This is how the Rotterdam Metro works. Download the Metro Rotterdam Map.

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The metro is the best choice when you want to cover distances quickly in Rotterdam. However, the downside is that it runs underground in the city center, so you won't see much of iconic landmarks such as the Cube Houses, the Erasmus Bridge, and the Euromast.

Despite this, the metro is often faster than traveling by car, especially during peak hours. Since its inception in 1968, the Rotterdam Metro now has five lines, designated by letters (A-E), and serves a total of 70 stations. Line E connects Rotterdam and The Hague. Line B takes passengers to the beach at Hoek van Holland.

The metro stations in Rotterdam are marked with a large 'M', unlike what you might be thinking. These stations have escalators or stairs that take you to the platforms, where clear signs will guide you to the right train.

Metro Lines

The Rotterdam Metro consists of different lines that connect various parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Metro Line A

This metro line starts at Binnenhof metro station in the Rotterdam neighborhood of Ommoord and ends at Vlaardingen West metro station.

• Binnenhof
• Romeynshof
• Graskruid
• Alexander
• Oosterflank
• Prinsenlaan
• Schenkel
• Capelsebrug
• Kralingse Zoom
• Voorschoterlaan
• Gerdesiaweg
• Oostplein
• Blaak
• Beurs
• Eendrachtsplein
• Dijkzigt
• Coolhaven
• Delfshaven
• Marconiplein
• Schiedam Centrum
• Schiedam Nieuwland
• Vlaardingen Oost
• Vlaardingen Centrum
• Vlaardingen West

Metro Line B

This line runs from Rotterdam Nesselande metro station to Hoek van Holland Strand metro station.

• Nesselande
• De Tochten
• Ambachtsland
• Nieuw Verlaat
• Hesseplaats
• Graskruid
• Alexander
• Oosterflank
• Prinsenlaan
• Schenkel
• Capelsebrug
• Kralingse Zoom
• Voorschoterlaan
• Gerdesiaweg
• Oostplein
• Blaak
• Beurs
• Eendrachtsplein
• Dijkzigt
• Coolhaven
• Delfshaven
• Marconiplein
• Schiedam Centrum
• Schiedam Nieuwland
• Vlaardingen Oost
• Vlaardingen Centrum
• Vlaardingen West
• Maassluis Centrum
• Maassluis West
• Steendijkpolder
• Hoek van Holland Haven
• Hoek van Holland Strand

Metro Line C

This line runs from De Terp metro station in Capelle aan den IJssel to De Akkers metro station in Spijkenisse.

• De Terp
• Capelle Centrum
• Slotlaan
• Capelsebrug
• Kralingse Zoom
• Voorschoterlaan
• Gerdesiaweg
• Oostplein
• Blaak
• Beurs
• Eendrachtsplein
• Dijkzigt
• Coolhaven
• Delfshaven
• Marconiplein
• Schiedam Centrum
• Parkweg
• Troelstralaan
• Vijfsluizen
• Pernis
• Tussenwater
• Hoogvliet
• Zalmplaat
• Spijkenisse Centrum
• Heemraadlaan
• De Akkers

Metro Line D

This line runs from Rotterdam Central Station to De Akkers metro station in Spijkenisse.

• Rotterdam Centraal
• Stadhuis
• Beurs
• Leuvehaven
• Wilhelminaplein
• Rijnhaven
• Maashaven
• Zuidplein
• Slinge
• Rhoon
• Poortugaal
• Tussenwater
• Hoogvliet
• Zalmplaat
• Spijkenisse Centrum
• Heemraadlaan
• De Akkers

Metro Line E

This line runs from The Hague Central Station to Slinge station in Rotterdam-Zuid.

• Den Haag Centraal
• Laan van NOI
• Voorburg ’t Loo
• Leidschendam-Voorburg
• Forepark
• Leidschenveen
• Nootdorp
• Pijnacker Centrum
• Pijnacker Zuid
• Berkel Westpolder
• Rodenrijs
• Meijersplein
• Melanchtonweg
• Blijdorp
• Rotterdam Centraal
• Stadhuis
• Beurs
• Leuvehaven
• Wilhelminaplein
• Rijnhaven
• Maashaven
• Zuidplein
• Slinge

Rotterdam Metro Map

On the RET website, you can download a handy Rotterdam Metro Map. This map shows all metro lines in different colors. Each line is indicated by a letter and a color, making it easy to find your way. Additionally, the map shows which stops each metro line serves, so you can see exactly where you need to be.

