RandstadRail is a tram-train and light rail system in the Rotterdam–The Hague metropolitan area in the west of the Netherlands. Jointly operated by HTM Personenvervoer and Rotterdamse Elektrische Tram, it connects The Hague, Rotterdam, and Zoetermeer using former railway lines and existing tram tracks. The system opened in stages in 2006 and 2007, now covering about 71 kilometers (44 miles), serving 73 stations, and carrying around 125,000 passengers per day in 2018.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System type | Tram-train, light rail, and metro-style public transport network |
| Main cities served | The Hague, Rotterdam, and Zoetermeer |
| Operators | HTM Personenvervoer and Rotterdamse Elektrische Tram |
| Routes | Metro line E and tram-train lines 3, 4, and 34 |
| Stations | 73 stations across the network |
| Network length | About 71 kilometers (44 miles) |
| Opened | In stages during 2006 and 2007 |
| Daily ridership | About 125,000 passengers per day in 2018 |
Metro Map of The Hague
Map of Hague Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Hague Metro map in PDF format.
Hague RandstadRail Lines and Stations
RandstadRail has four main routes: metro line E and tram-train lines 3, 4, and 34. Together, they form an important part of city transport and local transport between The Hague, Rotterdam, Zoetermeer, and nearby districts.
Line E is operated by RET with high-floor metro vehicles. Lines 3, 4, and 34 are operated by HTM with low-floor tram-train vehicles. At shared stations, some platforms have both higher and lower sections so different vehicle types can stop safely.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Line E stations | Den Haag Centraal, Laan van NOI, Voorburg ‘t Loo, Leidschendam-Voorburg, Leidschenveen, Forepark, Pijnacker Centrum, Nootdorp, Berkel Westpolder, Pijnacker Zuid, Rodenrijs, Meijersplein, Melanchthonweg, Blijdorp, Rotterdam Centraal, Stadhuis, Beurs, Leuvehaven, Wilhelminaplein, Rijnhaven, Maashaven, Zuidplein, and Slinge |
| Line 3 route | Runs between Den Haag Loosduinen and Zoetermeer Centrum-West, serving 39 stations |
| Line 4 route | Runs between Den Haag De Uithof and Lansingerland-Zoetermeer, serving 33 stations |
| Line 34 route | Runs between Den Haag De Savornin Lohmanplein and Lansingerland-Zoetermeer, serving 31 stations |
| Shared section | Lines 3, 4, and 34 share tracks and stations with line E between Laan van NOI and Leidschenveen |
| Zoetermeer branch | East of Leidschenveen, line 3 follows the former Zoetermeer Stadslijn route |
| Oosterheem branch | Lines 4 and 34 branch off after Seghwaert toward Oosterheem; the branch was extended to Lansingerland-Zoetermeer in 2019 |
West of Den Haag Centraal, lines 3, 4, and 34 work more like street trams. Between Den Haag Centraal and Zoetermeer, they use dedicated light rail tracks. This mix is what makes the RandstadRail route plan a little unusual, but also very useful for daily travel.
Ticket Pricing, Subscriptions, and Cards
RandstadRail uses several ticket, pass, subscription, and card options. Prices below are shown in euros and approximate US dollars.
| Ticket or card | Price |
|---|---|
| Tourist Day Ticket | €13.50, about $14.70 |
| Park + Day Ticket for one person | €5, about $5.45 |
| Park + Day Ticket for two persons | €6, about $6.55 |
| Park + Day Ticket for three persons | €7, about $7.65 |
| Park + Day Ticket for four persons | €8, about $8.70 |
| Park + Day Ticket for five persons | €9, about $9.80 |
| HTM Uurnetkaart | €3.50, about $3.80 |
| HTM Kinder Dagkaart | €2.50, about $2.75 |
| HTM 3 Day Travel Card | €16.50, about $18.00 |
| Metro card | From €2.50, about $2.75 |
The main subscription categories are Regio Abonnement, Altijd Korting Abonnement, and HTM Avonduren Abonnement.
