Transportation in Rotterdam
Coach
Rotterdam's buses reach many places that are served by neither the metro nor trams e.g. the airport. Unless there is no alternative, they are not the best way to get around in the city centre. A few services operate through the night.
Underground
Rotterdam's metro network is generally the quickest way to get around, at least to those locations which are on or near one of the two metro lines. The metro trains run underground through the city centre, making them less than ideal for sightseeing while travelling, and above ground outside the centre.
Foot
Walking is a good way to explore key parts of the city, like Museumpark, Leuvehaven, Oude Haven and Delfshaven. But it is not a good way to get around in general, since points of interest are spread out over a large area. It's better to use public transport to get to a selected area of interest and then walk.
Taxi
Rotterdam's taxis are easily recognisable by their blue licence plates and rooftop signs. Catch them at railway stations and taxi ranks dotted around the city, and outside major hotels, or hail one from the street if the sign is lit to show that it's available for hire. Among the best taxi companies are Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale and Taxi Rotterdam.
Rent your car
Rotterdam is a small city surrounded by well-signposted motorways. In the city centre you'll find on-street and multi-storey parking in the city centre but the cheapest option is P+R, park-and-ride sites on the outskirts with convenient public transport links.
Transportation tips
Use the plastic electronic OV-chipkaart, available in several variations, on public transport. Driving in Rotterdam is not particularly difficult, but one-way systems can be confusing. Street parking is in short supply, parking charges are high, parking regulations are vigorously enforced and the fines for parking violations are high.