Official Rotterdam Metro map - click for a larger image - © RET

Important Metro Stations

Important metro stations to remember during your stay in Rotterdam are:

Central Station

Rotterdam Central Station is an important metro station as it is a crucial hub for both national and international train and metro connections. It provides access to intercity and high-speed trains to cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Paris, and Brussels, as well as Rotterdam metro lines D and E. This makes the station an essential point for both city transport and international travel. Moreover, there are numerous facilities such as shops, restaurants, and services, making it a central and busy point in Rotterdam.

Beurs

Beurs metro station, located in the heart of Rotterdam, is a crucial hub for metro connections within the city. It provides access to multiple metro lines, including lines A, B, C, D, and E, making it an important transfer point for travelers. Beurs is situated in the city center, surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a popular destination for both commuters and tourists. The central location and extensive facilities in the area enhance the role of Beurs Metro Station as one of the most important stations in Rotterdam.

Blaak

Blaak metro station is an important metro station in Rotterdam, located in a lively part of the city. The station is close to some iconic landmarks such as the Markthal, an impressive covered market with numerous eateries and shops, the Cube Houses, a striking architectural feat of cube-shaped houses, and the historic Laurenskerk, the only medieval building still standing in the city. These nearby attractions make Blaak Metro Station a popular destination for both residents and tourists looking to experience the unique culture and architecture of Rotterdam.

Wilhelminaplein

Wilhelminaplein metro station, located in the Kop van Zuid district in the southern inner city of Rotterdam, is an important transportation hub that provides direct access to one of the city's most iconic landmarks: the Erasmus Bridge. This bridge, also known as 'The Swan' due to its elegant design, connects the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam and is a major landmark. The Kop van Zuid is known for its modern architecture, cultural facilities, and business centers, including the historic Hotel New York and the imposing skyscraper De Rotterdam, making the station a crucial location for both commuters and tourists exploring the city.

Zuidplein

Zuidplein metro station is an important transportation hub in Rotterdam, located near the well-known convention and event center Rotterdam Ahoy. This station provides easy access to numerous events, concerts, and fairs held here. Additionally, the metro station is close to the iconic Feyenoord Stadium De Kuip, the home of the Feyenoord football club. Due to its strategic location and proximity to these key locations, Zuidplein Metro Station is an essential stop for both commuters and visitors attending events and sports matches in Rotterdam.

Hoek van Holland Haven

Hoek van Holland Haven metro station is an important hub in the Rotterdam public transportation network, located on the coast. This station is where the Stena Line ferry from Harwich, United Kingdom, docks. From here, travelers can easily continue their journey to London via train connections. Thanks to its strategic location, Hoek van Holland Haven Metro Station serves as an essential link for international travelers commuting to and from the United Kingdom, providing easy access to both maritime and train connections.

Hoek van Holland Strand

Hoek van Holland Strand metro station is an important stop in the Rotterdam public transportation network, providing direct access to the beach in Hoek van Holland. This station is ideally located for beachgoers, tourists, and local residents who want to enjoy the sea, sand, and recreational facilities of the coast. The proximity to the beach makes Hoek van Holland Strand Metro Station a popular destination, especially during the summer months, ensuring a convenient and quick connection between the city center and the coastline.

Meijersplein

Meijersplein metro station is an important transportation hub in Rotterdam, where travelers can transfer to a fast shuttle bus to Rotterdam Airport (RTM). This shuttle provides a convenient and efficient connection between the metro station and the airport, allowing passengers to travel easily between the city center and the airport. Additionally, it is possible to walk from the station to the terminal of Rotterdam The Hague Airport in about half an hour. Thanks to these convenient connections, Meijersplein Metro Station is an essential location for both air travelers and commuters needing quick access to the airport.

How to Pay in the Rotterdam Metro?

At every metro station in Rotterdam, you must pass through these gates to access the platform.

In the Rotterdam metro, you can easily pay by holding your contactless debit card from ABN AMRO, ASN Bank, bunq, ING, KNAB, Rabobank, RegioBank, or SNS, a Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard, or Visa credit card, or a mobile device with contactless payment (such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet) linked to one of the mentioned debit or credit cards, against the reader at the gate when entering and leaving the station. The gate will automatically open so you can walk to the platform. The base fare is approximately €1, followed by €0.20 per kilometer, and the costs are automatically deducted from your account.

What Are the Metro Operating Hours in Rotterdam?

The Rotterdam metro schedule varies by line, but generally, the metros run from 05:30 in the morning to 00:30 - 01:00 at night. The most up-to-date schedule can be found on the RET website.

Travel Planner

To conclude your journey with the Rotterdam metro, it is advisable to keep a few handy tips in mind. Plan your trip in advance using the RET travel planner to avoid delays, pay attention to announcements for up-to-date information during your journey, avoid traveling during peak hours if possible to avoid crowds, and always be polite and respectful to fellow travelers and staff. With these simple guidelines, you can make your experience with the Rotterdam metro as pleasant and efficient as possible.