch house. Designed by architect Leendert van der Vlugt, the house is a national monument. Visitors are allowed inside to appreciate its functionalist style. The Sonneveld House can be reached from Eendrachtsplein station, which is served by lines A, B and C.
Markthal: This market hall offers an immersive experience for tourists. A departure from traditional Dutch markets, the Markthal was transformed into the country’s first covered market after being inaugurated by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in 2014. In addition to food stalls, the Markthal also has restaurants offering a variety of global cuisines. To get to the market, take the metro to Rotterdam Blaak station, which is served by lines A, B and C.
Vroesenpark: As a green city, Rotterdam has many parks and public spaces to enjoy. Vroesenpark, close to the Rotterdam Zoo, is one of them. During the summer months, the park is transformed into a hub of activity thanks to the ‘Duizel in het Park’ festival, which attracts a diverse audience. To get to Vroesenpark, simply take the E line to Rotterdam Blijdorp station.