Overview
The Rotterdam Metro is a rapid transit system operated by RET across Rotterdam and surrounding municipalities in the Netherlands. It combines underground metro lines with light-rail branches that use overhead wires and level crossings. The system opened in 1968 with the Noord–Zuidlijn (North–South line), making it the first metro system in the Netherlands. To use the metro, you board at a station entrance, scan your ticket or OV-chipkaart (public transport card) on entry and exit, and follow directional signs to your destination platform. The network's main interchange hub is Rotterdam Centraal (Central Station), where all five lines converge.
The network
The Rotterdam Metro operates five lines designated A, B, C, D, and E. The network originally comprised two main lines: the Noord–Zuidlijn (North–South line), opened in 1968, and the Oost–Westlijn (East–West line), opened in 1982. In the late 1990s these were renamed after historic Rotterdam figures—Erasmus Line and Caland Line—but from 2009 onward the system has used the current letter and colour designations.
- Line A branches northeast to Binnenhof and extends westward to Vlaardingen West on the Schiedam–Hoek van Holland railway line (from November 2019). The northeastern sections toward Binnenhof and the western extension use overhead wires and are sometimes called sneltram (light rail) by locals, though the term metro is standard in Rotterdam.
- Line B branches northeast to Nesselande, with a recent extension from September 2005. Like Line A, it includes sections with overhead wires and level crossings toward Nesselande and extends westward to Hook of Holland (Hoek van Holland) via the Schiedam–Hoek van Holland railway line (from September 2019).
- Line C branches off at Capelsebrug toward De Terp in Capelle aan den IJssel. An extension opened in November 2002 through Schiedam toward Spijkenisse, adding four stations in Schiedam and one in Pernis. Line C joins Line D at Tussenwater station in Hoogvliet, with services continuing to De Akkers station in Spijkenisse.
- Line D runs from Rotterdam Centraal via Beurs, Slinge, Rhoon, Tussenwater, and Spijkenisse Centrum to De Akkers. It intersects with Lines A, B, and C at Beurs station and uses third-rail power throughout.
- Line E, branded as RandstadRail, connects Rotterdam to Den Haag Centraal. Converted from the former Hofpleinlijn railway in 2006, it shares sections with light-rail vehicles heading toward Zoetermeer via the Zoetermeer Stadslijn. The line uses overhead wires on portions toward Den Haag and is the only line to extend significantly outside Rotterdam toward The Hague.
All five lines converge at Rotterdam Centraal (Central Station), making it the primary interchange hub. Most of the underground network uses a 750-volt DC third-rail power system, though Lines A, B, and E include sections with overhead wires where they operate as light rail with level crossings and priority at street crossings.
In 2015, Lines A, B, and C carried approximately 175,000 daily riders, while Lines D and E served about 145,000 daily riders.
Tickets & fares
The primary payment method for Rotterdam public transport is the OV-chipkaart (public transport card), a rechargeable smartcard valid across the Netherlands. The card itself costs €7.50 and is valid for 4–5 years. You can load any amount onto the card, and fares are automatically deducted based on trip duration when you scan the card on entry and exit at readers located near station entrances and exits.
You can purchase and load an OV-chipkaart at Rotterdam Centraal, Rotterdam Blaak, Rotterdam Beurs stations, newsagents at the airport, Primera shops, and supermarket service desks throughout the city. Alternatively, you can use a contactless debit or credit card (Visa or Mastercard) with the OVpay system, which charges your account the next day in a single transaction.
- Single journey ticket: Approximately €4.50 for a 2-hour journey, valid for return trips within that window. Purchase from metro station machines, bus drivers, or tram operators.
- Day ticket (24-hour pass): Approximately €9.50 for adults and €5.00 for children aged 4–11; children under 4 travel free. Valid from your first scan until 4:00 a.m. the next day. Covers the entire RET network of buses, trams, and metro within the city (excluding the BOB late-night and weekend service). Purchase from metro station machines or RET service desks (add €0.50 if purchased at a desk).
- Region Free (Regio Vrij) subscription: A fixed monthly subscription allowing unlimited travel across multiple carriers in the Rotterdam–The Hague region. Purchase via the RET website or RET mobile app using a Mijn RET account.
- Tourist card: Approximately €15.50 for one day of unlimited travel in the Rotterdam and The Hague region.
Fares and prices are approximate and subject to change; always check the RET website or journey planner for current rates before travel.
From the airport
Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is located 6 km north of the city centre. Two main public-transport options connect the airport to central Rotterdam:
- Bus 33: Connects the airport directly to Meijersplein/Airport metro station, where you can board Metro Line E toward Slinge (which serves Rotterdam Centraal and the city centre). Bus 33 also stops at Rotterdam Centraal via the Overschie district.
- Bus 300: Operates 15 July–20 September, Friday to Monday only, providing a direct service to Rotterdam Centraal with no intermediate stops.
An information point (VVV Rotterdam–The Hague Airport) is located at Rotterdam Airportplein 60 in the arrivals hall, open 07:30–23:45, where staff can advise on onward travel and provide maps. For journey planning across all public transport in the Netherlands, use 9292.nl.
Etiquette & customs
Rotterdam's public transport follows Dutch conventions of orderly behaviour and respect for shared space. Queue in an orderly fashion at station entrances and when boarding, and allow passengers to exit before you enter. When using escalators, stand on the right side to leave space for those who wish to walk on the left. Priority seating (marked seats near doors) is reserved for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and those with disabilities; offer your seat if you see someone who needs it more than you do.
Eating and drinking are permitted on metro trains and other services, though it is considered courteous to avoid strong-smelling foods and to consume items tidily. During rush hours (typically morning and evening commute times on weekdays), the system becomes crowded; expect reduced personal space and longer boarding times.
Do not eat or drink in certain quiet zones if posted, and always keep your belongings secure. The Dutch generally appreciate quiet conversation and minimal noise on public transport; loud phone calls and loud music are discouraged.
Official links
Survival terms
- Metro (English and Dutch) – rapid transit subway system
- Kaartje (kaar-chuh) – ticket
- Lijn (line) – line (as in Line A, Lijn A)
- Ingang (in-gang) – entrance
- Uitgang (out-gang) – exit
- Overstappen (oh-ver-stap-pen) – transfer between lines
- Enkele reis (eng-kuh-luh race) – single fare or single journey
- Dagkaart (dahg-kaart) – day pass
- OV-chipkaart (oh-vay-chip-kaart) – public transport smartcard
Always keep your OV-chipkaart or ticket with you when travelling, as inspectors board trains and buses regularly to check fares, and travelling without a valid ticket incurs a substantial fine.