| Subscription | Price |
|---|---|
| Regio Abonnement, One Star | €49 monthly, about $53.40; €490 yearly, about $534.10; discounted €32 monthly, about $34.90; discounted €320 yearly, about $348.80 |
| Regio Abonnement, Two Stars | €79 monthly, about $86.10; €790 yearly, about $861.10; discounted €53 monthly, about $57.75; discounted €530 yearly, about $577.70 |
| Regio Abonnement, Three Stars | €118 monthly, about $128.60; €1,180 yearly, about $1,286.20; discounted €78 monthly, about $85.00; discounted €780 yearly, about $850.20 |
| Regio Abonnement, Four Stars | €156 monthly, about $170.05; €1,560 yearly, about $1,700.40; discounted €103 monthly, about $112.25; discounted €1,030 yearly, about $1,122.70 |
| Regio Abonnement, Five Stars | €195 monthly, about $212.55; €1,950 yearly, about $2,125.50; discounted €129 monthly, about $140.60; discounted €1,290 yearly, about $1,406.10 |
| Regio Abonnement, Six Stars | €235 monthly, about $256.15; €2,350 yearly, about $2,561.50; discounted €155 monthly, about $168.95; discounted €1,550 yearly, about $1,689.50 |
| Altijd Korting Abonnement | €17.50 per month, about $19.10; €175 per year, about $190.75 |
| HTM Avonduren Abonnement | €20 per month, about $21.80; €120 per year, about $130.80 |
Your actual fare and ticket price depend on the product you choose. If you are comparing cost before travel, use the available fare information or a fare calculator from your transport planner before buying a ticket.
Schedules, Timetables, and Frequencies
RandstadRail operating hours, opening times, and frequency vary by line and by time of day. Daytime services are generally more frequent, especially on lines 3 and 4, while evenings and Sundays have longer gaps between trains.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Line 3 frequency | Every 10 minutes during the day from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays; every 15 minutes on Monday to Friday evenings, Saturday mornings, and Sundays |
| Line 3 starting time and last train | Starts at Centrum-West at 8:00 and ends at Arnold Spoelplein at 1:10 |
| Line 4 frequency | Same frequency pattern as line 3 |
| Line 4 starting time and closing time | Starts at Javalaan at 8:00 and ends at De Uithof at 12:58 |
| Line 19 frequency | Runs every 15 minutes |
| Line 19 first and last service | First service departs from Nieuwe Plantage at 7:58; last service ends at HMC Antoniushove at 1:02 |
| Metro line E frequency | Runs every 15 minutes |
| Metro line E opening hours and last train | First departure from Den Haag Centraal at 7:47 am; last service ends at Slinge at 1:03 am |
For a smoother trip, check the timetable, train schedule, and schedule today before you travel, especially late in the evening. The route timetable is also helpful if you need a tight connection with a bus, tramway service, or regional rail line.
Connections
RandstadRail is built for transfers. It connects The Hague, Rotterdam, Zoetermeer, and surrounding districts with trams, buses, other metro services, and regional rail, so it works well as part of wider transportation in The Hague and the Rotterdam area.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Den Haag Centraal | Main interchange for RandstadRail, rail, tram, bus, and onward public transport |
| Laan van NOI | Important transfer point on line E and shared RandstadRail sections |
| Leidschendam-Voorburg | Line E interchange point |
| Leidschenveen | Shared section for line E and tram-train lines 3, 4, and 34 |
| Forepark | Line E transfer point |
| Rotterdam Centraal | Major transfer station for metro, rail, and regional services |
| Stadhuis, Beurs, Wilhelminaplein, Maashaven, and Slinge | Key Rotterdam interchange stations on line E; line E also shares part of its route with line D between Rotterdam Centraal and Slinge |
| Goudenregenstraat and Fahrenheitstraat | Transfers for tram 12 |
| Conradkade | Transfer for tram 11 |
| HMC Westeinde | Transfers for trams 2 and 4 |
| Leyenburg | Transfers for tram 6 and buses 21, 23, 26, 31, 35, 36, and 37 |
| De la Reyweg | Transfer for tram 2 |
| Willem Dreeslaan | Transfer for bus 165 |
| HMC Antoniushove and Leidsenhage | Transfers for trams 2 and 6 and bus 46 |
| Station Den Haag Ypenburg | Transfers for bus N5 and bus 30 |
| Brasserskade | Transfer for tram 1 |
| Nootdorp | Transfer for bus 484 |
| Pijnacker Centrum | Transfers for bus 484 and bus 55 |
| Pijnacker Zuid | Transfers for bus 484 and bus 174 |
For airport travel, line E links with Rotterdam The Hague Airport via Blijdorp and Meijersplein. Den Haag Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal are the main stations for onward travel to and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Airport Connectivity
Rotterdam The Hague Airport can be reached by RandstadRail, bus, taxi, bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, or car. The airport address is Rotterdam Airportplein 60, 3045 AP Rotterdam.
By public transport, travel from Rotterdam Central Station or The Hague Central Station on RandstadRail metro line E and connect with RET bus 33. On weekdays, the airport can be reached from as early as 05:48 using metro line E and bus 33. The bus stops next to the departure hall, which makes the final part of the trip simple.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| From Rotterdam Central Station | Take RandstadRail metro line E to Meijersplein, then change to RET bus 33; the full journey to Rotterdam The Hague Airport takes about 30 minutes |
| From The Hague Central Station | Take RandstadRail metro line E to Meijersplein in about 30 minutes, then change to bus 33 for the airport |
| Weekday airport starting time | Airport access by metro line E and bus 33 is available from as early as 05:48 |
If you drive, official airport parking lots are available, and Kiss & Ride areas sit in front of the terminal for quick drop-off and pick-up. The draft information does not list parking charges or parking charges per day, so check station parking or airport parking information before you arrive.
Shared transport is also available in front of the terminal, with bikes and scooters from different providers. An electric bike or scooter can be a quick option between the airport and central Rotterdam, usually through the provider’s app. Official Rotterdam Airport Taxi services are located directly next to the airport building.
Travel Tips for Using Randstad Rail
Randstad Rail is practical for getting around The Hague and reaching Rotterdam or Zoetermeer. It also connects with trams, buses, metro lines, and rail services, so it is a useful starting point for both commuting and sightseeing.
Before you travel, note that services run from around 7:30 am until about 1:00 am. Buy the right ticket or card, and if you use an OV-Chipkaart, check in when entering and check out when leaving. Keep your ticket ready, as staff may ask to inspect it.
- Check the route, path train, timetable, and timings today before leaving, especially for evening journeys.
- Use headphones for music and keep feet off seats.
- Dogs may travel free of charge if they are on a lead and do not occupy seats.
- Wheelchair users have priority where space is limited.
- Some vehicles have space for only two wheelchairs or two pushchairs.
- Reserved seats for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and passengers with disabilities are marked with stickers.
- Bicycles are allowed after 7:00 pm on weekdays and all day at weekends.
- If buying from a driver, bring exact change; notes of €50 or more are not accepted.
- Some trains have ticket machines that only accept coins.
If you are heading to the airport or planning attractions, Randstad Rail can work well. Blijdorp is useful for several onward trips, while Den Haag Centraal gives you strong connections across the rail and bus network.
Rules and Guidelines
HTM house rules apply at HTM stops and inside HTM vehicles. Extra rules may apply on specific vehicles, but the basics are straightforward: travel with a valid ticket, keep the vehicle safe and clean, and be considerate of other passengers.
- You must have a valid ticket as soon as you board a tram or bus.
- Check in with an OV-chipkaart or mobile debit card if you travel on balance or with a subscription.
- HTM staff may ask to see your ticket at any time.
- Folding bicycles are allowed on HTM buses and trams only when completely folded.
- Some HTM stops, trams, and buses have camera surveillance, marked by a camera sticker.
- Smoking, eating, and drinking are not allowed in HTM vehicles. This also applies at some stops and stations, including the tram tunnel, Central Station, and Beatrixkwartier.
- E-cigarettes are included in the smoking ban.
- Skates, skateboards, and similar items must be carried by hand or in a bag.
- Do not put feet on benches or seats.
- Dogs are allowed free of charge if kept on a leash, but they may not sit on seats.
- Use headphones or earplugs when listening to music.
- Everyone aged 12 and over must be able to show a passport, identity card, or driving licence.
- Permission is required to film or photograph in an HTM tram or bus, and also at RandstadRail stops between The Hague Central Station and Zoetermeer.
- On some trams, a separate ticket can be bought from a ticket machine with contactless payment, with a maximum of 5 tickets at a time.
- Press the stop button when you want to get off. RandstadRail trams on lines 3, 4, and 34 stop at every stop, so the button is not needed there.
On RandstadRail trams, bicycles are allowed after 7:00 pm on weekdays and all day at weekends. Priority seating is provided for passengers with rollators, wheelchairs or mobility scooters, bicycles, disabled passengers, elderly passengers, and pregnant women. These spaces are located between doors 1 and 2 and between doors 4 and 5.
Customer Service
Customer service can help with travel information, rules, fines, objections, complaints, and travel products. Support is available through Facebook, Twitter, and by phone at 0900 – 486 4636, with usual call charges.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday opening hours | 08:00 – 20:00 |
| Saturday opening hours | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday opening hours | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Den Haag HS | HTM service shop at Holland Spoor station |
| Den Haag Centraal | OV service shop at the central station |
| Zoetermeer Centrum-West | HTM service shop |
Lost and Found
If you lose an item on RandstadRail, check the HTM lost-and-found service for items found by staff. If your item is listed, you will need to answer verification questions before arranging delivery.
Delivery costs €4, about $4.35. Additional shipping costs apply for addresses outside the Netherlands. Items found by staff should usually appear within three days; if nothing appears by then, the item has probably not been found.
Interesting Facts about Randstad Rail
RandstadRail stands out because it combines former railway lines, modern tramway sections, and metro-style operation in one regional transport system. Line E runs between The Hague and Rotterdam with high-floor RET metro vehicles, while lines 3, 4, and 34 use low-floor HTM RegioCitadis tram-trains.
The network began operating in 2006 after regular train services on the Hofpleinlijn and Zoetermeer Stadslijn were discontinued. Line E reopened first as a RandstadRail service, became fully operational in 2007, was extended to Rotterdam Centraal in 2010, and reached Slinge in 2011.
Another notable feature is the Haagse tramtunnel, a 1.25-kilometer (0.78-mile) tunnel under Grote Marktstraat in The Hague city centre. East of Leidschenveen, line 3 follows the former Zoetermeer Stadslijn, while lines 4 and 34 branch toward Oosterheem after Seghwaert station.
RandstadRail also includes ZoRo buses, introduced in December 2012. These buses run between Zoetermeer and Rodenrijs RandstadRail station, connecting directly with line E via a dedicated bus lane built for the project.
Some HTM local tram lines outside the core RandstadRail network also use RandstadRail-liveried RegioCitadis vehicles, including line 19, because it lacks balloon loops at its termini.
History of Randstad Rail
RandstadRail was developed to improve regional public transport and make better use of underused rail infrastructure. The name comes from the Randstad conurbation, and the system began operating in 2006 after the Hofpleinlijn and Zoetermeer Stadslijn were converted from regular train service.
The opening happened in stages. Line E began in September 2006 between Nootdorp and Hofplein, then extended to The Hague in November 2006. Lines 3 and 4 became the original tram-train routes, and line 34 was added on 23 July 2020 as a combined service between Loosduinen and Lansingerland-Zoetermeer.
The conversion brought more stops, higher frequencies, and new vehicle types. In 2010, the Hofplein terminus was replaced by the Statenwegtracé, a bored tunnel connecting the line with the metro network at Rotterdam Centraal. In December 2011, line E extended south to Slinge, sharing part of its path with line D.
Today, RandstadRail has four routes, 73 stations, and a total running length of about 71 kilometers (44 miles).
Future Expansions
Future expansion plans focus on new stations and better frequency. RandstadRail 4 is planned to gain two new stations: Lansingerland-Zoetermeer (NS) and Van Tuyllpark. Both are scheduled to open in 2028, with Lansingerland-Zoetermeer expected to provide a connection to the Den Haag-Gouda station.
RandstadRail 19 is also planned for extension. The listed new stations are Delft station (NS), Prinsenhof, Mijnbouwplein, Zuidpoort, TU-Mekelpark, TU-Aula, TU-Kluyverpark, TU-Sport en Cultuur, and TU-Technopolis.
Metro line E is expected to receive additional trains to increase service frequency. At present, six trains per hour operate on this line.
Nearby Attractions
Starting from Blijdorp station on metro line E, several well-known places in The Hague are reachable by public transport. These routes are useful if you want to combine RandstadRail with trams and buses for sightseeing.
- The Knight’s Hall: 39 minutes, €4.33, about $4.72. Take the metro toward Den Haag Centraal, get off at Voorburg ‘t Loo, continue by tram 3 toward Den Haag Loosduinen, and walk to Ridderzaal.
- The Peace Palace: 1 hour and 1 minute, €4.71, about $5.13. Travel by metro to Den Haag Centraal, walk to Tramhalte Centraal Station Beneden, take tram 17 toward Centrum, then bus 24 toward Kijkduin and walk to Vredespaleis.
- Great Saint James Church: 43 minutes, €4.39, about $4.79. Take the metro toward Den Haag Centraal, change at Voorburg ‘t Loo, continue on tram 3 toward Den Haag Loosduinen, get off at Grote Markt, and walk to Rond de Grote Kerk 12.
- The Mauritshuis: 40 minutes, €4.33, about $4.72. Use the metro and tram 3 route via Voorburg ‘t Loo, get off at Spui, and walk to Plein 29.
- Scheveningen Resort: 50 minutes, €4.89, about $5.33. Take the metro toward Den Haag Centraal, get off at Laan van NOI, walk to the nearby stop, take bus 23 toward Kurhausweg, and walk to Gevers Deynootplein 30.
These trips show how RandstadRail links Blijdorp with central The Hague and the coast, making it a convenient option for attractions as well as everyday transport.